Experienced Fresno Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
Fresno Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
Find out why we have some of the best Fresno personal injury lawyers
Have You or a Loved One Experienced a Catastrophic Injury?
Fresno catastrophic injury lawyer, Goldberg & Loren, is here to help. With years of experience representing clients with serious injuries, we understand the challenges and complexities that come with these cases. We are committed to fighting for your rights and getting you the compensation you deserve.
If you are in need of a lawyer who will advocate for you and help you navigate the legal process, look no further. Our team of dedicated attorneys is ready to take on your case and provide the support you need during this difficult time. Don’t let your injury go without proper representation.
Contact us for a free consultation today, and let us fight for justice on your behalf.
What is a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury is a severe and life-altering event that can have devastating consequences for the victim and their loved ones. Unlike minor injuries that may heal with time, catastrophic injuries often leave permanent physical or psychological impairments.
One of the distinguishing factors of catastrophic injuries is their long-term impact on a person’s quality of life. Victims often require extensive medical care, rehabilitation services, and ongoing assistance to manage their condition. Not only do catastrophic injuries result in exorbitant medical expenses, but they can also lead to a significant loss of income due to temporary or permanent disability. The road to recovery can be long and arduous, and financial burdens can quickly become overwhelming.
Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers in Fresno is here to help.
Causes of Catastrophic Injuries
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Whether it’s a car, truck, or motorcycle collision, the impact can be severe and result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or even loss of limbs. Factors such as speeding, reckless driving, and impaired driving contribute to the severity of these accidents.
Workplace Accidents
Construction sites, factories, and industrial settings are particularly prone to accidents that can cause severe harm, such as falls from heights, being struck by heavy objects, or exposure to hazardous materials.
Medical Malpractice
Surgical errors, misdiagnoses, or medication mistakes can lead to devastating consequences for patients, including permanent disabilities or organ damage. Negligence or carelessness on the part of medical professionals can have life-altering effects on patients and their families.
Acts of Violence
These criminal acts can result in severe physical harm, including gunshot wounds, stab wounds, or explosions, often leading to long-term disabilities or even wrongful death. The psychological trauma resulting from such acts can also have a profound impact on victims.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs can occur due to a severe blow or jolt to the head, causing damage to the brain. These injuries can result in cognitive impairments, memory loss, speech difficulties, and changes in behavior or personality. TBIs can profoundly and last affect a person's ability to function independently.
- Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI): SCIs occur when the spinal cord is damaged, leading to loss of motor function and sensation below the site of injury. Depending on the severity, individuals with SCIs may experience partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care and assistance.
An estimated 17,810 people each year develop spinal cord injuries. And that is just one of many types of catastrophic injuries. [1]
- Loss of Limbs: Amputations or severe injuries that require surgical removal of limbs can have a significant impact on a person's physical capabilities and emotional well-being. Prosthetics and adaptive technologies can help mitigate the effects of limb loss, but it's a lifelong adjustment process.
- Severe Burn Injuries: Burns, especially those that cover a large area of the body or penetrate deep tissue layers, can cause excruciating pain, scarring, and physical limitations. In addition to the physical trauma, burn survivors may also struggle with psychological trauma and emotional distress.
- Organ Damage: Catastrophic injuries can lead to damage or loss of vital organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys. Organ damage often requires organ transplant surgeries or lifelong medical interventions, impacting a person's overall health and well-being.
- Psychological Trauma: Catastrophic injuries not only cause physical harm but often result in psychological trauma as well. Survivors may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders, requiring therapy and support to cope with the emotional aftermath.
About 13 million people suffer from PTSD in a given year. [2]
What Should You Do After a Catastrophic Injury?
Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
Get medical help right away, even if your injuries don’t seem severe at first. Some catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or internal organ damage, may not show immediate symptoms but can have long-term consequences. Prompt medical attention ensures your health and documents the extent of your injuries for your personal injury claim.
Document Everything:
Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, doctor visits, medications, and any other expenses related to your injury. This documentation will be essential when seeking compensation for your medical bills and ongoing care. If possible, take photos of your injuries as visual evidence can strengthen your case.
