Our experienced catastrophic injury lawyers in Sacramento provide trusted guidance and strong advocacy to defend your rights and secure the outcome you deserve.
Sacramento, California, is a lively and growing city where many people choose to live and work. However, even in a great place like this, catastrophic injuries can occur due to accidents, carelessness, or intentional harm. They then affect your health and finances for many years and even impact your whole family.
Handling a catastrophic injury case in Sacramento can be tough because it involves therapy and lifelong care. If you’ve been hurt, you might be able to get money to cover medical bills, lost wages, and emotional stress. Consulting with a skilled Sacramento catastrophic injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and obtain the support for recovery.
This guide explains the types of severe injury cases, the kinds of payments you might receive, and the basic steps for filing a legal claim. Knowing your options can help you move forward and take care of your future.
Catastrophic injuries can change your life forever, often causing permanent disabilities and significant medical needs. In California, thousands of people suffer these serious injuries each year, many from accidents or someone else’s carelessness. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and severe burns are some of the most common.
These injuries also bring significant financial challenges. You may face high medical bills, lost income, and long-term rehab costs.
To show how serious this problem is, here are a few key stats:
A catastrophic injury is a severe, long-term injury that profoundly alters your life. These injuries often cause permanent disability and major physical changes or make it hard to live or work without help. They’re much more severe than common injuries, such as sprains or cuts.
Some examples include brain injuries, spinal cord damage that causes paralysis, severe burns, loss of a limb, or major organ damage.
California law acknowledges the significant impact these injuries can have on your future. If you’ve suffered one, you may qualify for larger compensation to help cover your long-term needs.
Catastrophic injuries come in many forms that can cause lasting disability and a major shift in how you live daily. Here are some of the most serious examples:
Brain injuries range from mild concussions to life-altering trauma. Serious TBIs may lead to problems with memory, thinking, behavior, or movement. Many people face permanent cognitive challenges and need long-term care or rehabilitation.
In more severe cases, these injuries can take away your ability to work or live independently.
Injuries to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, affecting both mobility and independence. Some people may require wheelchairs, in-home care, or specialized equipment to manage their daily routines. These injuries also often come with secondary issues like chronic pain, infections, or loss of bladder and bowel control.
Major burns, especially third-degree burns, can affect nerves and deeper tissues. Recovery often involves repeated surgeries, skin grafts, and painful rehab. Alongside the physical pain, you may also struggle emotionally due to scarring and changes in appearance.
Losing an arm, leg, hand, or foot is a life-altering experience. Even with prosthetics, daily life can be difficult and expensive. Beyond physical challenges, you may face emotional problems, including phantom limb pain and the stress of adjusting to a completely different lifestyle.
When you suffer multiple fractures or a crush injury—often in serious accidents like car crashes or workplace incidents—recovery is long and complicated. These injuries can destroy muscle, nerves, and bone, sometimes leading to permanent disability or even amputation if complications develop.
Catastrophic injuries often happen suddenly, and in many cases, they’re the result of someone else’s poor choices, careless behavior, or failure to follow safety rules. In Sacramento and across California, some of the most common causes include:
Serious car, motorcycle, and truck accidents are a leading source of catastrophic injuries. Crashes involving high speeds, rollovers, or direct impact can leave you with brain trauma, paralysis, or even the loss of a limb.
The severity often depends on the force of the crash and whether safety measures, such as seatbelts or helmets, were in use.
Jobs in construction, industrial settings, or warehouses can be hazardous. Falling from a height, getting caught in heavy machinery, or being near harmful chemicals can cause injuries so severe that they force workers out of their profession permanently.
A simple fall can quickly become serious, especially if it happens on a hard surface or from a height. If you slip on wet floors or trip on uneven walkways, you may suffer broken bones, brain injuries, or spinal damage. Older adults and workers on elevated platforms face an even greater risk.
Misdiagnosing a condition, operating in the wrong area, or making errors during childbirth can all lead to permanent disability or reduced life expectancy.
Physical attacks—such as shootings, stabbings, or severe beatings—can leave lasting damage. You may suffer from nerve damage, organ failure, or mental trauma that affects every part of your life. Recovery is often slow and requires both physical and emotional care.
Catastrophic injuries often happen suddenly, and in many cases, they’re the result of someone else’s poor choices, careless behavior, or failure to follow safety rules. In Sacramento and across California, some of the most common causes include:
Catastrophic injuries often bring long-term or permanent pain, limited movement, and reduced independence. Even with treatment, you may never fully recover your physical abilities and may need help with everyday tasks.
The severity often depends on the force of the crash and whether safety measures, such as seatbelts or helmets, were in use.
Dealing with a significant injury can take a heavy toll on your mental health. Anxiety, depression, and PTSD are common, especially as you adjust to a new reality. The emotional weight of losing your old lifestyle can be just as hard as the physical recovery.
From hospital stays and surgeries to physical therapy and home modifications, the bills can add up quickly. Furthermore, you may be unable to return to work, resulting in lost income and increased financial pressure on the entire household.
