The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that in the United States, there are more than 4.5 million serious injuries caused by accidents each year. These injuries can include broken bones, amputations, spinal cord injuries, and other types of trauma that can lead to long-term disability or death.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports an estimated 2.87 million traumatic brain injury-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths in the U.S. each year.
Paul Hoybjerg is an experienced catastrophic injury attorney with a personable approach to the circumstances surrounding his client's case.
What Is A Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury is a severe and debilitating injury that typically results in long-term or permanent disability or death. These types of catastrophic injuries include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, severe burns, and multiple fractures.
Catastrophic injuries can occur in a variety of ways, but the common causes are car accidents, motorcycle accidents, construction accidents, medical malpractice, and workplace accidents. They can also result from sports injuries, defective products, and acts of violence.
The effects of a catastrophic injury can be life-altering and include physical, emotional, and financial hardship, with physical effects ranging from chronic pain to the loss of mobility and the need for long-term medical care. Emotional effects may include depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Financial consequences may consist of loss of income, high medical expenses, and the need for long-term care.
What Is A Personal Injury Lawsuit?
In broad terms, an injured person can file a claim against the party who allegedly caused the injury through negligence. The lawsuit allows you to seek compensation, such as lost wages, medical bills/medical costs from medical treatment, and other pain and suffering costs.
If you believe your catastrophic injury claim is worth more than the insurance company offers, and the company's representative indicates it's unlikely the offer will increase during injury settlement negotiations, then you must take advantage of Hoybjerg Law's free initial consultation.
California's personal injury statute of limitations is two years, meaning if you or your loved one continues to suffer from injuries sustained during an accident, you can file a lawsuit.
Do not cash a check or sign paperwork if you've suffered a catastrophic injury without legal guidance. Doing so may limit your ability to seek legal recourse.
Our personal injury attorney, Paul Hoybjerg, can help you determine your lawsuit's scope and your options when you meet with him.
Hoybjerg Law Firm's Process
Paul Hoybjerg is an experienced catastrophic attorney representing claims with common injuries, severe injuries, or wrongful death.
While each lawsuit differs, Hoybjerg Law follows a proven legal process to achieve results.
1. Free Initial Consultation
The aftermath of an accident can be disorienting, with insurance companies rushing you to settle, especially if you or a loved one suffered a severe injury. Our free consultation will allow you to get to know our law firm. We'll listen to your concerns and answer your questions. Our philosophy is that if we don't win, you don't pay, which is reflected in our free consultation.
2. Investigate The Accident
We obtain the police report about your accident, examine photos and videos from the scene where the accident happened, and speak to relevant witnesses. When we have established liability, we begin to build your personal injury claim.
3. Build Your Claim
We want you to receive the care you need to live your life as close to how you did before your accident. When there is nothing more doctors can do, we help you gather your medical records, medical bills, and other medical expenses incurred. It's important to seek us out as early as possible so that you receive treatment and build your claim before the two-year statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit.
4. Negotiate A Settlement
We will send out a demand package – a collection of all the medical bills and documents that illustrate your injuries, wage loss, etc., since the accident – to the at-fault party's insurance company. Paul Hoybjerg and his team will negotiate in your best interest to ensure you receive a fair offer.
5. Litigate Your Case
While we hope to settle, there are times when your claim must go to court. Our team will aggressively represent you and pursue an outcome in your best interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Catastrophic Injuries
The long-term effects of a catastrophic injury can vary depending on the type of injury and the individual's specific circumstances. However, some common long-term effects of catastrophic injuries include the following:
- Physical impairment: Catastrophic injuries can result in permanent physical impairment, such as loss of mobility, chronic pain, and the need for long-term medical care.
- Emotional distress: The emotional toll of a catastrophic injury can be significant and can include depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Financial burden: Catastrophic injuries can result in significant financial burdens, such as loss of income, high medical expenses, and the need for long-term care.
- Loss of independence: Many individuals with catastrophic injuries cannot live independently and require assistance with basic activities of daily living.
- Difficulty in returning to work: Many individuals with catastrophic injuries may not be able to return to their previous occupation or may require accommodation.
- Social isolation: The physical, emotional, and financial effects of a catastrophic injury can lead to social isolation and reduced quality of life.
Loss of cognitive function: Catastrophic injuries can also result in cognitive impairments, such as memory loss, difficulty with attention, and difficulty with decision-making.
It's important to note that the long-term effects of a catastrophic injury can vary depending on the type of injury and the individual's specific circumstances. It's also important to understand that some of the effects may appear later on, even if the injury itself was initially considered minor.
The value of a catastrophic injury lawsuit in California can vary depending on several factors, including the specific details of the case, the severity of the injury, and the evidence presented in court. It is difficult to estimate the value of a lawsuit without reviewing the specific details of the case.
In general, a catastrophic injury lawsuit may seek compensation for a variety of damages, including:
- Medical expenses: The cost of past and future medical care, including doctor visits, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to the injury
- Loss of earning capacity: Compensation for the loss of earning potential if the individual is unable to return to work.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional pain and suffering.
- Loss of consortium: Compensation for the loss of companionship and support for the individual's loved ones.
In California, there is no cap on the amount of damages that can be awarded for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. However, there is a cap on the amount of damages that can be awarded for medical expenses and lost wages, which is currently set at $250,000.
It is important to note that every case is unique, and the value of a catastrophic injury lawsuit in California can vary greatly depending on the specific details of the case. You must consult a catastrophic injury lawyer who can help you understand the value of your case and potential compensation. They will be able to review your case and evaluate the evidence, as well as help you navigate the legal process and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
The length of a catastrophic injury lawsuit in California can vary depending on a number of factors, including the complexity of the case, the number of parties involved, and the evidence that is presented in court. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few months to several years for a catastrophic injury lawsuit to be resolved.
The process typically begins with filing a complaint and the service of the complaint on the defendant(s). The defendant(s) will then have the opportunity to respond to the complaint, which can include filing a motion to dismiss or an answer. After the defendant(s) respond, the discovery process begins. This process involves the exchange of evidence and information between the parties and can include depositions, document production, and expert witness testimony.
Once the discovery process is completed, the parties may negotiate a settlement. If a settlement is not reached, the case will proceed to trial. The length of the trial will depend on the complexity of the case and the number of witnesses and evidence that are presented.
It's important to note that the length of a catastrophic injury lawsuit in California can vary greatly depending on the specific details of the case. Some cases may be resolved quickly through settlement, while others may take several years. Additionally, the legal process can be time-consuming and complex, and it's crucial to have legal representation to help you navigate the process and ensure that your rights are protected.
A Personable Personal Injury Lawyer
At Hoybjerg Law, your free case evaluation, legal counsel, and legal fees – your entire legal recourse – are paid for by your settlement. Our firm has the incentive to help you recover compensation because you don't pay if we don't win. That's our entire business model, including catastrophic injuries and other types of personal injury cases.
Most personal injury attorneys work for big law firms based in Los Angeles or the Bay Area. Paul Hoybjerg and his team live in the area they represent, ensuring Hoybjerg Law clients have a local advocate to reach a fair settlement.
Paul takes the time to listen to clients to determine the best strength of their personal injury claim and has successfully won cases for his clients against major corporations and goliath insurance conglomerates that try to bully injured parties. Paul does not back down and advocates for his clients, making sure their voices are heard, and their rights protected.