Serving clients throughout the state of California
You Could Be Owed Significant Compensation for Your Life-Changing Injuries
A catastrophic injury is often described as an injury that causes or will likely cause a permanent disability, or an injury that puts the victim’s life in immediate danger. When someone has been catastrophically injured due to someone else’s negligence, they could have a claim for significant compensation. Unfortunately, insurance companies know that catastrophic injury cases can be highly valuable, too, so they will work diligently to defeat any such claim filed against them.
When you could be staring down a serious fight with an insurance company, you should get ready with serious legal representation of your own. If you were catastrophically injured in California, BD&J can help you understand your legal rights and take action.
We’re considered a premier personal injury law firm with the resources and insight needed to handle virtually any claim, including those dealing with life-changing injuries.
Key Takeaways
- Catastrophic injuries are life-altering injuries that can often leave people permanently disabled, needing lifelong care, or with physical or mental impairment.
- Brain injuries, spine injuries, severe burns, amputations, and disfigurement are regarded as typical catastrophic injuries.
- According to the California Department of Public Health, some of the most common causes for injury deaths in 2024 included motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and falls.
- BD&J catastrophic injury lawyers in California can help you or a loved one bring a legal claim forward for compensation.
Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries can occur in a variety of ways. Typical accidents leading to devastating injuries for vulnerable Californians include:
- Car accidents, especially drunk driving accidents and distracted driving accidents
- Truck accidents
- Commercial vehicle accidents
- Premises liability
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Construction accidents
- Product defects
In some cases, some injuries are so devastating they can result in the eventual passing of a loved one. If someone you loved died due to their serious injuries at the hands of another person, company, or even employer, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit with the help of a California wrongful death attorney.
What Is Considered a Catastrophic Injury
A catastrophic injury, such as a spinal cord or brain injury, causes permanent disability. This contrasts with a non-catastrophic injury, where the injured person is expected to make a full recovery. A non-catastrophic injury can still be severe, but the difference is that after a healing period, the person is able to return to normal life without suffering any long-term impairments.
A catastrophic injury has a lasting impact on the injured person’s quality of life. They may be unable to return to their job or enjoy their normal hobbies. In some cases, they might face ongoing medical expenses or costs for home adaptations and personal care support
Catastrophic injuries are serious, and often life changing. Call (855) 906-3699 to connect with the California catastrophic injury attorneys at BD&J today.
If you have suffered an injury that leaves you unable to go about your day-to-day life, our team of personal injury lawyers is here to discuss your case and help you obtain compensation that can help you access long-term care.
Forms of Catastrophic Injuries
Whether your catastrophic injury was caused by a car accident, a defective product, or another type of serious incident, you can depend on our legal team to manage your case.
With more than $3 billion* recovered for our clients throughout our practice histories, we have seen all sorts of cases.
One goal of ours when working on a catastrophic injury case is to better understand your injury and the many ways it has impacted your life. We can work with our specialized medical and financial experts to do just that.
A few forms of catastrophic injuries include:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
A minor injury to the brain can actually be the start of a life-changing brain injury, depending on what part of the brain was injured. Traumatic brain injuries are usually incapable of healing fully, so brain injury victims will live with the physical and mental consequences of that injury for the rest of their lives.
Symptoms of traumatic brain injuries often include memory loss, problems concentrating, loss of senses, impaired movement, and in more serious cases, brain death.
Burn injuries
Third-degree burns are likely to permanently scar the victim, even with emergency medical care, skin grafts, and other forms of treatment. Even after the pain of the burn has faded, it can be emotionally painful for a burn victim to adjust to their new appearance, as well as the physical limitations that can come with nerve damage and limb weakness from affected areas.
Did you suffer burns that affected your appearance and physical abilities? BD&J is here to help, speak with our team now by calling (855) 906-3699.
Spinal cord injuries
Like a brain injury, a spinal cord injury can cause permanent debilitations or paralysis with just a “minor” amount of damage. The spinal cord cannot heal readily, either.
Paralysis, loss of sensation, breathing problems, and painful nerve damage are some of the lasting consequences of spine injuries.
Amputations
Losing a limb is obviously catastrophic and life-changing. Modern prosthetics can do much to help replace some functionality of the lost limb, but there will still be a noticeable difference in control and day-to-day comfort and physical ability.
Catastrophic Injuries in California Stats
Data from California and nationwide research shows us:
- According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, 70% of recent spinal cord injuries throughout the nation were caused by vehicle crashes and falls. (NSCISC)
- Motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and falls were 3 of the main causes of injury deaths in 2024 in California, with 199 recorded burn injury deaths for the same year as well. (CDPH)
- In the last 3 years, California has recorded an average of 14,238 vehicle crashes leading to serious injuries. (TIMS)
- From 2019 to 2023, California data shows there were 26,719 TBI-related deaths total. (San Diego County)
Catastrophic injuries in California are not uncommon, but unsuspecting victims shouldn’t be left paying the highest price with pain and impairment. Connect with the BD&J team now to learn more about filing a claim.
