A catastrophic injury claim seeks compensation when severe injuries result in permanent disability, long-term impairment, or significant life alterations. Under California Civil Code Section 3333, injured parties may recover damages for all detriment caused by another’s negligence.
These cases differ from typical personal injury claims in scope and impact. The California Labor Code defines such injuries as those including loss of a limb, paralysis, severe burns, or severe head injury. Victims often face extensive medical treatment, permanent cognitive impairment, and inability to return to work.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when sudden force or trauma damages the brain. Victims may experience memory loss, cognitive impairment, personality changes, and loss of bodily functions. Medical costs for severe TBI treatment often exceed hundreds of thousands over a lifetime. Some survivors face permanent disabilities requiring lifelong care.
Damage to the spinal cord can result in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Paraplegia affects the lower body, while quadriplegia causes paralysis of all four limbs. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, first-year medical expenses for quadriplegia can exceed $400,000. These injuries require home modifications, assistive equipment, and personal care assistance.
Third and fourth-degree burns cause permanent scarring, nerve damage, and require multiple reconstructive surgeries. Burn victims face extensive rehabilitation and psychological trauma. Long-term complications may include chronic pain and loss of mobility.
Loss of limbs affects every aspect of daily life. Prosthetics, physical therapy, occupational rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care represent significant lifetime expenses. Victims may never return to their previous occupation.
Industrial accidents, vehicle collisions, and construction incidents cause crushing injuries affecting multiple body systems. Internal organ damage, compartment syndrome, and long-term mobility limitations often result.
These claims involve higher stakes than standard personal injury cases. Insurance companies deploy aggressive tactics to minimize payouts for claims involving permanent disability and lifelong medical care.
California operates under a pure comparative negligence system (California Civil Code Section 1714). Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance adjusters often attempt to shift blame onto victims. An attorney protects against these tactics.
Calculating future damages requires expert testimony. Life care planners, vocational counselors, and forensic economists project future medical needs and lost earning capacity. Without proper documentation, victims risk accepting settlements that fail to cover lifetime expenses.
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Personal Injury
California law provides a two-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. Claims against government entities require action within six months. Medical malpractice claims have a one-year deadline from discovery.
California places no cap on compensatory damages in these cases, except for medical malpractice claims where non-economic damages are limited. Economic damages cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages address pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Mercer Legal Group represents victims of severe and life-altering injuries throughout Los Angeles County, including Woodland Hills, Encino, Tarzana, and surrounding communities. Our attorneys handle cases involving motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, medical malpractice, and premises liability.
We work with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and life care planners to document the full extent of injuries. Every case receives thorough investigation to establish liability and calculate appropriate compensation.
Our firm understands Los Angeles County courts and local procedures. We negotiate with insurance companies and prepare cases for trial when fair settlement offers are not forthcoming.
Case Investigation: We gather evidence, obtain police reports, interview witnesses, and work with experts to establish negligence and liability.
Medical Documentation: We coordinate with treating physicians to document injuries, treatment plans, and long-term prognosis. Medical records form the foundation of damage calculations.
Damage Calculation: We work with economists and life care planners to project future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and ongoing care needs.
Insurance Negotiation: We handle all communication with insurance adjusters and pursue maximum compensation for your losses.
Litigation: When settlement negotiations fail to produce fair offers, we file lawsuits and represent clients through trial.
Step 1: Contact Our Office Call Mercer Legal Group to schedule a case evaluation. Provide basic information about your accident and injuries.
Step 2: Case Review Our attorneys review medical records, accident reports, and evidence to assess liability and potential damages.
Step 3: Investigation We gather additional evidence, consult experts, and build a comprehensive case file documenting all losses.
Step 4: Pursue Compensation We negotiate with insurance companies or file a lawsuit to pursue the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost income, and future care.
Severe injuries require immediate legal attention. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and California’s statute of limitations creates strict deadlines.
If you or a family member suffered a life-altering injury in Los Angeles or the surrounding areas, contact Mercer Legal Group. Our Woodland Hills office serves clients throughout the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles region.
Call today to discuss your case with a catastrophic injury attorney who understands the complexity of permanent injury claims.
The catastrophic injury attorneys Woodland Hills know local laws and have experience resolving cases, assuring you get the most repay for your pain, suffering, and financial losses.
Catastrophic injury attorneys Woodland Hills handle situations involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, severe burns, amputations, and lifelong disability or death.
Find attorneys with a good track record, favorable client evaluations, and a history of large catastrophic injury settlements or verdicts.
Medical bills, missed pay, pain and suffering, future care needs, and quality of life may be compensated.
Most lawyers operate on contingency, so you only pay if they win, making justice affordable.