San Diego Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

A severe traumatic injury can change a person’s life in an instant. When someone suffers serious physical impairment due to negligence, the consequences often extend far beyond the initial accident. In San Diego, California, catastrophic injury cases typically involve ongoing care needs and require careful legal evaluation. This page explains how catastrophic injury claims are handled in San Diego and throughout San Diego County, and what injured individuals and families should know before moving forward.

When Injuries Permanently Change Lives

Catastrophic injuries are different from routine accident cases. These injuries often result in loss of independence, making early decisions critically important. Individuals injured in San Diego and nearby areas such as Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, and Del Mar may face overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about the future. A methodical approach focused on long-term consequences is essential when pursuing a catastrophic injury claim.

What Is Considered a Catastrophic Injury in San Diego?

A catastrophic injury is generally one that results in lasting disability. Unlike minor or moderate injuries, catastrophic injuries often affect a person’s ability to work, care for themselves, or enjoy daily activities. Common examples of catastrophic injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Paralysis and spinal trauma
• Amputations
• Permanent burn and scarring injuries
• Multiple fractures with complications
• Internal organ damage

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries often arise from high-impact or dangerous incidents. In San Diego and across San Diego County County, these injuries frequently result from:

• Serious motor vehicle accidents
• Vehicle strikes involving pedestrians or cyclists
• Commercial truck accidents
• Construction and industrial accidents
• Premises liability accidents
• Defective products

Why Catastrophic Injury Cases Are More Complex

Catastrophic injury claims often involve higher financial stakes. Insurance companies may aggressively challenge these cases due to the potential cost of future care, lost earning capacity, and non-economic damages. Evaluating a catastrophic injury claim typically requires analyzing:

• Future medical treatment
• Ongoing physical and occupational therapy
• Reduced ability to work or earn income
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Catastrophic Injuries – Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a catastrophic injury claim?

In California, personal injury claims are generally subject to a statute of limitations. However, cases involving government entities may require earlier notice. Determining deadlines early is important to avoid losing the right to pursue compensation.

How is compensation calculated in catastrophic injury cases?

Compensation is based on both current and future losses. This may include medical expenses, future care costs, lost income, and non-economic damages related to long-term suffering and disability. Each case is evaluated based on its unique facts.

What if the injury prevents me from returning to work?

If a catastrophic injury limits or eliminates the ability to work, loss of earning capacity may be a significant component of the claim. Economic experts are often used to evaluate long-term financial impact.

Are catastrophic injury cases resolved quickly?

Because of their complexity, catastrophic injury cases often take longer than standard injury claims. Rushing a case may result in compensation that fails to account for future medical and financial needs.