A catastrophic injury can have devastating effects on a person’s life. Often, these injuries prevent individuals from performing daily tasks or securing employment on a long-term or permanent basis. These severe injuries commonly occur in vehicle collisions but can happen in several types of accidents.
When a person’s careless actions cause you to suffer severe and life-altering injuries, you have the right to hold them accountable. Call a Woodland Hills catastrophic injury lawyer to schedule a consultation. Let a compassionate personal injury attorney fight for you. En Español
What are Catastrophic Injuries?
Injuries with life-altering effects that change the course of a person’s life are catastrophic. Common examples of debilitating injuries include:
- Severe burns and disfigurement
- Sudden and traumatic amputations or injuries leading to the loss of limbs
- Severe spinal cord damage, paralysis, and paraplegia
- Traumatic brain injuries
A legal team member could go over other types of catastrophic injuries and answer questions on whether an injury qualifies as severe.
Potential Compensation for a Catastrophic Injury
Because catastrophic injuries have devastating effects on an individual’s life, the potential award amount is usually significant. A payout for damages could reimburse a plaintiff for:
- The current and future costs of all medical care related to the accident
- Lost salary and future earning potential
- Home renovations, if necessary
- Physical pain and suffering, permanent disability, and mental anguish
Often, the cost of care after a catastrophic injury is high. Therefore, depending on the circumstances of the accident, plaintiffs could be eligible to collect payment from the defendant’s insurance company and file a civil lawsuit in court. A skilled attorney in Woodland Hills could answer questions regarding the amount of potential compensation available to a claimant after reviewing their case.
The Elements of Negligence
Specific elements must be present to establish the defendant’s liability after an accident. For example, according to the California Civil Jury Instructions 400, negligence occurs when a person does not act as any reasonably careful person would if they were in the same situation. Therefore, a claim for damages must demonstrate the defendant was negligent and the plaintiff sustained injuries because of the liable party’s careless actions.
The Time Limit to File a Claim for Damages
There is a strict time limit for filing a lawsuit the plaintiff must be aware of after suffering injuries. Under the California Code of Civil Procedure section § 335.1, the plaintiff, with the help of a legal professional, must file a civil claim for damages within two years of an accident.
However, there is an exception if the injured party does not know they sustained injuries immediately. In those scenarios, the clock begins running and allows a plaintiff to file within two years from the day they discover the damages they suffered in the accident. An experienced lawyer in Woodland Hills could ensure an injured person files their claim within the appropriate timeframe.
Call a Skilled Catastrophic Injury Attorney in Woodland Hills
The stakes of a catastrophic injury are high, and they often have devastating consequences on victims. Fortunately, an award for damages could cover your medical costs and lost income to help you achieve financial stability.
Civil law and personal injury cases are complex, but a compassionate legal professional could help you navigate them successfully. Schedule a meeting with a Woodland Hills catastrophic injury lawyer for more information and begin preparing your case.
