Available 24/7If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury in Temecula due to another’s negligence, you could seek financial compensation from the parties responsible.
As a catastrophic injury victim, you could sue for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A Temecula catastrophic injury lawyer with the Sargent Law Firm can help you file a claim and manage the case while you recover from your injuries.
Injured victims in California usually only have two years to file a lawsuit after an accident has occurred. You therefore benefit from speaking with a Temecula injury lawyer as soon as possible. En Español.
Defining Catastrophic Injuries in Temecula
Every injury can have a negative impact on someone’s health, finances, and quality of life. Catastrophic injuries, however, take a severe, long-lasting toll on the injured victim and their loved ones.
California state law does not specifically define the term “catastrophic injury”. They do outline multiple definitions for “serious bodily injury” depending on the circumstances. While there is no single definition, a catastrophic injury is generally defined as an injury that significantly alters someone’s life on a long-term or permanent basis
These types of injuries often cause the victim significant pain and suffering, physically, emotionally, and financially. Some examples of serious injuries that may warrant attention from a Temecula catastrophic injury lawyer include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- Third-degree burns
- Spinal injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Crushed bones
- Stroke
- Loss of an eye or vision loss
- Development of disabling medical conditions, including mental health issues
If you suffered a serious injury due to someone’s negligent or reckless behavior, you could pursue damages through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. The Sargent Law Firm is here to guide you through the process.
We Can Help You Fight for Compensation After a Temecula Catastrophic Injury
California law lets you sue the person responsible for your catastrophic injuries if the responsible party acted negligently. Damages you could claim include the following.
Medical Expenses
Injured victims often face a long road to recovery. In some cases, a full recovery may not be possible. Catastrophic injuries typically require extensive medical care. It is common for catastrophic injury victims to need surgeries, physical therapy, psychological services, and/or in-home care.
Injured victims often endure multiple doctor visits and long hospital stays. The price tag for such extensive treatment is high. Even if you have insurance, you can quickly reach the policy maximums.
The Sargent Law Firm can help you recover medical costs related to your catastrophic injury. We work to negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault party and their insurance company while you focus on recovering your health.
Income Loss
Your time in recovery may result in lost income while you are unable to work. You may suffer from loss of business or reduced potential income due to the long-term effects of your injury. If you cannot return to work in your preferred field, you may pursue additional training or education to move into another career. In severe cases, you may be unable to perform any work for the foreseeable future.
All this income loss can translate to severe financial hardship for you and your family. The Sargent Law Firm’s catastrophic injury attorneys aim to help you recover these losses, so you do not need to worry about making ends meet after a debilitating injury that was not your fault.
Property Damage
If your catastrophic injuries occurred as a result of a motor vehicle collision, you may face extensive bills for repair and replacement of your car, motorcycle, bicycle, or other property. You should not have to pay for these expenses when someone else caused the accident.
At the Sargent Law Firm, we can help you obtain repair and replacement estimates to quantify your property losses. Our goal is to recover maximum compensation so you can return to your previous lifestyle as much as possible.
Intangible Losses
Intangible losses, also known as non-economic losses, are damages that cannot easily be quantified with documentation like receipts or pay stubs. While these losses are intangible, they are no less important to your overall well-being and quality of life.
The Sargent Law Firm’s skilled catastrophic injury attorneys in Temecula can help you establish the scope of your non-economic losses, including:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of society
- Diminished quality of life
We understand the effects a debilitating injury can have on every aspect of your life. Our personal injury attorneys are dedicated to pursuing fair compensation from the negligent parties.
Proving Negligence For a Temecula Catastrophic Injury Accident
Catastrophic injuries can arise in numerous situations, from a slip and fall accident to a motor vehicle crash or construction accident. To establish a claim against the at-fault party, you must prove that the other party was negligent, and their negligence caused your injuries.
What does it mean to be negligent? People generally have an obligation to take reasonable actions to avoid injury to others. This is called the duty of care. When a person fails in their duty of care, they can be held responsible for injuries and losses that occur as a result.
To prove negligence, our team gathers evidence to show:
- The at-fault party had a duty of care to reasonably avoid causing you injury.
- They violated their duty of care by acting in a reckless or careless manner.
- You suffered catastrophic injuries as a result of their violation of the duty of care.
- Your catastrophic injuries caused you to suffer economic and non-economic losses.
California laws regarding fault are complex, so you benefit from working with a Temecula personal injury lawyer familiar with catastrophic injury claims. At the Sargent Law Firm, we have extensive experience helping victims of catastrophic injury secure justice and fair financial compensation for their losses. Allow us to use our knowledge and resources to defend your legal rights.
Negligence in a Motor Vehicle Accident
One of the most common causes of catastrophic injuries in Temecula is motor vehicle accidents. Whether they involve multiple vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists, auto accidents pose a danger to everyone involved.
