Riverside Catastrophic Injury Attorney

Get Help From a Top Riverside Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Today

Unfortunately, accidental injuries remain a serious issue in our region. Any type of accident can have a detrimental impact on your overall quality of life. A catastrophic injury, on the other hand, is completely life-changing. These types of injuries are rare but affect thousands of people every year. For example, research shows that more than 17,000 people sustain a spinal cord injury in the United States every year — and that’s just one type of catastrophic injury. Victims and families need justice and the maximum financial support after a catastrophic accident.

At The JLF Firm, our Riverside catastrophic injury attorney has the knowledge, skills, and experience that you can trust. We are committed to fighting for justice, and we have the experience needed to handle even the most serious of accidents. If you or a loved one has been impacted by a catastrophic injury in or near Riverside, CA, let the team at The JLF Firm handle your claim.

Contact us at our Riverside law office today for a free, no obligation initial consultation with a top-rated California catastrophic injury attorney.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED A CATASTROPHIC INJURY?

The term “catastrophic injury” refers to an injury that will have a permanent impact on the individual and their quality of life. It is technically not a term with a clear and specific legal meaning in California. Instead, it is used to describe serious injuries that have a long-term (sometimes life-lasting) adverse impact. For example, an injury may cause permanent physical disfigurement and scarring or prevent them from enjoying daily life. In addition, a catastrophic injury may also prevent an individual from working, which results in lost wages and earning opportunities.

• Catastrophic Accidents Have a Serious Tangible Impact: A catastrophic injury can also impact the victim’s family. Many times, if the victim suffered a permanent disability, the family must act as caregivers, as well as incur costs related to ongoing care, including medical bills, rehabilitative care, physical therapy, medications/medical devices, special education for a child, travel expenses, in-home nursing care, and more.

• Catastrophic Accidents Also Come With Pain, Suffering, and Trauma:A catastrophic injury can have a detrimental impact on the emotional well-being of the victim. They can suffer anxiety, depression, PTSD, mental anguish, humiliation, lost quality of life, and so much more. The family also experiences non-economic damages, including loss of affection, spousal consortium, or parental guidance. These emotional damages often result in higher damage awards for these types of claims.

TYPES OF CATASTROPHIC INJURIES WE HANDLE

There is a wide range of life-changing medical conditions that fall under the umbrella of “catastrophic injury”. The most common include brain and spine injuries — but other types of injury are classified as catastrophic, such as severe burns, traumatic amputations, and other injuries that leave the victim with significant, potentially permanent loss of bodily function. The team at The JLF Firm handles a variety of catastrophic injury cases in Riverside, including:

• Traumatic Brain Injury: A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury that disrupts normal brain function and can lead to long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. Victims may struggle with memory, concentration, or communication. Severe TBIs often require extensive medical care and ongoing rehabilitation.

• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete loss of motor and sensory function below the site of injury. Victims may experience loss of mobility, bladder or bowel dysfunction, and chronic pain. These injuries often cause permanent disability. Any damage to the spinal cord can be catastrophic.

• Amputations: The loss of a limb is a devastating physical and emotional injury. Amputees face challenges with mobility, daily activities, and employment. Prosthetics and rehabilitation can help, but the impact is lifelong.

• Vision Loss: Severe eye trauma or optic nerve damage can cause partial or total blindness. Vision loss affects independence, employment, and quality of life. Victims with serious eye trauma in Riverside often require long-term support.

• Hearing Loss: Hearing damage can result from trauma, nerve injury, or extreme noise exposure. Victims may lose the ability to communicate effectively and may become socially isolated. Hearing loss often requires some form of permanent care/support.

• Serious Burns: Severe burns cause extreme pain, nerve damage, and a high risk of infection. Victims often require skin grafts, multiple surgeries, and extended hospitalization. Third-degree burn injuries can leave the victim with permanent scarring.

• Paralysis: Paralysis occurs when neurological damage prevents voluntary movement in part of the body. Victims may experience paraplegia, quadriplegia, or localized paralysis. It will depend on the specific site and severity of the injury.

Many times, medical intervention can save the victim’s life, but may not restore them to full mobility, health, and cognition. When there is a catastrophic injury, both the victim and their families must learn a new way of living, including ongoing care, family assistance, and more.

