If you suffer a catastrophic injury in California, seek emergency medical treatment.
Continue with medical care, and contact an experienced Century City personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
10 Things To Do After Suffering a Catastrophic Injury in California
1. Assess Immediate Safety—Of the Injured Person and Others
When an injury first occurs, the danger may be ongoing. It may be necessary to move to safety, including the injured person and others.
However, there may be times when it’s dangerous to move the person. Examples are when a person may have a spinal injury or when there may be a live electrical wire. Assess the situation and do what’s necessary to avoid additional harm.
2. Call Emergency Responders—And Follow Their Guidance
Call emergency responders as soon as possible. Sometimes, in the chaos and confusion, calling 911 can be overlooked, so communicate clearly with others to ensure the call is made. Dispatchers can provide specific instructions until someone with more advanced training can take over.
3. Receive Emergency Medical Attention—Document Injuries, Begin Healing
Immediate medical care can prevent additional injury. Urgent treatment can stabilize the person. The medical care that a person receives right after an accident can document that the injuries are from the accident. This care can also help the person begin healing.
4. Preserve Evidence—Others Can Help
Sometimes, the information gathered immediately after an accident can be extremely important. Of course, when a person has a catastrophic injury, they are not able to gather evidence. If someone else can help, they should document the accident scene with photos and video. They should collect names and contact details for witnesses and others who may have information. If they can save any tangible objects, such as damaged property or items involved in the accident, they should place them where they won’t be exposed to moisture.
5. Contact a Lawyer—As Soon as Possible
The earlier an attorney gets involved in the case, the more they can do to assist. It’s never too early to contact a lawyer. An attorney can put parties on notice to preserve evidence. They can elicit information from witnesses before it’s lost and before people develop biases. A lawyer can guide you through the exact steps to take after suffering a catastrophic injury.
6. Continue Medical Care—Follow Instructions
Medical care is the basis of a catastrophic injury claim. The person must show the extent of their injury, the treatment required, and associated costs. A person suffering a catastrophic injury should follow their care plan, including attending medical appointments, participating in therapy, and restricting activity as directed. They should learn their routine for self-care and what assistance they may need from others.
7. Save Records—Of Medical Care, Lost Work, and Other Impact
In the days and weeks following a catastrophic injury, the impact starts to become apparent. The impact should be documented to the extent possible. For example, records of medical appointments, visit summaries, and billing statements should be saved. Employment records, leave notices, and pay statements should be gathered. A person can diary their limitations and pain levels. An attorney can guide you through how to document losses.
8. Report the Accident—To Work or the Insurance Companies
Depending on where the catastrophic injury occurred, it may be necessary to report it to others. For example, if it occurred at work, tell the employer, in writing, as soon as possible. If it happened at a business, submit a brief accident report. Tell the insurance companies if it was a car accident or if you have property or liability insurance information. Making a report may preserve your rights, and it may make it harder for the defense to question the timeline of events.
9. Assess Your Case and Evaluate Your Claim—What Can You Claim? How?
It’s time to determine your next steps for claiming compensation. Evaluate the facts to determine how to claim compensation. The law varies by state. You must determine where to file the case, whom to name as a defendant, and the legal basis for the claim.
10. Pursue Your Compensation—Addressing Long-Term Damages
Fully pursuing a claim for a catastrophic injury requires addressing the long-term impact. Damages may include future compensation. Economic losses, pain and suffering, and lifestyle impact can all be claimed. Carefully gathering evidence to prove future damages can ensure full and fair compensation. In addition, a plan to structure an award ensures the person’s interests are protected.
What is Considered a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury is a physical trauma that significantly changes the course of a person’s life. Because of its severity, duration, or nature, the injury changes the person’s life substantially, and the impact is long-lasting or lifelong.
How To Prove Negligence in a Catastrophic Injury Case
The foundation of any legal claim, including one involving catastrophic injury, is proving fault. Most claims are based on negligence, or a lack of reasonable care, resulting in harm, but there may be other legal grounds for a claim. Negligence depends on the circumstances.
Evidence may include witnesses, photographs, videos, expert witnesses, tests, inspections, and records. You may take your case to court.
The Role of Medical Experts and Life Care Planners in Your Case
Medical experts can play an important role in a catastrophic injury claim. Experts are needed to explain the long-term impact of life-changing injuries. They may speak to the person’s diagnosis, treatment needed, expenses, and pain and suffering. They can explain physical limitations because of injury and the ways the person’s lifestyle is impacted.
A medical professional must meet the qualifications to speak as an expert. There are procedural steps to presenting testimony. A lawyer can assist in preparing and presenting this crucial evidence.
Contact an Experienced Century City Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have suffered a catastrophic injury, we invite you to contact an experienced Century City personal injury lawyer. As leaders in injury compensation litigation, we handle complex catastrophic injury claims. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Contact LA Century Law now.