Report the Incident:
If your catastrophic injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, report the incident to the appropriate authorities. This is particularly important in cases involving motor vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, or premises liability incidents. File a police or incident report at your workplace, as these documents can provide evidence for your personal injury claim.
Consult with our Fresno Catastrophic Injury Lawyer:
Consult with our Fresno catastrophic injury lawyers who specialize in personal injury law. Our experienced lawyers will evaluate your case, guide you through the legal process, and fight for your rights to obtain fair compensation.
Do Not Speak to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Counsel:
Insurance companies may contact you shortly after the incident to obtain a statement or offer a settlement. Insurance adjusters are looking out for their company’s best interests and may try to minimize your claim or pressure you into accepting a low settlement. It’s best to consult with our attorneys before communicating with any insurance company to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Preserve Evidence:
This includes keeping copies of medical records, gathering witness statements, and retaining any physical evidence, such as damaged clothing or equipment involved in the incident. This evidence will play a role in building a strong case to support your personal injury claim.
Follow Your Doctor's Orders:
Adhere to all prescribed medical treatments, therapies, and follow-up appointments recommended by your healthcare providers. Failing to comply with their instructions may weaken your case, as it can be argued that you neglected your own recovery. By demonstrating that you are actively seeking medical care and following professional advice, you strengthen your claim for compensation.
Focus on Emotional Healing:
Catastrophic injuries often result in emotional distress, post-traumatic stress, and other mental health issues. Seek therapy or counseling to address the emotional impact of your injury. Prioritize your mental well-being and ensure you can move forward and regain control of your life.
Compensation for Catastrophic Injury Claims
- Medical Expenses: Catastrophic injuries often require extensive medical care, which can result in significant medical expenses. Compensation can help cover your hospital bills, surgeries, medications, therapies, rehabilitation, and any necessary assistive devices or modifications to your home or vehicle.
- Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: If your catastrophic injury prevents you from working or limits your earning capacity, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you have lost and will continue to lose in the future. This includes wages, bonuses, commissions, and any other employment benefits or opportunities you have missed or will miss due to your injury.
- Pain and Suffering: Catastrophic injuries can lead to severe physical pain and emotional suffering. Compensation for pain and suffering is not easily quantifiable, but it aims to provide financial relief for the physical discomfort, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life you have experienced.
- Emotional Distress and Mental Health Treatment: Dealing with a catastrophic injury can have a significant impact on your emotional well-being. Compensation can help cover the cost of therapy, counseling, or other mental health treatments necessary to address emotional distress, post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues resulting from your injury.
- Loss of Consortium: If your catastrophic injury has affected your ability to have a normal relationship with your spouse, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of consortium. This seeks to address the loss of companionship, intimacy, and support that you and your spouse have suffered as a direct result of your injury.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the responsible party's actions were particularly egregious or intentional, you may be eligible for punitive damages. These damages aim to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Fresno Catastrophic Personal Injury Lawyer Goldberg & Loren
Goldberg & Loren is a leading Fresno law firm specializing in catastrophic personal injury cases. With decades of experience and a strong track record of successful outcomes, our team of dedicated personal injury attorneys is committed to helping clients obtain fair compensation for their injuries.
The skilled attorneys at Goldberg & Loren understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges faced by catastrophic injury victims, and they are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation.
Our legal team has successfully handled numerous personal injury lawsuits involving catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and severe burn injuries. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take the case to trial and fight diligently for our client’s rights in court.
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions, seek the help of our Fresno personal injury lawyers like Goldberg & Loren.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how they can assist you in your catastrophic personal injury claim.
Sources:
[1] Bieber, C. (2023, January 20). What Is A Catastrophic Injury? Forbes Advisor. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/personal-injury/catastrophic-injury/
[2] Digital, A. (2023, August 31). PTSD Statistics and Facts to know in 2024. The Recovery Village Drug and Alcohol Rehab. https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/ptsd/ptsd-statistics/
We fight hard for our clients who have suffered a catastrophic injury in Fresno. Our personal injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation.
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