Los Angeles Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Author: Josh Kohanim
Founding Attorney
Wise Law Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers
Published date: June 3, 2025
Home / Los Angeles Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
Los Angeles Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Our Los Angeles catastrophic injury lawyer at Wise Law Firm supports injury victims in Southern California. Our legal experience shows that catastrophic injuries can happen anytime, and they often disrupt every aspect of daily life. We handle personal injury claims against every responsible party in many types of serious accidents.

Our legal team is here to protect your rights. Learn more about catastrophic injuries below. Then, contact us to schedule a free case review.

Our Los Angeles Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Understands How Injuries Can Be Life-Changing

Our Los Angeles Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Understands How Injuries Can Be Life-Changing

To successfully fight for victims with catastrophic injuries, we lean on our deep knowledge of personal injury law and extensive resources. At our firm, we represent individuals who face traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries that lead to lifelong complications. The track record of our personal injury lawyers showcases how we can make a profound difference in the outcome of your claim. We assess every type of injury to ensure that you have the medical treatment and financial support meet your long-term needs.

Wise Law Firm offers guidance through complex insurance matters and pushes back against large insurance companies. We understand that severe injuries cause physical pain and emotional distress that can last for years. Our personal injury attorney evaluates the full scope of damages, including property damage and lost wages. This approach helps you pursue fair compensation and regain control of your life.

What Qualifies as a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury often results in a long-term disability that prevents you from returning to work or everyday activities. Examples include brain injuries, severe burns, or major orthopedic damage that forces you to rethink your entire lifestyle. In Southern California, personal injury law firms see many of these tragedies caused by negligence or reckless behavior.

A catastrophic injury attorney can help you seek maximum compensation by filing personal injury claims or even a wrongful death suit if a loved one passes away. Situations such as medical malpractice or hazardous conditions by property owners can result in these life-altering injuries. When you face steep medical care costs and lost wages, a personal injury attorney can push for a fair settlement or even punitive damages in extreme cases.

The Life-Altering Impact of Catastrophic Injuries

The Life-Altering Impact of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries can lead to lifelong complications that bring emotional distress and mental health struggles. Many law firms lack the resources to handle these matters, but our team delves into every detail to help you move forward.

Loss of Limbs

Losing an arm or leg can affect your mobility and independence for the rest of your life. Accident lawyers see these cases often in truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, or even bicycle accidents when heavy impact crushes the body. A compassionate attorney negotiates with Insurance companies to recover the funds needed for prosthetics and rehabilitation. We also look for every negligent party that contributed to the incident.

Paralysis

Paralysis can result from damage to the spinal cord, which interrupts signals between the body and brain. This condition often requires ongoing physical therapy and specialized equipment to support basic tasks. Some victims also suffer emotional trauma, which can reduce their quality of life. Serious cases may require legal intervention if the responsible party acted recklessly.

Permanent Disability

A permanent disability can stem from severe injuries that never fully heal, such as major nerve damage. Victims may need lifelong assistance or accommodations to manage daily life. Filing a personal injury lawsuit can help you recover compensatory damages if someone else caused your disability. In some situations, courts might grant punitive damages if the at-fault party acted with extreme negligence.

Head Injuries

Head injuries, such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries, can alter your memory, coordination, and emotional well-being. Neglecting prompt diagnosis may worsen complications and reduce your treatment options. A skilled attorney reviews every medical record to ensure you receive the care you need. Act quickly because the statute of limitations may limit your time to take legal action, usually to two years.

Common Accidents Leading to Catastrophic Injuries

  • Car Accidents. Thousands of crashes happen daily in Southern California, leading to catastrophic injuries and mounting medical bills. We have a long track record of success in filing claims against reckless drivers.
  • Truck Collisions. Large vehicles can cause devastating impacts due to their massive size. The injured party might need extensive rehabilitation.
  • Workplace Mishaps. Some industries pose high risks for severe harm, including explosions or heavy machinery accidents. Wrongful death can occur if safety protocols are ignored.
  • Construction Accidents. Falling debris and unsafe conditions can result in tragic outcomes. People left with life-altering wounds may seek maximum compensation for lost wages and medical bills.
  • Slip-and-Fall Incidents. Wet floors or poorly maintained areas lead to broken bones and other injuries. In these cases, the property owner can be held accountable under premises liability.
  • Fires or Explosions. Faulty wiring or dangerous substances can ignite and cause life-altering burns. The consequences often involve repeated surgeries and a painful recovery.
  • Defective Products. Unsafe design or manufacturing flaws can lead to serious harm. You can hold the manufacturer accountable in court.

How Liability Is Determined in Severe Injury Cases

How Liability Is Determined in Severe Injury Cases

In catastrophic injury cases, you must show who caused the harm and how their conduct led to your suffering. There are two key areas of liability that often arise in these lawsuits.

Proving Negligence or Reckless Conduct

Negligence means a person failed to act with reasonable care, such as ignoring safety rules or speeding. Under California Civil Code Section 1714, individuals are generally liable for injuries caused by their lack of caution. Reckless conduct goes beyond simple mistakes and can justify higher awards from a court.

Your personal injury attorney gathers evidence, such as witness statements and accident reports. Insurers may try to downplay your case, but thorough documentation can counter their tactics. If negotiations fail, your lawyer may file a personal injury lawsuit to protect your right to compensation.