Do I Have a Catastrophic Injury Claim?
How do you know when it’s time to sit down and talk with an attorney about filing a claim after your accident? California is a massive state with a large population, and accidents happen every day on the roads, at the workplace, and even on the streets of cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, Modesto, Riverside, and more.
Do you have a claim for your injury? If you’re dealing with:
- Costly medical expenses way beyond your financial means
- Another involved party that disputes their fault in an accident
- A denied insurance claim for compensation after an accident
- The sudden loss of a loved one due to the severity of their injuries
- An inability to work and provide for your household after your injuries
- Lifelong disability from a moment of recklessness from another party
You most likely have a claim and should sit down to consult with a California catastrophic injury lawyer.
How Much is a Catastrophic Injury Claim Worth?
Catastrophic injuries are life-altering, painful, and often costly. While every case is different, most catastrophic injury claims have to account for expenses and the physical and emotional toll that comes with these permanent injuries.
With this in mind, wego above and beyond what you might expect of an attorney and legal services. We want to uncover all of your damages and any insurance policies that the liable party holds. There could be a chance to file against multiple policies, so we can confidently pursue the most compensation without hitting an insurance cap.
The worth of your catastrophic injury claim will be determined by your damages, such as:
Economic Damages
Medical costs: The medical treatments required to care for your catastrophic injury could be significant. For example, treating a brain injury can easily cost six figures within the first few days of hospitalization and surgeries. You should not have to pay that yourself if someone else caused your brain injury. Future medical costs, including surgeries, physical rehabilitation, and medications, could also be covered by compensation from a lawsuit.
Lost income: A catastrophic injury could take you completely away from your career path without any hope of returning. For example, someone who works in construction but suffers a spinal cord injury cannot safely return to that job. A catastrophic injury claim can sue for the income you will likely be unable to make for the rest of your life, even after you reach your maximum medical improvement (MMI).
This income can be especially necessary if you were the primary breadwinner for your household at the time of the accident, a detail that is further emphasized in a claim.
Permanent disability: As described, a catastrophic injury will almost always cause a permanent disability in one form or another. You can sue for damages that reflect the hardships caused by your disability.
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and suffering: Another form of non-economic damage you can pursue in a catastrophic injury claim is called “pain and suffering” damage. Although no amount of money can undo the pain you’ve experienced from your serious injury, knowing that you can receive financial compensation to help keep you afloat as you recover can help ease some of the frustrations.
Loss of consortium: If your loved one has passed away from a catastrophic injury accident, you may be feeling absolutely defeated and inconsolable. You can’t put a price tag on the loss of a loved one, but compensation for the loss of love, companionship, and that family member can be obtained through a wrongful death claim.
Punitive damages: Punitive damages can be awarded to an injured plaintiff if the other party had committed similar violations in the past, as well as to actively prevent them from committing similar negligence or misconduct in the future. similar negligence or misconduct in the future.
Key Steps BD&J Takes to Establish Negligence and Liability
Every successful catastrophic injury claim has four elements: duty of care, breach, causation, and damages. Our team begins investigating a case immediately, working to:
- Preserve evidence
- Interview witnesses
- Retain testimonies from medical and accident reconstruction experts
- Work with life planners to document the full extent of your injuries and future care
- Assign a fair value to your case using medical records, expert testimonies, lifelong prognosis, life expectancy, and more
- Communicate with all other parties on your behalf
- Negotiate for a compensation amount that considers future financial needs
- Appeal denied insurance claims using surveillance footage, maintenance logs, and other evidence
- Be with you through every step of your claim, answering your questions and doubts as they come
In California, catastrophic injury cases often involve multiple defendants and layers of insurance coverage, and we have the experience to identify every possible avenue of compensation.
Call us at (855) 906-3699 or complete our online form to speak with an expert attorney in California, our team is available 24/7 to assist you.
The Legal Process for Your Catastrophic Injury Claim
Your case begins with a free consultation where we review the facts, explain your rights under California law, and outline realistic timelines and outcomes. Once retained, we file claims, handle all communication with insurers, and, when necessary, file a lawsuit and take your case through discovery, depositions, mediation, and trial.
Our team is always prepared to go to trial to show insurers we mean business. This helps us secure fair settlements for our clients as quickly as possible. California’s statutes of limitation are strict, and government claims require notice within six months, so early contact with our firm protects your legal options and can help you maximize your potential compensation as much as possible.
Can I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim and Personal Injury Claim if My Injury Happened on the Job?
The differences between workers’ comp claims and personal injury claims are many. If your catastrophic injury happened on the job, you may be able to recover compensation through both workers’ comp and a personal injury claim under very specific circumstances. These are:
- Your employer practiced especially gross negligence or intentional misconduct
- There was a third party involved in your accident, such as an independent contractor, manufacturing company, etc.
