Experienced Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
What Is A Catastrophic Injury?
Catastrophic injuries can occur in various situations, with common causes including:
- Car accidents and motorcycle crashes
- Construction site accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Sports injuries
- Defective products
- Acts of violence
- The Impact of Catastrophic Injuries
The consequences of a catastrophic injury can be profound, impacting not just the injured person but their loved ones as well. These injuries often result in:
- Physical hardship: Chronic pain, loss of mobility, or the need for ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Emotional suffering: Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common.
- Financial strain: Loss of income, mounting medical bills, and expenses related to long-term care or specialized equipment.
If your serious bicycle accident case is undervalued by the insurance company, or if their representatives indicate that an offer won’t be improved during negotiations, consider contacting Hoybjerg Law for a free initial consultation.
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, securing the help of an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial. They can guide you through the complex legal process and help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Hoybjerg Law is here to help you understand your legal options and the scope of your claim. Schedule your free consultation to take the first step toward justice and fair compensation.
Hoybjerg’s Law Firm Process
Hoybjerg Law 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Traumatic brain injuries range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. TBIs often result from vehicle collisions, slip and fall accidents, sports injuries, or workplace incidents. The repercussions of a TBI can be extensive, impacting cognitive abilities, memory, personality, and physical functions. Due to their severity, these cases often involve complex medical evidence and expert testimony.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury can lead to partial or complete paralysis, fundamentally changing the life of the victim and their family. These injuries are typically caused by vehicle accidents, falls, or acts of violence. The medical expenses and ongoing care requirements for a person with a spinal cord injury can be immense, making legal compensation essential for the victim’s quality of life.
Severe Burn Injuries
Burn injuries not only cause intense physical pain but also lead to permanent scarring, disfigurement, and psychological trauma. High-degree burns can be caused by fires, chemical exposure, electrical accidents, or defective products. Victims often need multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and rehabilitation, leading to high medical costs and emotional distress.
Amputations and Loss of Limbs
Losing a limb can result from industrial accidents, vehicle collisions, or defective products. Amputations profoundly affect a person’s mobility and ability to perform daily tasks, necessitating prosthetics, rehabilitation, and significant lifestyle changes. Compensation cases often cover medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
Organ Damage and Internal Injuries
Internal injuries may not always be immediately visible but can be just as life-altering as external trauma. Damage to vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs can have long-term health implications and may require ongoing treatment or surgery. These types of injuries often result from severe impacts in car crashes, sports injuries, or falls.
Serious Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries
While some fractures can heal relatively quickly, complex or multiple fractures can lead to permanent disability, chronic pain, or reduced mobility. Such injuries often require surgery, physical therapy, and extended recovery periods. If negligence plays a role, pursuing legal action can help cover the extensive costs associated with these treatments.
Common Causes of Catastrophic Injury
Car Collisions: High-speed crashes, T-bone, or head-on collisions.
Truck Accidents: Collisions involving large commercial trucks.
Motorcycle Accidents: Often result in severe trauma due to lack of protection.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents: Particularly when involving motor vehicles.
Construction Accidents: Falls from heights, equipment malfunctions, or heavy machinery injuries.
Industrial Accidents: Exposure to hazardous materials or explosions.
Repetitive Stress Injuries: Severe, long-term damage from repetitive tasks.
Surgical Errors: Mistakes during operations leading to permanent damage.
Misdiagnosis: Resulting in progression of untreated severe conditions.
Birth Injuries: Trauma during delivery affecting the baby or mother.
Gunshot Wounds: Often causing severe, life-altering injuries.
Stabbings or Blunt Force Trauma: Leading to brain or spinal cord injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): From contact sports or extreme sports.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Resulting from falls, impacts, or improper equipment use.
Falls from Heights: Staircases, ladders, or uneven surfaces.
Slippery or Unsafe Surfaces: Resulting in head trauma or fractures.
Faulty Machinery: Leading to workplace injuries or equipment accidents.
Dangerous Consumer Products: Malfunctioning or improperly labeled items causing harm.
Airplane Crashes: Severe injuries from turbulence or collisions.
Train Derailments: Catastrophic injuries from large-scale accidents.
Fires or Explosions: Burns or injuries from collapsing structures.
Floods or Earthquakes: Resulting in crush injuries or long-term disabilities.
Common Catastrophic Injuries
Severe Concussions: Causing cognitive or physical impairments.
Skull Fractures: Resulting in brain damage.
Diffuse Axonal Injuries: Widespread damage to brain tissue.
Paraplegia: Loss of function in the lower body.
Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia): Loss of function in all four limbs.
Partial Paralysis: Limited movement or sensation.
Loss of Limbs: Due to trauma or surgical removal after severe injury.
Digit Amputations: Loss of fingers or toes, impacting fine motor skills.
Third-Degree Burns: Extensive tissue and nerve damage.
Chemical Burns: Resulting from exposure to hazardous substances.
Kidney Damage: Requiring dialysis or transplant.
Liver Damage: Potentially life-threatening and requiring intensive treatment.
Lung Damage: Often caused by smoke inhalation or trauma.
Complex Fractures: Requiring multiple surgeries or leading to permanent disability.
Crush Injuries: Severe damage to muscles, bones, and tissues.
Blindness: Total or partial loss of sight due to trauma.
Deafness: Total or partial hearing loss from explosions or head injuries.
Ruptured Organs: Such as the spleen, lungs, or intestines.
Severe Internal Bleeding: Causing life-threatening complications.
Facial Injuries: Severe scarring or damage requiring reconstructive surgery.
Loss of Function: In hands, feet, or facial muscles.
Chronic Pain Syndromes: Like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
Loss of Cognitive Abilities: Due to neurological damage.