Product Liability in Catastrophic Injuries

Product liability holds manufacturers and distributors accountable if a defective item causes catastrophic injuries. Courts look at design flaws, manufacturing errors, and marketing defects when deciding fault. These elements can arise in cases involving electronics, car parts, or even medical devices.

An experienced law firm investigates how the product failed and whether warnings were clear. If the manufacturer knew about hazards and sold the product anyway, that fact can strengthen your case. Settlement discussions may involve multiple parties, especially if a distributor or retailer shared responsibility.

What Should You Do If a Loved One Suffers a Catastrophic Injury?

  1. Seek Immediate Help. Call emergency services for urgent care. Quick intervention can save lives or prevent further complications.
  2. Document Everything. Take photos, write down the events, and collect contact information. These details help build a strong case.
  3. Consult Medical Professionals. Specialized doctors can accurately assess the severity of injuries. Proper treatment is essential for long-term recovery.
  4. Contact a Lawyer. Talk to a personal injury attorney who handles catastrophic injuries. Their guidance can protect your family’s rights.
  5. Maintain Records. Keep track of medical bills, therapy costs, and other expenses. This evidence shows the financial impact of the injury.
  6. Avoid Talking to Insurers Alone. Their goal might be to minimize payouts. Let your attorney handle communication for the best outcome.
  7. Consider All Legal Options. Some cases may involve wrongful death actions or third-party claims. Explore every avenue to get the help you need.

Calculating Long-Term Damages and Future Costs

Calculating Long-Term Damages and Future Costs

Estimating future expenses requires input from economists, medical experts, and vocational specialists. They consider how your injuries affect your ability to work, your need for home modifications, and ongoing therapy costs. Law firms that handle catastrophic injury cases often collaborate with these professionals to ensure accurate calculations.

You might also face intangible losses, such as emotional distress or reduced quality of life. These losses can be part of your overall settlement or court award. Proving them requires thorough documentation and credible expert testimony.

The Legal Process of Filing a Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit

Your attorney will start by investigating the incident and gathering evidence that shows fault. Next comes the demand phase, where you attempt to negotiate an agreement with the negligent party or their insurer. If those talks fail, filing a formal lawsuit in court may be the only path forward.

During litigation, both sides exchange information through depositions and document requests. Mediation or arbitration could help resolve the dispute without a trial, though some cases reach a jury. When the evidence is strong and liability is clear, you stand a better chance of receiving a favorable outcome.

How Our Los Angeles Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Fights for You

  • Detailed Investigation. We dig into every piece of evidence, from accident reports to witness statements. This thorough approach helps pinpoint who caused your harm.
  • Negotiation Skills. Our results prove we know how to deal with insurers and defense lawyers. We push for a settlement that truly covers your losses.
  • Courtroom Representation. Sometimes, the other side refuses to offer fair terms. We stand ready to present your case to a judge and jury if needed.
  • Access to Experts. We collaborate with medical professionals, accident reconstruction teams, and financial analysts. Their insights strengthen each aspect of your claim.
  • Personalized Attention. We treat you like an individual rather than just another file. Regular updates and honest advice define our approach.

FAQs

What types of injuries are considered catastrophic?

These typically include damage that permanently affects your ability to function, such as paralysis or severe head trauma. They differ from everyday injuries because they demand extensive care and can lead to lasting disabilities.

Can I sue for a work-related catastrophic injury?

Yes, you can often seek damages if a third party caused your harm, even if workers’ compensation covers some medical bills. Consulting an attorney helps you determine if you have grounds for additional claims.

How is future care factored into settlement amounts?

Attorneys consult economists and medical experts to estimate ongoing costs. This figure becomes part of the overall damages request to ensure you have long-term support.

Are punitive damages available in these cases?

Courts may award extra damages if the at-fault person acted with extreme recklessness or intentional harm. These additional awards aim to punish the wrongdoer rather than just compensate the victim.

Do catastrophic injury cases take longer to resolve?

They often involve more complex evidence and higher stakes, which can extend the timeline. Having a dedicated attorney increases your chances of a positive outcome.

Get Help from a Los Angeles Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Get Help from a Los Angeles Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Wise Law Firm knows how to tackle catastrophic injuries with tenacity and compassion. Our contingency fee basis makes it easier for you to pursue justice without paying anything upfront. Our personal injury lawyers will be with you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our dedicated team.

Published by
josh kohanim
About The Author
Josh Kohanim, Esq., is the founder and managing attorney of Wise Law. He has dedicated his career to advocating for individuals who have suffered catastrophic personal injuries. With over a decade of extensive experience in personal injury law, including six years at a prestigious California injury law firm, Josh was mentored by some of the state’s leading trial lawyers. He has successfully represented clients in a wide array of cases, ranging from catastrophic motor vehicle accidents to intricate injuries resulting from toxic chemical exposure.

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This DMV resource explains when and how to report a car accident in California, including legal requirements for filing SR-1 forms and working with insurance providers.
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This page was written, edited, and reviewed & approved by Josh Kohanim. Josh has secured some of the largest verdicts in Los Angeles, including $6.3 million, $1.25 million, and $1 million. His approach is client-centered, focusing on providing personalized legal strategies that meet the unique needs of each client. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
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