Suffering a catastrophic injury can be extremely distressing and can even be life-threatening. If you were involved in an accident in California and believe you may have suffered a catastrophic injury, it is crucial you know what signs to look out for. Regardless of the severity of your injury, you have the right to pursue justice and recover compensation for the harm you have suffered by filing a catastrophic injury claim. Catastrophic injury claims are a legal process in California designed to help victims of severe injuries seek justice and financial recovery. These injuries can profoundly impact the victim’s life, often resulting in permanent disabilities that affect daily activities, emotional well-being, and livelihood. The effects also extend to a family member, as loved ones may face emotional distress and economic challenges, making legal support essential to recover compensation.
At Callahan & Blaine, our California legal team consists of 29 experienced personal injury lawyers with at least eight years of experience. Our law firm has a proven track record of success including unprecedented verdicts like the largest bad faith insurance judgment in Orange County history, worth $58 million, contributing to our 40-year legacy of helping our clients. If you or a family member has suffered a catastrophic injury, we invite you to schedule a time to discuss your case and understand your legal options. We are prepared to take on complex personal injury claims like those involving catastrophic injuries.
What Are the Signs of a Catastrophic Injury?
There are various types of accidents that can lead to catastrophic injuries. While most people think of truck accidents or motorcycle crashes, one can suffer a catastrophic injury like a traumatic brain injury from simply slipping on a wet floor in a grocery store. Vehicular accidents are also a common cause of catastrophic injuries, often resulting in severe and permanent harm. Regardless of the type of accident you may have been involved in, you have the right to pursue legal action by filing a catastrophic injury claim.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible to file a catastrophic injury claim in California, you should evaluate whether the following signs are true in your case:
- You have suffered injuries that require hospitalization or extensive treatment
- You are unable to perform daily activities or return to work
- You have suffered physical disabilities or limitations such as paralysis, amputation, loss of function in limbs, spinal cord injury, or damage to internal organs
- You are experiencing severe pain or discomfort that lasts for an extended period
- You have experienced cognitive impairments such as memory loss or difficulty communicating
- You have suffered permanent changes to the quality of life, such as a reduced lifespan expectancy or a significant reduction in mobility
Serious injuries, such as those listed above, can result in permanent disability and require lifelong care.
Catastrophic injury results often include long-term impacts and higher compensation due to the severity and permanency of the harm. Other catastrophic injuries, such as sensory loss or sexual abuse, can also have profound and lasting effects on a victim’s life.
If you have experienced any of the following after you were involved in an accident, it is crucial you contact a California catastrophic injury lawyer as soon as possible to learn more about your legal options.
Causes of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries in California can arise from a wide range of incidents, often leaving victims with life-altering consequences and overwhelming financial burdens. Some of the leading causes of catastrophic injuries include motor vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, and other severe accidents that can happen unexpectedly. Whether it’s a car accident, motorcycle accident, truck accident, or a serious incident at work, these events can result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe burns, and other common catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment.
Motor vehicle accidents are a primary cause of catastrophic injuries, frequently leading to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal injuries, and crush injuries. In many cases, these traumatic injuries are not immediately apparent and may require immediate medical attention, multiple surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation such as occupational therapy and physical therapy. Workplace accidents are another significant source of catastrophic injuries, often resulting in permanent disability, internal bleeding, or severe burns that can have a lasting impact on a victim’s life and ability to work.
The aftermath of suffering a catastrophic injury often includes significant medical expenses, lost wages, and the need for ongoing medical care. Accident victims may face additional medical expenses and significant medical costs throughout their recovery, placing a heavy financial burden on both themselves and their family members. Emotional distress, mental health issues, and post traumatic stress disorder are also common, as victims and their loved ones adjust to the new realities brought on by permanent loss of function or mobility.
Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts or offer settlements that do not reflect the true extent of the victim’s losses. This is why it is crucial to work with a knowledgeable California catastrophic injury lawyer who can help accident victims pursue compensation and recover fair compensation for their injuries. A dedicated law firm can guide victims and their families through the complex legal process, ensuring they receive rightful compensation for their medical costs, lost wages, and the emotional and physical pain they have endured.
In Los Angeles and throughout Southern California, catastrophic injuries can dramatically alter the course of a victim’s lifetime. If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury due to a car accident, workplace accident, or any other severe accident, seeking immediate legal and medical assistance is essential. With the support of an experienced attorney, you can pursue a catastrophic injury claim, hold the responsible parties accountable, and secure the financial compensation needed to support your recovery and protect your family’s future.
What Damages Can You Collect for a Catastrophic Injury Case in California?
If you have suffered a catastrophic injury that is not only damaging to one’s health, it can also bring about serious financial hardship for victims due to the costly expenses relating to their harm. Ongoing medical bills can become a significant burden for catastrophic injury victims, adding to their financial stress. That is why it is important that you file a catastrophic injury claim and pursue the fair compensation you are owed.
When you file a catastrophic injury claim, you may be eligible to recover the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death
- Punitive damages
In certain catastrophic injury cases, a personal injury lawsuit may also be an option to pursue additional compensation.
When filing your California claim, it is important to remember that insurance companies will often try to offer you a low settlement for your losses. However, when you work with a trusted California lawyer, they will negotiate with the insurance company for the fair compensation you are owed and ensure you are able to recover the best possible outcome for your case.
Securing compensation that covers the victim’s lifetime needs is crucial to ensure long-term financial stability after a catastrophic injury.
File a Strong California Catastrophic Injury Claim Today
If you are facing the aftermath of a catastrophic injury, it is crucial to have experienced legal guidance from the lawyers at Callahan & Blaine on your side. Our California legal team is composed of knowledgeable attorneys who will advocate for your rights throughout the claims process.
We are dedicated to taking on the legal challenges of your catastrophic injury case, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery and well-being. To talk to an attorney about your California catastrophic injury case, complete a contact form today.
