Pasadena
Catastrophic Work Injury Lawyer

Suffering a catastrophic injury at work can leave you to face overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial challenges. These severe injuries often result in long-term or permanent disability, which can impact your ability to work and enjoy life. If you or a loved one has experienced such an injury, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance from an experienced Pasadena catastrophic work injury lawyer.

Why Choose Kampf, Schiavone & Associates?

Kampf, Schiavone & Associates has recovered over $250 million in verdicts and settlements for clients across a wide range of cases, including catastrophic work injuries. We prepare every case with the possibility of trial and ensure we’re always ready to fight for the maximum compensation our clients deserve. Our deep knowledge of California’s workers’ compensation and personal injury claims makes us a trusted advocate for injured workers to get the right compensation in Pasadena.

What Is a Catastrophic Work Injury?

A catastrophic work injury is any injury sustained on the job that results in long-term or permanent disability that significantly impairs the injured worker’s ability to perform essential job functions or live a normal life.

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Unlike minor work-related injuries, catastrophic injuries can lead to long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences for both the injured worker and their family.

In California, workers who suffer catastrophic injuries on the job may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, additional claims outside of workers’ compensation, such as personal injury or third-party liability claims, may also be pursued in certain cases.

Common Catastrophic Work Injuries

Catastrophic injuries can happen in any industry, but they are particularly common in high-risk occupations. These include fields such as construction and manufacturing. Some of the most common catastrophic work injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Severe head injuries can occur from falls, being struck by objects, or machinery accidents. TBIs can lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, or permanent disability.
• Spinal cord injuries. Damage to the spinal cord from falls, machinery accidents, or vehicle collisions can result in partial or complete paralysis. This can have a drastic effect on a worker’s mobility and independence.
• Amputations. Workers can lose limbs due to crush injuries, machinery malfunctions, or severe trauma, requiring prosthetics and long-term rehabilitation.
• Severe burns. Burns caused by explosions, fires, or chemical exposure can result in disfigurement, scarring, and long-term physical pain. They often require multiple surgeries and extensive recovery periods.
• Vision or hearing loss. Injuries to the eyes or ears from accidents involving chemicals, loud machinery, or explosions can result in permanent vision or hearing impairment.
• Multiple fractures. Severe accidents can result in multiple broken bones, which may require surgery and rehabilitation, leaving the worker unable to perform physical labor in the future.
• Organ damage or internal injuries. Internal injuries caused by vehicle accidents, falls from heights, or being struck by heavy objects can lead to long-term health issues or permanent disability.

These injuries not only prevent workers from returning to their previous jobs but may also necessitate ongoing medical care and rehabilitation. These injuries may also have a negative impact on their ability to secure employment in the future.

How a Lawyer Can Help

Navigating the aftermath of a catastrophic work injury can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and the legal complexities of a workers’ compensation claim. An experienced Pasadena catastrophic work injury lawyer can provide invaluable assistance throughout this challenging process by:

• Identifying liable parties. While workers’ compensation is often the first avenue for recovering benefits, other parties, such as manufacturers, subcontractors, or property owners, could also be liable for your injury.
• Filing a workers’ compensation claim. An attorney can guide you through the workers’ compensation process, ensuring that all legal paperwork is properly filed and deadlines are met.
• Negotiating with insurance companies. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, especially in catastrophic injury cases. With a lawyer who understands the inner workings of insurance companies, you can ensure your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and future care.
• Representing you in court if necessary. If negotiations with the insurance company do not result in a fair settlement, your lawyer could represent you in court if your case goes to trial.

FAQs

What Counts as a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury is a serious injury that impairs a person’s capacity to work or carry out everyday tasks. The injury can lead to a long-term impairment or disability.  Traumatic brain injuries, paralyzing spinal cord injuries, amputations, severe burns, and serious organ damage are a few examples. These injuries can have a profound impact on the victim’s and their family’s lives, and they frequently need lengthy medical care and rehabilitation.

How Much Do Accident Attorneys Charge in California?

California accident lawyers usually take cases on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win. Usually, a portion of the settlement is used as the fee. The amount is typically decided upon before you enter into the legal contract with the lawyer, and it could go up if the matter is tried. Typically, no payments in advance are needed.

What Is the Legal Definition of a Catastrophic Injury?

According to legal definitions, a catastrophic injury is one that leaves a victim significantly less able to work, live an independent life, or maintain a normal quality of life. The phrase is frequently used to characterize injuries that require major medical intervention and ongoing care.  There can be life-altering effects in workers’ compensation and personal injury cases.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Personal Injury Case in California?

In California, the length of time it takes to resolve a personal injury claim varies based on the intricacy of the case, the seriousness of the damages, and the insurance company negotiations. More complicated or contentious cases might take significantly longer to resolve, especially if they go to trial. Some cases, however, may settle swiftly. Aside from medical recuperation, other factors that may impact the timeline include legal discovery.

Contact Kampf, Schiavone & Associates to Get Catastrophic Work Injury Case Assistance

A catastrophic work injury can have a devastating impact on your life, but you don’t have to face the challenges alone. At Kampf, Schiavone & Associates, we can provide the legal support you need. Whether you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury or a broken femur, we can assist you. Contact us today to speak with our team.