Injuries from an accident can be either major or minor. But then there are catastrophic injuries, which are on a completely different level. These types of injuries can cause long-term and permanent damage, requiring a lifetime of medical care and causing restrictions to your daily life.
At Sweet James, we have substantial experience representing victims in catastrophic injury claims. The stakes in these cases are as high as they can be, so you’ll want to work with a San Diego catastrophic injury lawyer who will fight tirelessly for your interests and well-being.
Our team has over 25 years of experience helping injury victims in San Diego. Call our offices today or fill out our contact form to discuss your case with a California catastrophic injury lawyer.
Why You Should Work With the San Diego Catastrophic Injury Lawyers from Sweet James
Trying to navigate a catastrophic injury claim on your own can be an exercise in frustration. Between the pain and medical recovery, most people don’t have the time or effort to manage an insurance claim.
Sweet James dedicates itself to helping injury victims who’ve been dealt a bad hand in life. With over 400 legal professionals, our firm is more than equipped to advocate for your rights. We can provide the results and resources of a big firm with the care and attention you’d expect from a small organization.
We have taken more than 500 cases to trial and have a proven track record of successful settlements and verdicts. We are unafraid to pursue our clients’ interests no matter where they lead, whether it’s the bargaining table or the courtroom. When working with our catastrophic injury lawyers, you can rest easy knowing that you’re in capable and caring hands.
How Catastrophic Injuries Are Different
Catastrophic injuries are in a different class compared to other injuries. These injuries generally cause permanent and irreversible damage. While a broken bone or concussion might heal, your life may never return to normal after a catastrophic injury. Victims may have to stop working entirely and face severe limitations in navigating daily life.
The extent and scope of your losses can make the insurance claim process difficult. Insurers are more likely to scrutinize claims involving severe injuries and long-term medical expenses. It can be difficult to accurately characterize the extent of your pain and suffering as well.
All of these challenges mean you should work with a qualified legal professional. Sweet James is highly experienced in catastrophic injury claims and knows what kind of evidence to gather. Our San Diego catastrophic personal injury lawyers can represent you in negotiations and push back against insurer attempts to downplay your injuries.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries often involve physical trauma, but non-traumatic events can give rise to serious injuries, too. Below are some of the most common examples of catastrophic injuries our San Diego personal injury lawyers encounter:
- Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can cause mobility loss and functional impairments below the site of the injury.
- Traumatic brain injuries. Brain injuries can cause profound changes to motor function, cognition, and emotional processing.
- Third-degree burns. Scarring from third-degree burns can cause chronic pain and discomfort and may require extensive reconstructive surgery.
- Displacement fractures. Displacement fractures can tear the tissues, muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the bone.
- Internal organ damage. Traumatic injuries can damage internal organs or cause them to rupture, which may necessitate organ removal or transplants.
- Amputations. Losing a limb may require victims to stop working and radically change their daily routine to deal with limitations.
Compensation You Can Recover for Catastrophic Injuries
A San Diego catastrophic injury attorney from Sweet James can pursue the full range of your economic and non-economic losses. Depending on your circumstances, compensable losses may include the following:
- Emergency medical bills and future necessary medical expenses
- Lost income and other employment compensation from missing work
- Reductions in your lifetime earnings and loss of future earnings
- Cost of in-home care and replacement household services
- Miscellaneous injury-related expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and PTSD
- Mental anguish from scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of life enjoyment and capacity to engage in enjoyed activities
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit in San Diego?
In most cases, you have two years to sue liable parties for catastrophic injuries. The two-year time limit is set by California’s personal injury statute of limitations, CCP § 335.1. The timer generally starts counting from the date your injuries happened or when you discovered you had injuries.
The statute of limitations is strict, and missing the applicable deadline can prevent you from filing a lawsuit, so you should act promptly. Catastrophic injury cases can take a long time to build due to the complexity of the damage and scope of your losses. You should talk to a lawyer and get started as soon as possible to protect your right to recover.
Sweet James: Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Serving San Diego
If you are searching for a “San Diego catastrophic injury lawyer near me,” contact Sweet James online or call us today. Consultations are free, so there is no risk in getting in touch with one of our legal professionals.