The definition of catastrophic injury is relative, as what is catastrophic for one victim and their family may only cause moderate harm to another. The impact that an injury has on a victim’s overall life determines whether it is a catastrophic injury.

If you’re unsure whether an injury qualifies as catastrophic in the state of California, consult with our Riverside, CA catastrophic injury attorney. We understand these injuries and the state laws regarding these claims.

MOST COMMON CAUSES OF CATASTROPHIC INJURIES

Many different types of accidents can cause catastrophic, permanent injuries. The attorneys at The JLF Firm represent victims in Riverside and several other locations in California in a variety of catastrophic injury claims, including:

• Automobile accidents (car, truck, motorcycle)
• Pedestrian collisions and bicycle accidents
• Slip and falls
• Dog attacks
• Defective products
• Acts of violence
• Medical malpractice
• Construction accidents

If someone else’s negligence caused or contributed to the accident that involved a catastrophic injury, you may have grounds to file a claim. To prove negligence in an accident, you must prove that there was a breach in the duty of care owed by someone else. If you or your catastrophic injury attorney can prove negligence, you can recover compensation.

BE PROACTIVE: STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

Personal injury claims in California are time-sensitive, and catastrophic accident cases are no exception to the rule. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, there is a two-year statute of limitations in these cases. If you miss this deadline, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case. There are only very narrow exceptions to the rule. You do not want to miss your chance to get justice for you and your family after a catastrophic accident. Contact a Riverside, CA catastrophic injury lawyer as soon as possible for a free consultation.

EVERY CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENT SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED

California is a fault-based state for personal injury claims. To hold another party liable for a catastrophic accident, you must prove that the defendant(s) are responsible. Catastrophic accidents demand a comprehensive investigation. You need to know how and why the major accident actually happened. A Riverside catastrophic injury lawyer can help. Remember, evidence must be collected quickly, including witness statements, photographs, medical records, and expert evaluations. Without a proactive approach, relevant evidence could quickly be lost.

LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENTS

One of the most important things that victims and families should know about catastrophic injury claims is that there are almost always long-term or life-lasting impacts. These effects must be addressed in the claims process. A catastrophic injury has long-term effects that make it difficult, if not impossible, to resume normal activities. Some of these effects include:

• PHYSICAL DISABILITY: A catastrophic injury often results in lasting physical disability, such as paralysis or the loss of a limb. You may suffer from dramatically reduced mobility and some loss of independence. Catastrophically injured victims often require wheelchairs, prosthetics, or even lifelong physical therapy. The physical impact can be extreme.
• MENTAL INCAPACITY: Brain injuries often have mental, cognitive, and/or emotional effects. An injured victim may lose the ability to concentrate, remember, or process information. Some are unable to manage daily tasks without constant supervision.
• REDUCED QUALITY OF LIFE: Catastrophic injuries frequently diminish a victim’s overall quality of life. Chronic pain, PTSD, and depression are common long-term consequences. Emotional trauma often leads to social isolation and other adverse effects.
• EMPLOYMENT PROBLEMS: Many catastrophic injury victims are unable to return to their prior employment. Physical or cognitive limitations may prevent them from performing the same duties. Even if they can work, it is often in a reduced capacity with lower pay.
• FINANCIAL STRUGGLES: Medical treatment for catastrophic injuries is extremely expensive. Victims often face ongoing costs for surgery, rehabilitation, and in-home care. Insurance coverage rarely covers all expenses without a fight.

In a catastrophic injury case, the victim or their family can seek financial recovery for these damages. The liable party will be ordered to pay an amount that is appropriate for all damages, both economic and non-economic. While this recovery won’t make up for the injury, it can help the victim and their family deal with the long-term impacts.

COMMON DAMAGES AWARDED IN CATASTROPHIC INJURY CASES

On average, a victim and their family can incur hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills alone. This does not account for lost wages, property damage, or other damages. A monetary award won’t change the fact that it happened, but it can make it easier to manage the finances involved.

