When you or a loved one experiences a catastrophic injury, it’s more than just the physical pain—it’s the sudden shift in your daily life. Everyday tasks become difficult, and there’s a constant worry about the future.
At Peerali Law, we understand what you’re going through. Based in Southern California, we’ve helped many people in Santa Monica and beyond move forward after life-changing injuries.
Our approach is personal. You deserve a legal team that will listen, care about your situation, and support you every step of the way. Working with a Santa Monica catastrophic injury lawyer from Peerali Law means receiving legal representation from a team committed to your recovery.
We focus on building a solid case to secure the compensation you need while helping you get the proper medical care.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury isn’t just a temporary setback—it’s an injury that leads to long-term or permanent changes in your life. These injuries can require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, or daily assistance.
Some examples include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI),
- Spinal cord injuries leading to partial or complete paralysis,
- Severe burns,
- Amputations,
- Organ damage, and
- Multiple fractures.
At Peerali Law, we work with medical experts to fully understand the extent of your injury. This allows your Santa Monica catastrophic injury attorney to build a strong case for the compensation you need, covering your current and future care.
What Causes Catastrophic Injuries?
Catastrophic injuries often happen unexpectedly, usually due to negligence or unsafe conditions. Some common causes include:
- Motor vehicle accidents. Car, truck, and motorcycle collisions can result in catastrophic injuries like brain trauma or spinal damage that change lives forever.
- Workplace accidents. Falls at construction sites, malfunctioning equipment, or exposure to hazardous materials can cause catastrophic injuries. Workers’ compensation may not cover all costs, so it is important to explore other legal options.
- Slip and fall accidents. Falls, especially in unsafe environments, can have lasting effects, particularly on older adults.
- Medical malpractice. Doctor errors, such as surgical mistakes or misdiagnoses, can lead to permanent injury.
- Defective products. Faulty machinery, medical devices, or everyday products can cause serious harm when they malfunction.
- Violent acts. Assaults or other violent incidents can lead to long-term physical and emotional challenges.
No matter the cause, we carefully investigate each case, working to identify the responsible parties and hold them accountable. Your Santa Monica catastrophic injury lawyer will help ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
How Can a Catastrophic Injury Affect My Life?
Catastrophic injuries impact more than just your physical health—they affect your entire life and those around you. These injuries can have long-lasting or permanent consequences, including:
- Physical limitations—you may face challenges with mobility, paralysis, or ongoing pain that require assistive devices or regular therapy;
- Emotional challenges—dealing with anxiety, depression, or PTSD after such an injury can take a toll on your emotional well-being and relationships;
- Loss of independence—many people need help with daily tasks, often relying on caregivers or family members for support;
- Financial strain—the expenses from medical treatments, rehabilitation, and lost income can add up quickly, putting financial pressure on you and your family; and
- Impact on family—loved ones often take on new roles, such as caregiving, and adjust to changes in their daily lives and responsibilities.
At Peerali Law, we take the time to understand how these changes affect your life. We can help you seek the compensation needed to support your recovery and future.
What Are the California Laws Related to Catastrophic Injuries?
Let’s take a look at several laws in California that govern catastrophic injury cases.
Statute of Limitations
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including catastrophic injuries, is generally two years from the date of the injury. However, this can vary depending on the circumstances. For instance, if the injury was caused by medical malpractice, a different statute of limitations may apply. It’s important to act quickly to protect your legal rights.
Comparative Fault
California follows a pure comparative fault rule. This means that even if you are partially at fault for your injury, you can still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault for an accident, your damages will be reduced by 20%.
Damages Cap
While California does not impose a cap on damages for economic losses (such as medical bills or lost wages), there is a cap on noneconomic damages in certain cases. For example, noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering are capped at $350,000 in medical malpractice cases.
Workers’ Compensation for Workplace Injuries
If your catastrophic injury occurred on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. In California, this system helps cover medical treatment, lost wages, and, in some cases, permanent disability. If a third party, like a subcontractor or a manufacturer, played a role in causing your injury, you might also be able to seek additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
Strict Liability for Defective Products
California’s strict liability laws ensure that if a defective product caused your injury, the manufacturer or seller can be held responsible, even if they weren’t directly negligent. This applies to situations involving faulty machinery, medical devices, or other consumer products that led to your injury.
By working with Peerali Law, you can be sure that these laws and regulations will be thoroughly considered when we build your case. We are committed to ensuring you receive the full compensation allowed under California law.
What Compensation Can I Receive for a Catastrophic Injury?
You can pursue compensation if someone else’s actions led to your injury. You may be entitled to compensation for any of the following costs.
- Medical costs—immediate medical treatment, ongoing care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any other necessary medical care or equipment;
- Lost wages—lost wages from missed work and potential future earnings loss;
- Pain and suffering—physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injury;
- Home modifications—changes to your living environment, such as adding ramps or adjusting doorways; and
- Caregiver expenses—if a family member must upend their life to care for you or if you need to hire help.
At Peerali Law, we work to ensure that the compensation you receive fully reflects the impact of your injury.
Contact a Santa Monica Catastrophic Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, you may be facing an entirely new set of challenges. At Peerali Law, our Santa Monica catastrophic injury lawyers are dedicated to helping you move forward and reclaim your future.
No amount of money can undo what has happened, but fair compensation can make a meaningful difference in your recovery and future. We know the emotional and financial toll a catastrophic injury can take on you and your loved ones. We aim to ensure no one has to face these challenges alone, especially when someone else’s reckless behavior caused the injury.
Led by our founders, Kristopher and Serena Peerali, we believe that a boutique firm’s personalized approach allows us to give each case the focus and care it deserves. We’re here to listen, understand your situation, and provide the support you need. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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