California Catastrophic Injury Attorney

Find Assistance After Suffering a Catastrophic Injury

When tragedy strikes, a victim can be left feeling hopeless, alone, and unsure of what to do next. Minor injuries and accidents are generally easily remedied. In those situations, the steps to take and time to recover are well-established, and, in most cases, life resumes normally. However, in the case of catastrophic injuries, such as those that can result from motorcycle accidents, the path to recovery becomes significantly more complex. In these situations, seeking the assistance of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can make a substantial difference.

In the case of a catastrophic injury, it helps to have someone at your side who can help. Neale & Fhima have more than 40 years of experience aggressively serving the people of Southern California from offices in Dana Point, San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Neale & Fhima have the experience and the resources to make sure you or a loved one receives the compensation you deserve after a catastrophic injury.

Defining Catastrophic Injury

There is no single definition of a catastrophic injury. Any injury may seem catastrophic to the person who suffers it. However, in most cases, a catastrophic injury debilitates the victim, causes permanent harm, and sometimes leaves the person incapable of work. They may often be similar to more minor injuries, differing only in severity. Examples of catastrophic injuries include those resulting from train accidents. If you or a loved one has experienced such an injury, it’s important to consult a train accident injury lawyer to understand your legal options and seek the compensation you deserve. This ensures that your rights are protected while navigating the complexities of such cases:

1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBIs occur when the brain receives severe trauma. These injuries are dangerous physically and can affect a person’s ability to think, remember, and understand what is happening in their environment. They can sometimes even change the individual’s personality. TBIs are more common than most people think:  the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that more than 1.5 million people suffer from moderate to severe brain injuries. The CDC also estimates that 50,000 TBI victims die each year, while 85,000 suffer long-term injury. Overall, 5.3 million Americans suffer from TBIs.

Most Common Causes of TBI:

• Workplace Accidents
• Construction Accidents
• Slip-and-Fall Accidents
• Motor Vehicle Accidents

2. Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)

Spinal cord injuries can be especially devastating. Because the spinal cord is the main conduit for information from the brain to the rest of the body, any SCI can have serious consequences, including paralysis, and can severely debilitate the victim and every aspect of his life. New techniques have been created in the last decade in an attempt to address spinal cord injuries, including lowering body temperature to slow body functions and keep more damage from occurring. Nevertheless, spinal injuries are still some of the most debilitating of all injuries. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center estimates that roughly 300,000 people in the U.S. have an SCI, with 17,000 cases being reported each year. The average age of an SCI sufferer is 42.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common causes of spinal cord injuries include:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Falls
• Acts of violence
• Sports and recreation injuries
• Diseases.

3. Paralysis

Paralysis occurs when a part of the body is incapable of movement because of an accident, disease, or another reason. There are several types overall, but there are two main types of severe paralysis.  Paraplegia is when the arms or legs cease functioning; quadriplegia is the term used when no limbs function. ABC News reports that one in 50 Americans suffer from some sort of paralysis.

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service suggests the most common causes of paralysis include:

• Stroke
• Head Injury
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Multiple Sclerosis.

4. Organ Damage

Serious accidents can cause internal injuries that are not visible and thus may be initially overlooked, increasing the danger of a catastrophic outcome. The lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, and intestines may be bruised or punctured, leading to bleeding and requiring medical treatment and/or surgery.

Catastrophic Sports Injury

Catastrophic injuries while playing sports are generally uncommon. Still, they do occur despite the best efforts of leagues and coaches to emphasize safety, especially in contact sports such as football and soccer. The National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research at The University of North Carolina defines a catastrophic sports injury as: “Fatalities, permanent disability injuries, serious injuries (fractured neck or serious head injury) even though the athlete has a full recovery, temporary or transient paralysis (athlete has no movement for a short time, but has a complete recovery), heat stroke due to exercise, or sudden cardiac arrest or sudden cardiac or severe cardiac disruption.” The center monitors injuries at all levels of athletics, compiling information about trends in sports injuries and ways to improve safety in sports. The results of this research have improved safety at all levels of sports, including rule changes in football to protect players as much as possible against potential head injuries.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries can stem from various incidents, many of which are sudden and unforeseen. According to the NHTSA, there were roughly 6,296,000 vehicle accidents reported in the United States in 2015 alone, resulting in 35,092 deaths and 2.44 million people injured. If you or a loved one have been affected by such an incident, seeking guidance from experienced car crash attorneys can provide you with legal support and representation.

Here are some of the most prevalent causes of catastrophic injuries:

1. Car Accidents

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of catastrophic injuries. High-speed collisions, rollovers, and head-on crashes can result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, severe fractures, and other life-altering conditions. Factors contributing to these accidents include distracted driving, driving under the influence, speeding, and reckless driving.

2. Motorcycle and Bicycle Accidents

Motorcyclists and bicyclists are vulnerable on the road due to the lack of protective barriers. Even with helmets and protective gear, riders can sustain catastrophic injuries such as TBIs, spinal cord injuries, and severe road rash. These accidents often result from driver negligence, such as failing to yield the right of way, distracted driving, or impaired driving.

3. Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians are at high risk of catastrophic injuries when struck by vehicles. The impact can lead to severe trauma, including head injuries, spinal injuries, and multiple fractures. Pedestrian accidents frequently occur in crosswalks, intersections, and parking lots, often due to driver inattention, speeding, or failure to obey traffic signals.

4. Workplace Accidents

Certain occupations carry a higher risk of catastrophic injuries, particularly those in construction, manufacturing, and transportation industries. Workers can suffer from falls from heights, machinery accidents, electrocution, and exposure to hazardous materials. These incidents can lead to debilitating injuries such as spinal cord injuries, amputations, and severe burns.

5. Slip and Fall Accidents

Property owners must maintain safe environments for visitors. Slip and fall accidents, often caused by wet floors, uneven surfaces, inadequate lighting, or lack of proper signage, can lead to catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and hip fractures. Premises liability cases hold property owners accountable for neglecting this duty of care.

6. Sports and Recreational Activities

High-impact sports and recreational activities, such as football, hockey, skiing, and diving, can lead to catastrophic injuries. Participants may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and severe fractures. These injuries can occur due to inadequate safety measures, lack of proper equipment, or negligence by coaches and organizers.

Damages

If a person is catastrophically injured due to the actions or inactions of another, they may often sue for damages. Because of the nature of the injuries and their long-term effects, according to Justia Legal Resources, damages may include:

• Medical Expenses
• Lost Income
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses
• Property Damages
• Pain and Suffering
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life
• Mental Anguish
• Permanent Disability
• Disfigurement.

Contact Neale & Fhima Catastrophic Injury AttorneysToday

We recognize the profound impact a catastrophic injury can have on your life and the lives of your loved ones. Neale & Fhima has been serving residents of California for more than 40 years and offers free consultations. We do not charge for services unless you win your claim.