 |
|
Frequently Asked Questions about California Catastrophic Injuries
Q: What is a "catastrophic" injury?
A: Injuries are often called "catastrophic" when the physical injuries to a person are especially severe, and require extensive medical treatment. The injuries may involve damage to a person's central nervous system, and this may affect other bodily systems or functions. Catastrophic injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Brain injuries
- Amputations
- Burns over a large portion of the body
- Loss of an eye
- Injuries to the nerves in the chest, shoulder, and arm (brachial plexus)
- Multiple fractures
In addition, many people who suffer catastrophic injuries also suffer depression or other emotional problems because of the limitations put on them by their injuries.
Q: Are catastrophic injuries permanent?
A: Not all catastrophic injuries are permanent. Those injuries that are not permanent will usually take a very long time-months, or years-to reach a full recovery. In some cases, especially those involving children, the actual extent of the injury may not be known until much time has passed after the accident. Emotional injuries may also be a problem for a long time after the physical injuries have healed. The effects of a catastrophic injury may linger for a long period of time.
Q: What may cause a catastrophic injury?
A: Catastrophic injuries may be caused by almost any type of accident. Catastrophic injuries may result from
- Motor vehicle collisions
- Construction accidents
- Fires
- Sports injuries
- Farm machinery accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Defective products
Almost any accident can result in catastrophic injury. It is the misfortune of the victim that decides if an injury is catastrophic.
Q: What kind of compensation may I recover for my injuries?
A: An injured person may be awarded compensation, or damages, for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical expenses
- Expenses to care for the injured person
- Lost income
- Loss of income in the future
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium, or spousal relations
In some cases, an injured person may be able to collect punitive damages, which are meant to punish a person who acted badly. Punitive damages, if any, would be in addition to the damages listed.
If you read reports of verdicts or settlements in catastrophic injury cases, you may be struck by the large amounts of money involved. Remember that this money is meant to pay for many different, and expensive, things: extra medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering. A catastrophic injury takes away part of a person's life, and money damages are the law's way of attempting to pay for that loss.
DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.
Return to Main
|
Estamos a sus órdenes si usted desea traducción del español al inglés o al revés
CV, BV, and AV are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards, and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories - legal ability and general ethical standards.
The law office of Testa & Associates provides legal representation to individuals and businesses in the North County area of San Diego County , including the communities of San Marcos, Escondido, Fallbrook, Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Rancho Penesquitos, Carmel Valley, La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas, Cardiff, Solana Beach, Pacific Beach, Downtown San Diego, Mission Valley, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Rancho Santa Fe, and La Mesa, and the Riverside County communities of Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, Hemet, Norco, Corona, Moreno Valley, Beaumont, Banning, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indio, San Jacinto, Menifee, La Quinta, and Cathedral City.
|
|
|
 |
| Accident Law |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
| |
| Personal Injury Law |
|
| |
| |
|
| |
| |
|
| |
| |
| |
|
| |
| |
|
Testa & Associates, LLP
570 Rancheros Drive
Suite 250
San Marcos, CA 92069
Phone: (760) 891-0490
Fax: (760) 891-0495
|
| |
|
|
|
|
