In the blink of an eye, your life can be forever changed. Regardless of one’s caution, we cannot always protect ourselves from external forces. Sadly, another’s negligence can turn life as we know it upside down.
Personal injury claims cover anything from a broken wrist to an amputation. In all cases, it is best to work with a Los Angeles injury attorney to ensure a successful case.
However, it is even more critical for victims of serious lifelong injuries to file a personal injury lawsuit. Expenses resulting from catastrophic injuries can easily add up. Failure to file within the statute of limitations or account for all expected expenses may negatively impact your case.
Luckily, our Los Angeles personal injury law firm has prepared the guide below. For further information please call us at (213) 252-1070 to speak with personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles, CA and the surrounding Southern California areas.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries
A catastrophic injury refers to a severe injury that may impact one’s quality of life. These injuries are often permanent or have lifelong effects with no expected full recovery. Catastrophic injuries include:
- Brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Loss of limbs
- Paralysis
- Extreme burns
- Organ damage
- Nerve damage
While all injuries are significant, catastrophic injuries typically have a more significant impact. They may prevent individuals from working or living life the same way they did prior to the accident. As a result, victims may also suffer emotional damage and distress.
Because of the severity of these conditions, they can, unfortunately, increase the risk of wrongful death as well.
What Are The Causes of Catastrophic Injuries?
Catastrophic injuries can happen from any type of accident, and sometimes in highly unforeseeable cases. Some personal injury accidents are unpreventable, but others may be due to another’s negligence.
Some general causes of catastrophic injuries include:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Product defects
- Sports accidents
- Falls
- Abuse, assault, and other forms of violence
- Fires and explosions
- Boat accidents
- Aviation accidents
- Work-related accidents
As you can see, catastrophic injuries can happen in various settings. However, proper precautions and safety measures can help protect individuals from these injuries.
If you are unsure whether your individual case is worth pursuing, contact a Los Angeles injury attorney. At The Law Offices of John J. Perlstein, we offer a free consultation for any personal injury victims. During this free consultation, we will discuss the circumstances surrounding your accident to determine your legal rights moving forward.
Who Is Responsible for Catastrophic Injuries?
Individuals who fail to properly abide by safety regulations and laws are responsible for any catastrophic injuries sustained. Whether accidental or intentional, the victim has the right to sue accountable parties for their role in the incident.
Imagine a driver is under the influence and crashes into another vehicle. If the victim sustains a TBI, then they can sue the driver for causing this injury.
A more complex example of this is as follows: Say a construction worker sustains paralysis on the job. Their employer can be found negligent depending on their role in this accident.
An employer is responsible for providing proper safety training and gear, as well as addressing safety concerns brought to their attention. Failure to do so will make them accountable for an employee’s injuries.
Accountable parties may include:
- Motor vehicle operators
- Product manufacturers
- Medical staff
- Employers
- Corporations
- Landlords and other property owners
It is advisable to work with a Los Angeles injury attorney to determine who to name in your catastrophic injury claim. A Los Angeles injury lawyer can most accurately determine who is responsible for the personal injury accident.
What Is The Difference Between a Catastrophic and a Typical Personal Injury Case?
How do you distinguish a catastrophic case from an average personal injury case? The severity of the injury. Catastrophic injuries are more damaging in both the short and long term. Thus, compensation can be greater, since the compensation needs to be comparable to the anticipated lifelong complications. Los Angeles personal injury lawyers can work with you to calculate the full extent of damages.
It’s typical for insurance companies to push back. The opposing party will likely try to diminish your needs to get out of paying.
Damages
Unfortunately, catastrophic injuries come with comparable damages. Expenses include medical bills, devices, and therapy. The injury can also put one at risk for future complications and conditions that may also require medical care expenses. For example, those with paralysis are often at risk for respiratory issues which carry additional medical costs.
Depending on the injury, a victim may also lose their ability to work and earn wages.
Another damage is the impact on one’s quality of life. Beyond physical pain, a victim can lose their ability to engage in activities and socialize. This can be emotionally damaging. Therefore, a Los Angeles injury attorney will also argue for compensation for psychological pain endured.
Accounting for Families and Loved Ones
Loved ones of victims also suffer in these tragedies. Life as they know it often changes for the worse. This can include loss of income. In some cases, the injured may be the financial provider. If they are now unable to work, it can impact the family’s financial status. Likewise, a loved one may need to give up their job to become a full-time caretaker. This can also significantly impact household income. For reasons like these, a family’s pain may also be a factor in determining compensation.
Another thing to consider is the loss of companionship that can result from a catastrophic injury. Say your spouse becomes cognitively impaired in a pedestrian accident. They are now unable to speak or care for themselves.
You have the right to sue the driver for this loss. Being unable to communicate and interact with your spouse is a critical element that deserves compensation.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Los Angeles, CA, and Surrounding Areas
Injuries, regardless of their severity, deserve proper compensation. If you or a loved one suffer a cataphoric injury, you should consider filing a personal injury claim.
While the legal process may feel overwhelming, taking action can potentially protect others from being future victims of negligent mistakes. Accountability can save lives and leave you with peace of mind.
Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers will work tirelessly to get you the justice you deserve. While we cannot change the past, we will do everything in our power to secure maximum compensation. John J. Perlstein is one of the best Los Angeles personal injury lawyers and has helped his clients receive multimillion-dollar settlements.
To speak to an experienced personal injury attorney in Los Angeles free of charge, fill out our contact form today.