- Your workers’ compensation claim was denied
- Employer retaliation or mislabeling of your job role to avoid paying worker’s comp insurance
Not sure where your claim from a workplace accident lands? BD&J California catastrophic injury attorneys can help!
BD&J California Catastrophic Injury Attorneys Fight for You
BD&J has recovered over $3 billion* for clients across California, and our attorneys are members of both nationally and locally recognized legal organizations, such as the American Board of Trial Advocates and Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles.
We operate on a contingency fee basis with no upfront costs. Our firm is available 24/7, and we meet clients at their home, hospital, or rehabilitation facility when coming to our local office isn’t possible. We have the resources and trial experience to take on insurers, trucking companies, manufacturers, and corporate defendants in even the most complex cases.
How To Prove Pain and Suffering Damages in Your Claim
Non-economic damages are often overlooked by liable parties, but the truth is that catastrophic injuries aren’t just physically taxing, but also emotionally and mentally overwhelming.
If you are looking to recover pain and suffering damages in your lawsuit, do the following:
- Keep a pain journal detailing your day-to-day. – A journal that highlights your pain levels and aggravation of symptoms throughout the day can help highlight the effects an injury has on your day-to-day routines.
- Gather your medical documentation of injuries. – Health provider notes, treatment plans, and prognosis details can also provide context for your pain and suffering.
- Provide witness testimonies. – Hearing from family, friends, and even coworkers on how your injuries have affected your daily routines can often show the impact of an injury at a more jarring level than notes and documents can.
- Talk to a California catastrophic injuries lawyer about your claim. – If you’re not sure where to even begin with your case or how you can go about showing the extent of your damages, a catastrophic injury accident attorney can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Catastrophic Injury Cases
What if I Am Partly at Fault?
California applies comparative fault, which means you can recover compensation even if you share responsibility for the accident. Your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but partial fault doesn’t prevent you from receiving compensation. Contact us to evaluate how fault may affect your specific case.
Can I Still Get Compensated if I Was Hurt While Not Wearing a Helmet in a Motorcycle Accident?
Motorcycle accidents can lead to some of the most devastating injuries, especially with the exposure of riders and their limited safety gear. While motorcycle helmet laws are in place in California, you can still obtain compensation if your accident was caused by another driver or party’s negligence and you weren’t wearing a helmet.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit in California?
Personal injury claims generally must be filed within two years, but claims against government entities require notice within six months. Deadlines vary by case type and defendant. Reach out to our team as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Beat the clock and get started on your catastrophic injury lawsuit by contacting the BD&J law firm as soon as possible.
Will My Case Go to Trial or Settle?
Most catastrophic injury cases settle, but we prepare every case for trial to demonstrate our commitment to your full recovery. Settlement depends on the insurer’s willingness to offer fair compensation. When given the choice between settlement or trial, you are always in the driver’s seat. We offer guidance at each step of the process.
Can I Represent Myself in a Personal Injury Case?
While you could technically represent yourself in a personal injury case, it’s important to be mindful of the legal obstacles that come into play. Jurisdiction guidelines, statutes of limitations, regulations, appeals, and other legal claim factors can quickly become a challenge.
Not to mention, working with an attorney can help you recover almost 4 times the compensation you’d recover on your own.
Do I Need to Bring up a Pre-Existing Condition that Happened Before My Injury During My Claim?
Absolutely! A pre-existing condition won’t bar you from pursuing a legal claim after another injury. bar you from pursuing a legal claim after another injury.
Medical records, new imaging and medical tests, and even expert testimony can benefit your claim if you have a pre-existing condition.
Can I Still Have a Good Life After a Catastrophic Injury?
Definitely. While catastrophic injuries can permanently change your life, working with an attorney for financial compensation can allow you to focus on adapting to your new routines, while working on the mental and emotional journey ahead.
What Makes a Catastrophic Injury Case Different than a Standard Personal Injury Claim?
What makes a catastrophic injury case different than a standard personal injury claim, for the most part, is the impact of the injuries. As previously mentioned, most injuries are fully recoverable, while catastrophic injuries require adaptation, learning to live with a permanent disability, and, of course, navigate new expenses.
BD&J attorneys can help you when it comes to starting a legal battle for compensation against insurance companies and other reckless parties.
How Do BD&J Attorneys Get Paid if I Win?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means that our law firmcovers all case costs in advance and only collects attorney fees when your case resolves. Fees and costs are outlined in a written agreement at the start of your representation, but you can be at ease knowing there are no upfront fees* when you start a legal process with our attorneys.
Start Your Free Consultation with BD&J
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in California, contact us for a free, confidential case evaluation. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions, review your case, and explain your legal options. There are no upfront costs, and you pay no fees until we win. We handle the most complex catastrophic injury cases across California, and we’re ready to help you pursue the full compensation you and your family deserve.
