What Qualifies as a Catastrophic Injury Under California Law?

Accidents can turn your life upside down, but how you handle the aftermath determines your recovery

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Reaching out to catastrophic injury lawyers in Los Angeles is often one of the first steps a victim takes after a tragic accident. That’s a smart move! But even before that, we believe victims should understand whether their injuries qualify as catastrophic under California law.  

Catastrophic injuries in California are considered severe injuries that have a life-altering impact on victims. These injuries often result in significant loss of bodily function, permanent disability, and the inability to work. In simple terms, catastrophic injuries are those that prevent a victim from living their life as they did before the accident.

Under California law, the main types of catastrophic injuries include: 

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Severe burns
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Amputations
• Injuries to the spine, eyes, beck, and the skull
• Significant internal organ damage 

NOTE: Minor injuries like sprains, strains, or mild concussions are usually not considered catastrophic under California law. 

Common situations that can lead to catastrophic injuries 

Catastrophic injuries are severe and life-changing. They can happen anywhere and often lead to long-term challenges. Moreover, these injuries may affect a person’s ability to work, move, or perform daily tasks. Recovery can take a long time and may require medical care, therapy, or assistance from others. 

However, it’s always important for a person to stay aware or at least be familiar with the situations that can potentially lead to such injuries. In many cases, people need support from an experienced personal injury attorney to manage the physical, emotional, and financial effects of such injuries. 

Victims must know the following situations or cases as they often bring major changes that require long-term planning and care:

• Medical malpractice
• Boating accidents
• Animal bites
• Construction accidents
• Train accidents 
• Pedestrian accidents 
• Premises liability 
• Bicycle accidents 
• Other vehicle accidents 

Should you hire a lawyer? If so, when?

This is one of the most important questions that come to mind when you’re faced with medical bills and increasing financial liabilities. However, there’s no straightforward answer. In many cases, victims choose to settle out of court, as it can be a more convenient option. On the other hand, some victims have to battle with cunning insurance providers who try to pressure them into accepting lowball settlements.

So, you need to assess your situation carefully. 

Are you being compensated fairly for your injuries?

If not, watch out for these key signs that indicate it’s time to hire a catastrophic accident attorney for your case:

• If the injury results in permanent disability or long-term impairment.
• If medical expenses and future care costs are overwhelming.
• If the injury affects your ability to work or earn income.
• If the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence.
• If the insurance company offers a low settlement or denies your claim.
• If multiple parties may be liable for your injury.
• If you need help proving the full extent of your damages.
• If legal deadlines (statute of limitations) are approaching.
• If you’re facing disputes over liability or compensation.
• If you want to maximize your financial recovery.

The right legal options for catastrophic injury victims:

The right option will be to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault parties. (Seek compensation for your losses such as pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses)

The right action for a victim following a catastrophic injury is getting consultation with Catastrophic Injury Lawyers in Los Angeles. Lawyers who have represented clients in these types of cases better understand how things move forward. Not to mention, proving or establishing fault in these cases can be an uphill battle. 

Therefore, victims should get in touch with or seek advice from reputed personal injury law firms. The Law Offices of Eslamboly Hakim has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable teams of lawyers fighting for the rights of injury victims. To speak to a lawyer from their team – make sure to get a free consultation. 

Accidents can turn your life upside down, but how you handle the aftermath determines your recovery. Stay strong and keep pushing forward!