In addition, it can provide justice by holding the liable party accountable. The damages available for your case depend on your losses and the circumstances of the case. Some of the most common damages awarded include:

• Current and future medical expenses related to the injury, including rehabilitative care;
• Lost wages and loss of long-term earning capacity;
• Pain and suffering, including physical suffering, mental anguish, inconvenience, reduced ability to enjoy life, emotional distress, psychological trauma, and more;
• Property damage, if the accident also damaged your property.
• Out-of-pocket costs, including legal expenses, travel expenses, property repairs, and more;
• Punitive damages, which are designed to punish the victim for negligence, intent to harm, disregard for the safety and well-being of others, malicious intent, and recklessness

WHY TRUST THE RIVERSIDE CATASTROPHIC INJURY LAWYERS AT THE JLF FIRM

Catastrophic injury cases are exceptionally complex. You do not have to go up against a defendant or insurance company alone. It is imperative that you have strong professional representation. At The JLF Firm, we are a proactive, justice-driven law firm that is committed to helping victims and families secure the absolute maximum compensation, including for long-term care costs and non-economic damages. Our history of case results tells the story. You can rely on us when it matters most. Among other things, our Riverside catastrophic accident lawyer will:

• Conduct a free, comprehensive review and evaluation of your case;
• Investigate your catastrophic accident in Riverside, gathering key evidence.
• Handle legal paperwork and the settlement negotiations with the insurance company; and
• Take whatever legal action is needed to help you get the best outcome in your case.

CATASTROPHIC INJURY CLAIMS IN RIVERSIDE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

WHAT MAKES AN INJURY “CATASTROPHIC” IN CALIFORNIA?

An injury is generally considered catastrophic if it results in permanent disability or long-term impairment. Some notable examples include paralysis, amputations, and severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These cases involve higher damages because the impact lasts a lifetime.

CAN I CLAIM FUTURE MEDICAL COSTS IN A CATASTROPHIC INJURY CASE?

Absolutely yes. You can and should seek compensation for future medical expenses. They are recoverable as damage in a catastrophic injury claim in California. Indeed, courts consider the long-term nature of catastrophic injuries and the cost of ongoing care. Expert testimony is often used to project lifetime treatment needs. Do not settle your claim for less. Future medical expenses need to be considered when settling a catastrophic injury case.

HOW DOES COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE AFFECT CATASTROPHIC INJURY CLAIMS?

Fault matters in a personal injury case, including a catastrophic accident claim. Notably, California is a pure comparative negligence state, Judicial Council of California Civil Jury Instructions (CACI No. 405). An injured victim’s recoverable damages are reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the injured party. Even a severely injured person may see their recovery reduced if they share responsibility.

ARE NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES AVAILABLE IN CATASTROPHIC INJURY CASES?

Yes. In California, injured victims can and should pursue damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages are often significant due to the permanent impact of the injuries. Our Riverside catastrophic accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for pain and suffering and other non-economic losses.

CAN FAMILY MEMBERS RECOVER COMPENSATION IN CATASTROPHIC INJURY CLAIMS?

Yes. Or at least they can if a catastrophic accident eventually leads to the victim’s death. If you have any questions or concerns about the wrongful death claims process in California, our Riverside wrongful death lawyer can help. We are compassionate advocates for grieving families.

WE PROVIDE CONTINGENCY FEE REPRESENTATION IN CATASTROPHIC INJURY CASES

You can always afford to hire a top-rated Riverside catastrophic accident attorney. We provide contingency fee representation. There are no upfront costs, no hourly bills, and no out-of-pocket fees. If you do not get paid, we do not get paid. Your rights matter. If you or a loved one has been affected by a catastrophic injury due to the negligence or recklessness of someone else, let The JLF Firm evaluate your case for free. We fight for the rights of victims and their families in these and other personal injury situations. We understand the laws that govern these types of injuries and the best way to recover what you deserve.

LET THE JLF FIRM EVALUATE YOUR CATASTROPHIC INJURY CASE TODAY

At The JLF Firm, our Riverside catastrophic injury lawyer is standing by, ready to help. If you or your loved one was hurt in a catastrophic accident, we are here as a legal resource. Act now to file your catastrophic injury claim. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take your call. Contact us today for a free case review. Our Riverside law office is located in 92506, and we are well-positioned to handle catastrophic accident cases throughout the entire region, including in 92501, 92502, 92503, 92504, 92505, 92507, 92508, 92509, and beyond.