With excellent beaches, a bustling economy, and plenty of shopping and dining experiences, San Diego is a great place to live and visit. However, even the best of places have hazards that can lead to injuries.
The term “catastrophic injury” refers to an injury that is highly likely to result in permanent disabilities, preventing the sufferer from being able to work and earn an income. The label commonly refers to traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries, but can also apply to limb amputations and other types of permanent injuries.
Those who have suffered a catastrophic injury often face a lifetime of medical needs, lost earning capacity, and other financial and psychological challenges. California’s personal injury claims process allows people who have been injured due to someone else’s careless or reckless actions to seek compensation for the costs of their injury. They can do this by working with a personal injury lawyer to file a claim against a relevant insurance policy held by the at-fault party. This process can be challenging, but a San Diego catastrophic injury lawyer from CaseyGerry can help the injured individual and their family members understand their legal options and handle their claim.
Catastrophic injuries do not just cause a permanent loss of earning capacity, as the injury prevents the sufferer from working and earning as they did before the accident; These injuries may also require a nursing home placement, in-home services, or modifications to the home that keep the individual from living independently. Permanent injuries often also require continued medical treatment or hospitalization due to ongoing health issues resulting from the accident.
Beyond the ongoing financial impacts, catastrophic injuries also carry an emotional toll. The sufferer may be unable to participate in hobbies and activities that they previously enjoyed, and their relationships with family members and friends may be affected. These claims tend to be highly valued to account for both the current and future impacts of the injury.
The claims process following a San Diego catastrophic injury generally begins when the injured person or their family has a free consultation with an experienced attorney. They can provide information about the process and the services they offer, and explain the contingent fee billing method that lawyers use to ensure their services are available to anyone who needs them. If the claimant and the attorney decide to work together, the lawyer’s legal team will begin gathering information about the accident, injury, and the insurance resources available through policies held by the injured and at-fault party.
Once a claim has been submitted to the insurance provider, they will assign an adjuster to review it. Upon examining the claim, the adjuster will determine how much is owed to the claimant according to the liability of the insured. The amount they find to be owed is usually less than the value of the claim. In this case, the attorney negotiates with the adjuster to try and arrive at an amount that fairly compensates the injured individual. If the provider fails to compensate the claim, it can be filed as a lawsuit in civil court within two years of the date when the accident occurred. The attorney will then prepare to present the case to a judge or jury for decisions on liability and compensation.
Catastrophic injuries permanently impact the lives and finances of the injured person and their family. Our clients and their loved ones are our top priority atCaseyGerry. If you have suffered a catastrophic injury, let our team help you understand your options and how we can help you seek the compensation you need. Contact us today.
