What Is Considered a Catastrophic Injury in California?

In the context of personal injury law, “catastrophic injury” refers to a category of life-altering injuries that often result from severe accidents. These injuries extend beyond a week or even months of recovery, often requiring specialized long-term care. According to California Labor Code § 4660.1, this may include the loss of a limb, paralysis, burn injuries, or severe head injuries.

Recovering from a catastrophic injury often involves resource-intensive treatments. Most often, a personal injury lawsuit is necessary to obtain the amount of compensation required to cover the amount of treatments, equipment and caregiving needed to make life livable. To increase your chances of recovering this level of compensation, you must work with a highly qualified catastrophic injury lawyer.

At Eric Ratinoff Law Corp., we are highly qualified in handling the most complex catastrophic injury cases that result from car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and others. Our unique storytelling approach establishes your case effectively from day one so you may recover the damages you suffered due to someone else’s negligence.

Accidents That May Lead to Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries may result from a variety of circumstances, and they are often characterized by their severity and potential for long-term or permanent consequences. The following are some common types of accidents that may lead to catastrophic injuries:

Car Collisions

High-speed collisions, rollovers, and multi-vehicle accidents can result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal organ damage. If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, you may have legal recourse to recover damages.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to catastrophic injuries, as they have no protection against outside forces while riding a motorcycle. Commonly, victims are thrown off their bikes at high speeds and suffer fractures, burns, and head injuries due to driver inattention or negligence.

Truck Accidents

Generally, due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, accidents involving semi-trucks lead to permanent or semi-permanent injuries for occupants of passenger vehicles. The trucking industry is regulated by federal and state laws, enforcing hours of service, maintenance requirements, weight restrictions, and other rules. If a truck driver or company fails to abide by these safety regulations, they may be liable for the catastrophic injuries that result from the accident.

Medical Malpractice

Errors in medical treatment, surgery, or diagnosis may lead to catastrophic injuries, such as brain or spinal damage, loss of limbs, or permanent or semi-permanent disability. If a medical professional fails to abide by the medical standard, they may be liable for subsequent injuries. At Eric Ratinoff Law Corp., we work with medical experts to establish the medical standard and demonstrate why the responsible party must be held liable for the treatment that led to your injuries.

What Is Your Catastrophic Injury Worth?

Generally, the value of your catastrophic injury claim can vary depending on the circumstances of your case. Economic and non-economic damages are used to compensate you for your losses following the accident. You may be eligible to recover the following:

Catastrophic injuries often require months of hospitalization and may result in a larger settlement than someone who is released from the hospital immediately. Additional factors that impact the worth of your claim include the following:

  • How long you are out of work or if you cannot return to work
  • Your capacity to fully recover from your catastrophic injury
  • Projected future medical expenses associated with your catastrophic injury

At Eric Ratinoff Law Corp., we help you determine the full value of your catastrophic injury claim. We know that these types of injuries alter the course of your life, affecting your ability to engage in daily activities and even perform basic self-care tasks, which is why we consider your present and future losses and fight for you every step of the way.

Speak With the California Catastrophic Injury Lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp.

If you sustained catastrophic injuries due to someone else’s negligence, speak with the lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. as soon as possible to seek compensation for your losses. With over 30 years of experience, we will help you navigate the road ahead and provide the support you need from start to finish.

Schedule a consultation by calling (916) 970-9100 or filling out a contact form.