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Catastrophic Injuries

California Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Catastrophic injuries are those that go beyond the day-to-day bumps and scrapes – or even broken arms and scars – that most people will acquire throughout their lives.

A catastrophic injury is one that will have long-term, life-altering effects. These injuries can lead to lifelong pain, enormous medical expenses, loss of livelihood, and many other consequences.

If you have been catastrophically injured, you will need an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney who can fight for you.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries can arise from any type of accident that is capable of causing physical injury. Some of the more common causes include the following:

Accidents such as these can be extremely dangerous, and as with all injuries, it is critical to get medical care as soon as possible. The sooner you start treatment, the better chance you have to avoid the potentially life-changing implications of a catastrophic injury. 

These injuries can prevent someone from being able to return to work and from taking care of themselves and their loved ones, on top of the physical and emotional pain.

See our blog: Chronic Pain From a Car Accident Injury.

What Are Some Examples of Catastrophic Injuries?

Not all of these injuries would be considered catastrophic in every case, but here are some examples of the types of injuries which can often be catastrophic:

  • Spinal cord injuries – Because the spinal cord is responsible for allowing the brain to communicate with the rest of the body, damage to it can have extremely serious consequences, including paralysis below the site of the injury.
  • Traumatic brain injury –  Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, are an extremely serious type of injury that has the potential to result in long-term disabilities that affect victims for the rest of their lives.
  • 3rd-degree burns – Serious burns can leave victims with permanent disfigurement and scarring that can have a significant impact on their appearance and self-esteem.
  • Accidental amputations – When a person loses a limb or one or more of their extremities, it can have a significant impact on their day-to-day life. In addition, many amputees will require expensive prosthetics or mobility aids to be able to live independently.

Can you be Compensated for a Catastrophic Injury?

If a catastrophic injury was the result of another party's negligence or intentional act, that party will be liable to pay for the damages inflicted. The damages can include compensation for medical bills, including adaptive technologies needed to compensate for the permanent aspects of the injury.

It can include compensation for loss of livelihood, including time lost on the job and job loss or being forced to change careers as a result of the injury. And it can include compensation for both physical and emotional pain as a result of the injury.

Catastrophic Injuries Often Result in Significant Settlement and Awards

Victims of catastrophic injuries need to be aware of the fact that these kinds of cases often result in significant compensation. Because catastrophic injuries affect victims for the rest of their lives, the compensation that they receive should be reflective of the continuing damages associated with their injuries.

For example, people who are paralyzed will often be unable to engage in activities that they once enjoyed and require ongoing medical care. Similarly, people who sustain injuries that affect their ability to perform their jobs may miss out on decades' worth of wages, bonuses, and other forms of compensation.

You May Be Entitled To Financial Compensation

Depending on the circumstances surrounding the injury, you or your loved one may be able to obtain some compensation that can hopefully lighten your suffering. Since sometimes an accident can be caused by the negligence of someone who is not even present at the scene of the accident, or by the negligence of a company or governmental agency, you will want to review your case with a catastrophic injury attorney who can help sort out who may be liable.

Further, you may be entitled to more than just compensation for the medical bills, including compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and future rehabilitation.

Because of the tremendous sums of money that are often involved, cases involving catastrophic injuries are often hotly contested. In some cases, the party who caused the accident denies liability altogether, generally forcing victims to file a lawsuit to recover.

Even in cases in which the at-fault party concedes liability, insurance companies (or the at-fault parties themselves) often try and minimize the amount they payout and make settlement offers that are far less than the case is worth. As a result, anyone who has sustained a catastrophic injury should retain a lawyer as soon as they can to ensure that their rights are fully protected.

If you have sustained a catastrophic injury, the first step is to contact our office to review your case. Our top-rated personal injury lawyers have a team of experts, from medical experts to accident reconstruction experts, ready to investigate your case. These experts will talk to witnesses, examine the scene of the accident, review reports, and conduct any investigation necessary.

What Should You Do if You Suffered a Catastrophic Injury?

Always remember – if you are facing a life-changing injury, you need an injury lawyer with the experience to make sure you are taken care of during the most difficult time of your life.  At Injury Justice Law Firm LLP, we will make sure you obtain the compensation to which you are entitled.

As there are time limits as to how long you have to pursue any claims for damages, it is highly advised that you contact our law firm as soon as possible after the accident occurred. Please feel free to call us at 310-734-7974 or fill out the contact form.  Serving the greater Los Angeles area.

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If you have been injured in an accident, our experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorneys will protect your legal rights and help you recover compensation for your injuries. We are available 24/7 for your risk free initial consultation in Beverly Hills, Encino, Glendale, Hermosa Beach, Lancaster, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Marina Del Rey, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Santa Monica, San Fernando Valley, Valencia and Ventura County areas.

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