What Are the Most Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries?
Being injured in an accident can be a traumatic experience, especially if the injury is severe and life-altering. Catastrophic injuries are classified as those that have a long-lasting impact on a person's physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities.
These types of injuries often require extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and sometimes result in permanent disabilities that can significantly impact a person's ability to work or perform daily tasks. At the Law Offices of Steven Zwick, we understand the significant impact catastrophic injuries can have on victims and their families.
We understand the most common types of catastrophic injuries that can result from an accident, and we can help you pursue rightful compensation under California law. Call us today.
Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries
There are many different types of catastrophic injuries that can occur in various situations, such as car accidents, workplace incidents, sports activities, medical malpractice, or premises liability. While some may be more common than others, the types of catastrophic injuries that are most common in California include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Traumatic brain injuries are among the most devastating forms of catastrophic injuries. These injuries can result from car accidents, falls, sports accidents, or violent acts. TBIs often lead to long-term cognitive impairment, memory problems, and emotional instability.
Victims may require lifelong medical care, including physical therapy, counseling, and specialized housing arrangements. Under California law, victims of TBIs caused by someone else’s negligence may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries often result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the damage. The costs associated with spinal cord injuries can be staggering, with victims facing millions of dollars in medical bills over their lifetimes.
California law supports spinal cord injury victims by allowing them to file claims or lawsuits against the party responsible for their injuries. The state also follows a pure comparative fault system, meaning even if a victim is partially at fault for the incident, they can still recover compensation proportionate to the other party’s liability.
Severe Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can leave victims with extensive physical and emotional scars. Severe burns often require multiple surgeries, including skin grafts, and victims may struggle with mobility issues or debilitating pain for the rest of their lives. These injuries commonly occur in workplace accidents, car crashes, or residential fires.
Under California’s personal injury laws, burn victims can seek compensation for their economic and non-economic damages. This includes medical expenses, lost earnings, and compensation for physical disfigurement or mental anguish caused by the injury.
Amputations
Amputations, or the loss of a limb, frequently occur as a result of construction site accidents, vehicle collisions, or severe workplace incidents. An amputation can have a profound impact on a victim’s quality of life and ability to work.
In California, victims of negligence-related amputations are entitled to seek financial recovery for their losses. Victims can file workers’ compensation claims to help cover compensation if an amputation injury occurred on the job or a personal injury claim to address the full scope of damages in cases involving third-party liability.
Internal Organ Damage
Damage to internal organs—such as the liver, kidney, or lungs—can be life-threatening and often requires emergency surgery. These injuries are typically caused by high-impact accidents, like car crashes or falls from significant heights.
To prove liability for internal organ damage under California law, victims need to establish that the responsible party owed them a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the injuries as a result. Victims can claim both economic damages, like medical costs, and non-economic damages, like emotional distress, depending on the case.
Multiple Fractures and Crushed Bones
While a single broken bone may not qualify as a catastrophic injury, multiple fractures, crushed bones, or complex breaks that lead to chronic pain or disability are often considered catastrophic. These injuries are common in car accidents, motorcycle crashes, or falls in unsafe environments, such as construction sites.
California law allows victims to seek restitution in catastrophic bone injury cases. Plaintiff attorneys, like our team at the Law Offices of Steven Zwick, often work with medical and vocational experts to demonstrate how these injuries have profoundly affected a victim’s life.
Psychological and Emotional Injuries
While catastrophic injuries are often thought of as physical, psychological trauma can also be debilitating. Victims of extreme events, such as violent assaults or severe accidents, may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, or depression. These injuries can hinder their ability to maintain normal relationships, pursue career opportunities, or even leave the house without fear.
California Laws Impacting Catastrophic Injuries
When pursuing compensation for catastrophic injuries in California, the state has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means that victims must file their lawsuit within two years of the injury date or risk forfeiting their right to compensation.
Additionally, the state’s pure comparative negligence rule allows victims to recover damages even if they are partially at fault for the incident. However, the total award is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the victim. For example, if a victim is found to be 20% at fault, their compensation will be reduced by 20%.
What To Do If You've Experienced a Catastrophic Injury
If you have experienced a catastrophic injury, it is important to take immediate action in order to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. While the specific steps you should take may vary depending on the injury you suffered, the general steps catastrophic injury victims should always take include the following:
Seek medical attention: Even if you do not think your injuries are serious, it is crucial to get a thorough examination by a medical professional. Some injuries may not present symptoms immediately but can worsen over time if left untreated.
Document everything: Document everything related to your injury, including medical records, bills, and any other expenses incurred as a result of the incident. This will serve as evidence in your case and can help determine the extent of your injuries and the compensation you are entitled to.
Gather evidence: Take photos or videos, collect witness statements, and obtain any relevant documents such as police reports. Comprehensive evidence can help support your claim and provide the necessary information to prove negligence or fault.
Contact an attorney: An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you stay informed about your rights, including the statute of limitations for filing a claim and any laws that may apply to your specific situation, and help you explore your available options.
Contact an Experienced Personal Attorney in Orange County, California, Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury caused by someone else’s negligence, there are legal avenues available to pursue the compensation you need. At the Law Offices of Steven Zwick, we are committed to helping victims of catastrophic injuries alleviate some of the financial and emotional burdens that stem from life-altering injuries.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discover how we can help you hold the responsible parties accountable for your losses. We proudly serve clients in Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, La Habra, La Palma, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Los Alamitos, Newport Beach, Orange, Placentia, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Stanton, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, and Yorba Linda.