Dealing with a serious injury is never easy, but in many personal injury cases, a full recovery is possible. Unfortunately, some accidents are so severe that they have devastating, life-long consequences. If you or a loved one suffered one of these catastrophic injuries, you may be unsure how to proceed.
A Los Angeles catastrophic injury lawyer from our firm could advise you on your legal rights after such an accident. Let a dedicated personal injury attorney help you hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.
What Makes an Injury Catastrophic?
A catastrophic injury is one that has a permanent impact on your life. This impact can be physical, psychological, or emotional. Loss of a limb, disability, decreased cognitive function, and post-traumatic stress are some potential signs that an injury may be catastrophic.
These types of injuries can stem from several types of accidents. However, incidents that often result in catastrophic injuries include motor vehicle accidents, bicycle crashes, pedestrian accidents, slip and falls, and construction accidents.
Any of these incidents could lead to long-lasting injuries such as brain trauma, spinal cord damage, or paralysis. A Los Angeles attorney could conduct an investigation and assess your injuries to determine whether you have a valid catastrophic injury case.
Establishing Negligence After a Catastrophic Accident in Los Angeles
To obtain compensation for a catastrophic injury, you must prove another party was responsible for the incident. Establishing legal negligence can be challenging, so it is often best to work with a lawyer experienced in catastrophic injury cases.
The first step in proving negligence is establishing that the other party owed you a duty of care—legal responsibility to act reasonably toward you. A motorist’s duty of care would be to drive safely and follow traffic laws. Likewise, a store owner’s duty of care would be to keep the premises free of hazards.
Then you must prove the other party breached their duty of care and directly caused your injuries. In a car accident case, running a red or speeding would be considered a breach of the duty of care. A skilled lawyer could help you establish a causal link between the other party’s actions and your injuries.
State law also requires plaintiffs to provide evidence of their compensable losses. An attorney could work to gather evidence and value your losses to form a complete demand package.
Time Limit for Filing a Claim
It is vital to reach out to an attorney quickly after a catastrophic accident, as there is a time limit for filing lawsuits. California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 states that most people have only two years from the date of their injury to demand compensation.
This time limit may change based on the type of incident and the parties involved. Nonetheless, you should not hesitate to seek legal help. Acting quickly could increase your chances of success in a lawsuit.
A Los Angeles Catastrophic Injury Attorney Could Help
Catastrophic injury cases are complex and require your full attention. After such an accident, you should focus on your physical recovery. During this time, a Los Angeles catastrophic injury lawyer could fight for your right to compensation. Reach out to our firm today to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal options.