San Diego Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

When a catastrophic injury caused by an individual’s negligence leaves you with lasting physical or cognitive damage, the challenges extend far beyond the initial medical emergency. Ongoing treatment, reduced earning ability, and the need for daily assistance can place an overwhelming burden on both you and your family. You deserve legal guidance that recognizes the seriousness of what you’re facing and treats your case with the attention it demands.

At the Law Offices of Mark C. Blane, APC, our experienced San Diego catastrophic injury lawyer takes a hands-on, client-focused approach to catastrophic injury cases. We’ll take the time to understand how your injury affects your daily life, your work, and your long-term plans. This allows us to pursue compensation from the negligent party’s insurance company that accounts not only for today’s losses but also for the care and support you may need for years to come.

With extensive experience handling serious injury claims throughout San Diego, attorney Mark Blane is committed to providing steady guidance, clear communication, and strong advocacy from start to finish. He has a track record of success in settling and obtaining jury verdicts in catastrophic injury cases.

Types of San Diego Catastrophic Injury Claims That the Law Offices of Mark C. Blane, APC, Handles

Catastrophic injuries are life-altering events, leaving you with severe, long-term effects that can limit your ability to work and reduce your quality of life. These injuries can be even more devastating when they are caused by another party’s negligent and reckless actions.

At the Law Offices of Mark C. Blane, we have extensive experience handling a wide range of catastrophic injury claims resulting from:

• Auto accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Dog bites
• Slip and fall accidents
• Child injury accidents

If another party's negligence caused your catastrophic injury, we are here to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.

What Catastrophic Injuries Are Caused in Personal Injury Accidents?

Catastrophic injuries are those that have a significant, long-term impact on the victim's life. Some common examples include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis
• Amputations
• Severe burns
• Internal organ damage
• Significant scarring and disfigurement
• Back injuries

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. They can also prevent you from returning to work or engaging in activities you once enjoyed.

What Should You Do After a Catastrophic Injury Accident to Protect Your Rights?

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, taking the proper steps is crucial to protect your health and your legal rights:

• Seek immediate medical attention. Your health should be the top priority. You also may avoid potential disputes with the insurance company about the cause of your injuries when you are examined by a physician right after your accident.
• Follow your doctor's treatment plan. You should attend all your doctor appointments and follow their treatment plan. This is vital for your recovery and your legal claim.
• Document everything. Take pictures at the accident scene and get the contact information for the negligent party and any witnesses. Also, keep records of medical bills, missed work, and how the injury has impacted your life.
• Don't speak to insurance companies. Avoid talking to the insurance adjuster about your claim. They may try to get you to say something that hurts your case or pressure you to settle your claim for less than you deserve.
• Contact an attorney. Our skilled catastrophic injury lawyer can protect your rights and fight for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under California law.

What Types of Compensation Can You Recover for Catastrophic Injuries Caused in a Personal Injury Accident?

To recover compensation for a catastrophic injury, you must prove that the other party's negligence caused the accident and your resulting injuries. Negligence occurs when someone fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to others.

If you suffer a catastrophic injury, the financial and personal losses can be enormous. You could need medical care throughout your life and may become permanently disabled. When settling a catastrophic injury claim, you should recover your past and future damages. Depending on the facts of your case, compensation may include:

• Medical expenses. You should be reimbursed for all emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and any future medical treatment related to the injury. This also includes long-term care needs, such as home health aides or specialized medical facilities.
• Lost income. You’re also entitled to compensation for wages lost while you were unable to work during your recovery, including missed salary, hourly wages, bonuses, and used sick or vacation time.
• Loss of future earning capacity. If your injury limits or prevents your ability to work in the same job or at all, future earning capacity damages reimburse you for the income you would reasonably have earned over your lifetime.
• Pain and suffering. While pain and suffering damages are harder to quantify, they are a substantial part of your settlement. They address the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by the injury, including anxiety, depression, and the ongoing struggles of living with chronic limitations.

How Long Could It Take to Settle a Catastrophic Injury Claim?

Catastrophic injury cases typically take one to two years and sometimes longer to settle. While we’ll work to move your case forward efficiently, it’s essential not to settle before the full impact of your injury is understood or if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement. Factors that can affect how long your case could take to settle include:

• Severity and permanence of the injury. If you suffered a catastrophic injury, the value of your claim will be higher. The insurance company could fight longer and harder to dispute your claim due to the amount of money they will have to pay you in your settlement. 
• Length of medical treatment and recovery. You shouldn’t settle your claim until your doctor can provide a clear prognosis on your recovery, especially when ongoing treatment or future surgeries are expected. Our lawyer cannot accurately determine your damages until you reach this stage in your medical treatment.
• Disputes over fault or liability. If the at-fault party denies responsibility or claims you were partially to blame for the accident, our catastrophic injury lawyer will need to conduct additional investigations, gather more evidence to resolve the dispute, and engage in extensive settlement negotiations.  
• Need for expert testimony. Life-care planners, medical specialists, and financial experts may be required to explain future costs and losses, which can add time but strengthen your case.
• Litigation. If necessary, our attorney will file a lawsuit and litigate your case. While your claim will likely settle at some point in the litigation process, it could make your case take longer to resolve.

Get Help From Our San Diego Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in San Diego, don't face the challenges alone. The Law Offices of Mark C. Blane are here to provide the compassionate guidance and fierce advocacy you need. Attorney Mark Blane is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and will not give up until he’s obtained the compensation you need to move forward in your life. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.