San Clemente Catastrophic Injuries

When you are involved in an accident that causes catastrophic injuries, your entire life could be affected. Not only will you have expensive medical bills, out-of-pocket costs, and likely need to take time off work while you recuperate, but you may also experience severe emotional distress that takes over your life. Any type of injury that has a profound and lasting impact on your life could be considered catastrophic. When someone else is responsible for causing these injuries, they should also be compelled to cover the full value of your damages. Unfortunately, far too many at-fault parties are unwilling to accept responsibility for their negligence.

You may need to enlist the service of a high-powered San Clemente catastrophic injury lawyer from Crockett Law Group. With nearly a decade of trial experience and millions of dollars recovered in trial verdicts and insurance settlements, you can rely on our team to fight tirelessly on your behalf. Your San Clemente personal injury attorney firm will safeguard your rights so you can get the most out of your claim. Contact our legal team to schedule a free consultation today and learn more about what your next steps should be.

When is an Injury Considered Catastrophic?

It is more common than you might think for injury victims to be unsure how severe their injuries are. Though your injuries may seem catastrophic, you may worry that others may accuse you of pursuing a frivolous lawsuit. However, per United States Code Section 3796b, as long as your injuries permanently prevent you from being able to take care of yourself or earn a living, they could be considered catastrophic.

It is not uncommon for individuals suffering from catastrophic injuries to experience a wide range of symptoms, including loss of hearing or eyesight, amputation, extreme loss of functionality or strength, and more. There are countless types of injuries that could be considered catastrophic, including:

• Third-degree burns
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Loss of limbs
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Certain types of bone breaks or fractures
• Organ failure and internal bleeding
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Notable Catastrophic Injury Statistics

Understanding the types of accidents known for causing traumatic brain injuries (TBI), paralysis, amputation, and other catastrophic injuries may help reduce the number of devastating injuries and damages. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently noted the following:

• There are more than 500,000 burn injuries annually
• There are over 2.5 million TBIs each year
• There are approximately 17,000 spinal cord injuries annually
• There are approximately 500 amputations every day across the United States

The Long-Term Effects of a Catastrophic Injury in San Clemente

If you are not sure whether your injuries are catastrophic, it is important to consider the various ways your injuries have and may continue to affect your life. Here are some of the most commonly reported long-term effects of San Clemente catastrophic injuries:

Money Problems

If you suffer a catastrophic injury, it may be impossible for you to earn a living and cover your regular monthly expenses. Furthermore, with catastrophic injuries comes an excess of medical expenses, including:

• Home healthcare
• An extended hospital stay
• Advanced medical treatments
• Ongoing mental health counseling
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Diagnostic testing
• Prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs
• Medical devices
• Home updates to accommodate needed medical equipment

Difficulty Taking Care of Yourself

With catastrophic injuries, your ability to take care of yourself may be extremely limited. If you need to depend on your loved ones or a home healthcare provider to help you complete your daily living tasks, your injuries may be deemed catastrophic.

Pro Tip
Do not put on a brave face when talking about the way your life has been affected by your injuries. The amount of compensation you are awarded will be based on how impactful your damages are. When your catastrophic injuries limit your mobility, reduce functionality, and make it impossible for you to provide for yourself, it is important to be open and honest in your personal injury demand letter and victim impact statement.

When to Sue for a Catastrophic Injury

The elements of negligence must be present for your catastrophic injury lawsuit to be successful. On Page 230 – CACI No. 400. Negligence, the elements of negligence are as follows:

• Duty of care
• Breach of duty
• Causation
• Damages

Note
The burden of proof in catastrophic injury claims and civil lawsuits is based on a preponderance of the evidence per Civil Jury Instructions Resource Center’s Civil Plain English Comparison under BAJI 2.60. The evidence we present must be clear and convincing. We do not need to prove liability beyond a reasonable doubt, but the evidence must suggest the defendant is likely at fault for your catastrophic injuries.

You Need a Lawyer for Your Catastrophic Injury Claim

Working with a catastrophic injury attorney may be the best way to show the insurance company and at-fault parties you mean business. You do not want to risk being taken advantage of or tricked into settling for less than your damages are worth. Crockett Law Group can guide you through the claims process by:

• Establishing liability
• Identifying the liable party
• Calculating the value of your economic and non-economic damages
• Negotiating an insurance settlement
• Advocating for your right to maximum compensation at trial

Pro Tip
Avoid social media while you are moving through the claims process. Do not risk your settlement by posting anything about the accident or your resulting injuries. While you are still negotiating with the insurance company and preparing to go to court, do not post anything online that could be misinterpreted or used against you.

Life is better now!

Its going to be tough to thank Kevin enough! His guidance, support and optimism from day one helped me get thru the arduous process of appointments and treatments required to recover from my injuries and pay the bills.

My calls were returned promptly, I always felt he “truly” cared about me, my case and the outcome. I know he fought hard and brought my case to a very successful conclusion (the Max).

“OH” and can’t forget, His support team gets 5 stars as well.

Thank you Kevin, Thank you!

Rob Peltier
San Clemente, CA Accident

San Clemente Catastrophic Injury FAQs

Get Help From a Highly Experienced San Clemente Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Today

The personal injury claims process can be overwhelming when you are struggling with a catastrophic injury. Injuries of this nature can be all-consuming and strip you of your independence, self-worth, and financial freedom. Do not let the liable party get away with it. You can make them pay and demand maximum compensation for your damages and suffering when you have a top-rated San Clemente catastrophic injury attorney at your side.

Crockett Law Group is here to help you get through some of your most difficult times and adapt to the lasting consequences of your catastrophic injuries. When you are ready to hold the at-fault party accountable to the fullest extent of the law but are unsure of where to begin, do not hesitate to contact our office to request a no-cost, risk-free consultation. Reach us by phone or through our convenient contact form to get started on your claims as soon as today.

San Clemente FAQs