There are few events in your life that can be as traumatic, damaging, and painful as a catastrophic injury. The ultimate tragedy of a catastrophic injury is the long-term damage. Such an injury may cost you a part of who you are. It may cause permanent mental or emotional trauma. It may even never fully heal. If you ever find yourself facing the aftermath of a catastrophic injury, you should contact a San Bernardino catastrophic injury lawyer.
A catastrophic injury occurs when you suffer an injury that is so severe it causes permanent physical or psychological damage. It may affect nearly every aspect of your life, impacting your employment opportunities, your quality of life, and even your personal relationships. Often, there is very little that can be done in terms of recovery when it comes to a catastrophic injury. If you ever suffer from one, you will know it.
Catastrophic injuries can result in permanent brain damage, disfigurement, permanent disabilities, impairments, and other traumatic repercussions. In order to pursue a personal injury case against the party responsible for your damages, you will have to prove that their negligent behavior led to your accident. Proving negligence in a catastrophic injury case is not easy and requires gathering evidence to support your position. You must also prove these elements:
If you decide to move forward with legal action, it is important that you recognize the state of California’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including catastrophic injury cases. Generally, the state gives you two years to establish grounds for your claim, develop a strong case, gather the evidence you need, speak with a catastrophic injury lawyer, and file a claim for damages.
If you are not able to file your claim before the two-year deadline, there is a chance your case will be dismissed, and you will no longer be able to pursue compensation for your injury. Building a solid case can take a lot of time, especially when you also have to focus on your recovery. You should start on yours as soon as you can. If you are worried that your case may not be strong enough, you can bring what you have to a lawyer for an evaluation.
A personal injury is considered to be catastrophic when it results in permanent damage or a long-term disability. Recovering from a catastrophic injury can be a lifelong process, and even then, there are no guarantees. Here are some of the different catastrophic injuries you could face:
In San Bernardino, catastrophic injury attorneys typically charge a contingency fee, meaning they only receive payment if they are successful in your case. The standard contingency fee is a percentage of the settlement or award amount that is based on the lawyer’s experience level, the complexity of the case, and the stage at which the case is resolved, among other factors. Clients may also be responsible for other relevant expenses that should be discussed with their lawyer.
There is no specific percentage of compensation that most catastrophic injury lawyers take in California, but it is typically within the same range. Every personal injury case is different, and your lawyer’s fee will be different as well. The percentage that your lawyer takes from your settlement package should be decided between the two of you before you agree to hire them.
In California, a catastrophic injury is any injury that results in permanent disability, disfigurement, or other lifelong chronic pain. It permanently prevents you from working, leads to significant health problems, and negatively impacts your quality of life. It may require considerable medical care going forward and can lead to significant compensation should you wish to file a personal injury claim.
There are many different injuries that could qualify as a catastrophic injury. It only has to result in permanent disability and lifelong lifestyle changes. Some examples of catastrophic injuries that happen to people every day include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, loss of vision, broken bones, and severe burns.
Dealing with the fallout of a catastrophic injury on your own can be a nightmare. You may be feeling isolated, angry, confused, and heartbroken all at the same time. Hiring an experienced catastrophic injury lawyer to help you handle your case while you focus on your recovery can make all the difference.
The legal team at the Corrales Law Group understands the kind of legal assistance you will need to handle the aggressive nature of a catastrophic injury case. We can help you build up your case, gather evidence, and protect your interests. Contact us to speak with a valued team member and schedule a consultation.
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