Not every auto accident is the result of negligence. However, when a negligent driver does cause a crash, California law states they are responsible for a victim’s injuries.
For example, if someone was texting while driving and caused a car wreck, they could be considered negligent. The distracted driver has a legal duty of care to avoid accidents when possible. They breached that obligation by texting while driving. They could be held civilly liable for any catastrophic injuries resulting from the crash.
Speak with a Temecula catastrophic injury lawyer with the Sargent Law firm to learn how California negligence law may affect your claim. During your free consultation, we can review your case details and advise whether you have grounds to pursue the at-fault party for negligence.
Advantages of Working With Our Temecula Catastrophic Injury Lawyers
Proving negligence is just one of several steps you must take to successfully recover compensation after a catastrophic injury. The Sargent Law Firm’s dedicated legal team can explain the legal process and guide you through your claim.
We Put Our Heart Into Our Work
At the Sargent Law Firm, we understand that a catastrophic injury is a traumatic life-altering experience that affects you and your family members for years to come. We handle every case with the personal attention it deserves.
We Have a Proven Record of Success
Our legal team knows your injuries affect you and your family in unique ways, which is why we provide focused advocacy tailored to your needs. Our client testimonials show appreciation for our open communication, personal approach, and assertive advocacy. These methods have proven effective, with millions of dollars in judgments, verdicts, and settlements recovered on behalf of our injury clients.
We Make Working With Us Easy
Once you sign a contract, we take care of everything relating to your case from then on. We notify the at-fault party, insurance company, and any other involved parties immediately. That way, you can stop fielding calls, emails, and letters and focus on healing.
We Offer Representation on Contingency
Financial difficulties can arise quickly following a catastrophic injury. Regular expenses may seem insurmountable, let alone hiring an attorney. We understand the challenges you face after a serious accident.
We can help relieve some of that burden by representing you on a contingency fee basis. On a contingency agreement, we provide our legal services at no upfront cost to you. You only pay us out of your settlement or award once we win your case. If we don’t win, you don’t pay for our services.
Comprehensive Legal Representation From Skilled Catastrophic Injury Attorneys in Temecula
When you hire the Sargent Law Firm for your catastrophic injury claim, you can expect comprehensive services from a full-service personal injury firm. To pursue justice and fair compensation on your behalf we can:
Compile Documents
Our team compiles all the necessary documentation to establish the cause of your catastrophic injury, determine who was at fault, and prove the full extent of your losses. Documented evidence may include:
- Medical records and bills
- Treatment and rehabilitation plans
- Videos or photos of the accident
- Repair estimates for property damage
- Financial statements, pay stubs, and other proof of income
We thoroughly investigate each case to ensure all the at-fault parties are held accountable for their negligent actions.
Procure Witness Statements
Whether you suffered catastrophic injuries in a car accident or on a worksite, witness statements can provide crucial details to support your case. Our personal injury attorneys contact witnesses to obtain statements as soon as possible after the accident. By securing witness testimony promptly, we can obtain critical details they may forget later.
Seek Expert Opinions
Expert testimony can help prove the extent and severity of your injuries. The insurance company or judge may require documents from a medical expert certifying your disability or impairment. You could also require testimony from a medical professional explaining the need for nursing care, rehabilitation, and other medical assistance.
Economic or financial experts can also provide testimony to support your claim for lost future income. This is especially useful if your injuries prevent you from advancing your career or growing an existing business.
Negotiate With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies aim to protect their profits, often over the well-being of claimants. When you file a claim for your catastrophic injury, they may deny you a settlement or offer a lower amount than you deserve. Sargent Law Firm is accustomed to handling such negotiations. Let our team fight for your right to a fair settlement.
File a Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Party
Many personal injury lawsuits settle out of court. However, catastrophic injury claims tend to have higher stakes due to the severe long-term effects associated with such injuries. Filing a personal injury lawsuit lets the insurance company know you are serious about recovering fair compensation for your losses.
In addition, a catastrophic injury lawsuit may allow you to claim additional damages you could not secure through an insurance claim. Non-economic damages such as mental anguish and pain and suffering are frequently overlooked in an insurance claim.
Our compassionate catastrophic injury lawyers in Temecula are dedicated to helping injured people recover financially, mentally, and physically. No matter how complex your case, we can provide the legal support you deserve.
Legal Deadline to File a Catastrophic Injury Claim in Temecula
California’s statute of limitations allows only two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. If your injuries require inpatient care, surgery, and other intensive treatment, the legal deadline may approach faster than you expect.
Rather than worrying about legal time frames, contact our Temecula personal injury firm as soon as possible following your accident. We can begin working on your case right away while you and your family work on recovering.
Talk to a Temecula Catastrophic Injury Attorney Today
If you recently suffered a severe injury that resulted in high medical bills and lost income, our Temecula catastrophic injury lawyers are here to help. We have the knowledge, experience, and resources to support you throughout your claim and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact the Sargent Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options.
