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What Constitutes a Catastrophic Injury in California?

Whether you are driving to work or walking through a supermarket, the last thing you expect is to sustain an injury that will drastically impact the rest of your life. Becoming a victim of an accident that results in a catastrophic injury is devastating, as it can impact nearly every aspect of your life. If this reflects your circumstances, understanding your legal options is critical. The following blog explores these injuries in further detail and the importance of connecting with our Irvine personal injury lawyers who can examine your circumstances.

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

An injury is generally considered catastrophic when it leaves the victim suffering with chronic and life-altering injuries. While many immediately assume that paralysis is one of the only instances in which someone can suffer, this is far from the truth. The following injuries are generally considered catastrophic due to the nature in which they are sustained and the long-term impacts they have on the victim:

  • Amputations or limb loss
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
  • Third-degree burns
  • Organ damage
  • Crush injuries
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Loss of vision or hearing

While this is not an exhaustive list, these serious injuries can certainly permanently impact one’s life. These injuries can occur from several accidents, ranging from car crashes and motorcycle collisions to work injuries and defective products. Regardless, they can be devastating for the victim and their loved ones as they may no longer be able to enjoy life due to the pain they experience.

How Should I Proceed if I Have Suffered a Life-Altering Injury?

If you or a loved one is the victim of a catastrophic injury, understanding your legal rights and the compensation you may be entitled to are critical. Generally, the most important thing to consider during these matters is getting the injured party medical treatment immediately.

Once the injured party has received acute care to treat the emergent injuries, they will likely require consistent and long-term care. The long-term care may include physical therapy, an in-home nurse, medical equipment, accessibility changes to their home, and even psychological therapy.

Unfortunately, the cost of care for someone who sustains a catastrophic injury can be extremely costly. As such, you should connect with an experienced attorney to explore your legal options. Depending on the circumstances of the accident responsible for the injuries, the negligent party may be held liable. For example, if you or a loved one were struck by a drunk driver, you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for the damages you sustained.

Fighting for compensation can be complex and overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the law. As such, it is in your best interest to place your case in the hands of an experienced attorney who can examine the circumstances and properly fight for you. Contact California Personal Injury Law Firm, APC today to learn more.

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