Some accidents can change your life in an instant, especially when they result in a catastrophic injury. Suddenly not being able to do something because you’ve had your leg amputated or suffered a brain injury is jarring. Plus, these injuries often require a lot of ongoing care, which can leave you out of work and out of pocket.
With help from a San Francisco catastrophic injury lawyer, you may be able to reclaim some of those costs. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, we can help you fight for compensation.
At Sweet James, our California catastrophic injury lawyers have extensive experience in serving clients who need insight into how claims work and how they’re defended. We’re real lawyers who get real results.
Catastrophic Injury Claims We Handle
Because of our long-term dedication to supporting clients in getting the compensation they’re entitled to, we’ve had a lot of catastrophic injury cases come our way.
Here are some of the types of injury claims we handle:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Amputation and loss of limb
- Severe burns
- Broken bones and significant fractures
- Spinal cord injury and paralysis
- Hearing and vision loss
- Internal damage
Regardless of whether your injury was caused by a motor vehicle accident, workplace incident, defective product, or something else, if it wasn’t your fault, a catastrophic injury lawyer can help.
What Sets Our San Francisco Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Apart
Sweet James is made up of a dedicated team of San Francisco personal injury lawyers who offer quality legal guidance for your claim. We understand how difficult it can be to handle such a devastating injury while also trying to fight for your rights.
Here’s more on what we have to offer:
Extensive Experience in Local Claims
Our legal team has served clients across California, offering support for various injury cases. We know what sort of challenges you face and also understand exactly how local insurers and court proceedings work.
As a result, we can tailor our approach to your claim.
Detailed Investigations
We assess every piece of evidence available to craft the most compelling case for your situation. This includes reviewing your medical records, accident reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, pictures, and more. We’ll piece together what happened, estimate the damages, establish liability, and identify the best approach for your situation.
Strong Negotiation Skills
Our San Francisco catastrophic injury lawyers know what to expect from insurers. We’re familiar with the tactics they use and can use our extensive legal knowledge to combat this. Our team is prepared to negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to get every cent you’re owed.
Pay No Fees or Costs Until We Win
Sweet James attorneys work on a contingency. This means you don’t have to pay any of our fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. We truly believe in our ability to win, which is why you don’t have to worry about any upfront costs.
Read our guide to learn more about what a contingency fee is in a personal injury case.
Compensation for Catastrophic Injuries in San Francisco
California follows pure comparative negligence rules, which means you can seek compensation for your injury even if you were partially responsible. However, your damages may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were in a truck accident that you were found to be 20% liable for, your settlement could be reduced by 20%. This will depend on the circumstances of your case.
Economic Damages vs Non-Economic Damages
Compensation for serious injuries is usually separated into two main categories:
- Economic damages cover financial losses incurred due to your injury, such as medical bills, lost wages, physical therapy costs, and hospital fees.
- Non–economic damages are more subjective and cover things like emotional distress, as well as pain and suffering.
Depending on your injury, you may be able to claim for both economic and non-economic damages. A lawyer can help you figure out which ones apply to your case and how to gather evidence to support your claim.
Steps You Should Take After a Catastrophic Injury
California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1 gives you up to two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury claim. If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury, there are several steps you must take to protect your legal rights and secure your health.
This includes:
- Seek medical attention immediately: This should be your first priority for such a serious injury, plus your medical records will play a part in your injury claim.
- Follow your assigned treatment plan: Many catastrophic injuries require ongoing care as part of your recovery. Follow this as closely as possible and document your progress.
- Secure your proof: Collect all the evidence you need to support your claim, such as photographs, accident reports, vehicle damage reports, medical records, and more.
- Report the incident: Insurers will need to know about the accident as soon as possible. Just make sure you stick to the facts without speculating.
- Hire a catastrophic injury lawyer: This is one of the main ways to secure the success of your claim. The right legal representation will protect your rights and fight your corner at every stage.
It can be hard to remember all these steps when you’re going through such an extensive recovery. If you ever get stuck, get in touch with our legal team to learn more.
Speak to Sweet James About Your Catastrophic Injury Claim
Dealing with a life-altering injury on top of a compensation claim is a lot. Sweet James wants to level the playing field. With assistance from a San Francisco catastrophic injury attorney, you can simplify the process and lessen the burden on your shoulders.
Our team will answer all your questions about the claims process and provide the guidance you need to move forward with your case.
Contact us today for a free case review. We’re available 24/7 and are happy to discuss your situation with you.
Sweet James Accident Attorneys
San Francisco Office Location
870 Market St, Suite 611,
San Francisco, CA 94102
