Glendale Catastrophic Injury Lawyers

Overview of Catastrophic Injuries

Examples of catastrophic injuries include: 

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): These are severe injuries to the brain that can lead to long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments. TBIs often result from blows or jolts to the head, with effects ranging from temporary dysfunction of brain cells to long-lasting brain damage.
• Spinal cord injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord can interrupt the communication between the brain and the body, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis. The extent of the paralysis typically depends on the location and severity of the injury.
• Severe burns: Burns that affect a large portion of the body, are deep, or cause significant scarring are considered catastrophic. These injuries often require long periods of hospitalization and multiple surgeries and can lead to permanent disfigurement or loss of function in the affected areas.
• Amputations: The loss of a limb or other body part resulting from accidents is a catastrophic injury due to the significant impact on mobility, function, and the individual’s quality of life. Prosthetics and rehabilitation can aid recovery, but the adjustment is profound and lifelong.
• Multiple bone fractures: While single fractures can heal relatively quickly, multiple fractures, mainly if they occur in critical areas of the body, can be considered catastrophic. They may require complex surgeries, extended recovery periods, and potentially leave lasting impairments.
• Blindness: Partial or complete loss of vision can occur due to trauma to the eyes, brain injuries, or as a result of exposure to chemicals or burns. This loss immensely affects an individual's independence and quality of life, requiring significant adjustments and reliance on various forms of assistance and rehabilitation.

These injuries differ from others due to their severity and long-term or permanent effects. While a broken arm may heal with time and proper care, a catastrophic injury like a spinal cord injury could leave an individual paralyzed and in need of lifelong medical treatment and personal daily assistance.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

Common causes of catastrophic injuries include car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, other vehicle accidents, falls from significant heights, sports injuries, workplace accidents, and acts of violence. 

Establishing negligence or wrongdoing is critical to making an injury claim, as is securing compensation for the full value of past, present, and future damages and losses that the injured faces. 

Potential Repercussions on Catastrophic Injuries

The repercussions of catastrophic injuries can be enormous and overwhelming for the injured and their families, such as:

• Loss of employment and financial strain: Catastrophic injuries often prevent victims from maintaining their former work roles, leading to loss of employment. This, coupled with the overwhelming medical expenses, can place a significant financial strain on the individual and their family.
• Reduced quality of life: The physical and emotional toll of dealing with long-term disabilities can significantly reduce a person's quality of life. Activities that were once simple or enjoyable may become challenging or impossible.
• Family and social impact: A family's dynamics can drastically change as it adjusts to the new realities of care and support for the injured member. Relationships may be strained, and the social life of both the victim and their family members may be adversely affected.
• Need for ongoing medical treatment: Individuals with catastrophic injuries may require ongoing medical treatments, surgeries, or therapies. This could include physical therapy, counseling, and various forms of rehabilitation to manage pain and adapt to new ways of living.
• Home and vehicle modifications: Adapting to life with a catastrophic injury often requires significant alterations to one’s living environment and transportation to accommodate disabilities.
• Psychological effects: Catastrophic injuries can lead to long-term psychological impacts, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Victims may require ongoing mental health support to cope with the trauma and adjustments required by their new circumstances.
• Dependency on care: Many victims of catastrophic injuries become partially or wholly dependent on caregivers for daily activities, impacting their independence and the lives of those around them.
• Legal and insurance challenges: Navigating the legal and insurance systems to secure necessary benefits and compensation can be a complex and emotionally draining process for victims and their families.

How Long Do I Have To File A Catastrophic Injury Case?

When considering filing a catastrophic injury claim in California, it's crucial to be aware of the statute of limitations governing such cases. Although the time limit for filing a catastrophic injury claim can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case, it is typically two years from the date of the accident or when the injury was discovered to file your claim. Exceptions may apply based on the nature of the injury, the age of the injured party, or other factors that can influence the deadline. It's advisable to consult with experienced catastrophic injury attorneys in Glendale, CA at Hartounian, APLC, to be sure of the statute of limitations applicable to your situation.

Expert Legal Advocacy for Serious Injury Claims

Catastrophic injuries can profoundly alter the lives of individuals and their families in a significant way. Should you or a family member experience a serious injury as a result of another individual’s negligence or irresponsible conduct, speaking with a skilled attorney who well-versed in personal injury law in California is crucial to claiming the compensation that is rightfully owed to you.

Our seasoned team of catastrophic injury attorneys in Glendale is committed to championing the rights of those injured and their families. We recognize the immense physical, emotional, and economic impact these injuries can inflict. Therefore, we are dedicated to pursuing full compensation for medical bills, lost income, rehabilitative care, and pain and suffering.

Choosing to collaborate with our team means you will receive:

• Compassionate, personalized legal counsel
• Comprehensive evidence collection and investigation
• Strategic negotiations with insurers and responsible parties
• Aggressive courtroom advocacy

We urge you to get the legal support you need during this trying time without delay. Engage with our Glendale office right now to schedule a consultation and learn more about our strategies for obtaining financial compensation and justice for your serious injury.