When you suffer a catastrophic injury, your loved ones often step in to help. Your spouse, parents, or children may become full-time caregivers, which can strain relationships and disrupt family life. The stress can be overwhelming, both emotionally and financially.
A catastrophic injury can lead to financial problems because you’ll need ongoing care and help. The main costs of such an injury usually include:
Surgeries, extended stays in intensive care, and essential life-saving treatments often reach hundreds of thousands of dollars.
You crucially need physical, occupational, and speech therapies to regain lost functions and adjust to your altered life circumstances.
You may require specialized equipment such as wheelchairs and prosthetics, along with home modifications like ramps and widened doorways to accommodate your needs.
You may be unable to return to work, necessitating a career change or reliance on disability benefits.
Ongoing medication for chronic pain, subsequent surgical interventions, and specialized medical care are frequently required for many years following the injury.
Catastrophic injuries demand long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and significant lifestyle changes. Here are some essential forms of specialized care you might need:
You may require around-the-clock assistance with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and managing your medication.
Therapy and support groups can help you cope with the depression, anxiety, and trauma that often come with your injury.
You might need to learn new job skills to re-enter the workforce in a different role.
Engaging with support groups and community programs can give you with emotional support and practical assistance as you adjust to life after a catastrophic injury.
If you’ve experienced a catastrophic injury, these steps can help you recover and regain financial stability:
Don’t delay seeking medical care; it’s vital for your recovery and to prevent complications.
Collect evidence like photos, medical records, accident reports, and witness statements. This information is crucial if you decide to pursue legal action.
Stick to your treatment plan to recover well. Skipping therapy or ignoring medical advice can slow your progress.
A personal injury attorney can teach you your rights, help you with insurance claims, and pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Work with doctors and financial advisors to develop a long-term plan for your medical needs, living arrangements, and economic security.
In California, you can file a lawsuit two years from the date of the injury. However, if a government agency is involved, you must file a claim within six months. If you miss these deadlines, you could lose your right to compensation, so it’s crucial to talk to a lawyer as soon as you can.
Missing these deadlines may result in losing your right to compensation. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult with a catastrophic injury attorney in Sacramento as soon as possible.
Proving negligence in catastrophic injury cases requires a thorough investigation. Lawyers analyze accident reports, videos, and expert statements to assign blame. California’s comparative fault law means that victims can still receive compensation even if they’re partly at fault, but their percentage of blame will reduce their payout.
If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury, get a lawyer. They’ll help gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and represent you in court. Acting fast improves your chances of fair compensation, especially if your injury causes permanent disability, prevents you from working, or requires long-term medical treatment.
A catastrophic injury can profoundly change your life, presenting lasting physical, emotional, and financial hurdles. An attorney can support you throughout the claims process in these ways:
A catastrophic injury attorney will meticulously examine the details of your accident—how it occurred, who was involved, and the severity of your injuries. They will then formulate the optimal legal strategy, adhering to California’s personal injury laws and relevant statutes of limitations.
A robust case demands irrefutable proof. Your attorney will gather and assess medical records, accident reports, and witness statements. They may also partner with accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts to construct a compelling claim.
Insurance companies frequently aim to reduce payouts, but a seasoned attorney will negotiate fiercely on your behalf. They’ll accurately determine the total cost of your injuries to secure equitable compensation.
If you fail to get a fair settlement, your attorney will proceed to trial. They will present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue your case to maximize your financial recovery.
Obtaining compensation after a serious injury involves determining who’s at fault. Here are some people or groups who might be responsible:
If drivers speed, text while driving, or drive drunk, they can cause terrible accidents and might have to pay for injuries.
Businesses must maintain a safe workplace. If they fail to follow safety rules, properly train their workers, or address hazards, they may be held responsible for serious injuries that occur at work.
People who own land, stores, or other places must keep them safe. If they’re careless about dangers (such as broken stairs, inadequate security, or wet floors) and someone gets seriously hurt, they may be held liable.
Companies can be held liable if their faulty products (such as defective medical devices, unsafe car parts, or hazardous home appliances) cause serious harm.
Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers must provide good care. If they make significant mistakes (such as incorrect diagnoses, surgical errors, or administering the wrong medication), patients can become severely ill or experience life-altering problems.
A successful catastrophic injury claim needs strong pieces of evidence, such as:
Thorough documentation of injury severity, treatments, rehabilitation progress, and future medical requirements. These records confirm the extent of the harm and the ongoing medical care required.
Official reports from law enforcement, workplace safety investigators, or other authorities detailing the incident offer an objective account of events and can help establish fault.
These testimonies can provide additional perspectives on how the injury occurred, corroborating your version of events and strengthening your claim.
Visual evidence of the accident scene, including injuries and property damage, can help illustrate the severity of the situation and may be used to challenge conflicting accounts.
Your doctor can explain the long-term effects of injuries, while financial experts can assess damages like lost wages and future medical expenses.
If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury in Sacramento, you may be able to recover the following types of compensation:
You can get reimbursed for your medical bills—everything from emergency care and surgeries to hospital stays, medication, physical therapy, and long-term treatment.
If you missed work because of your injury, you may be able to recover the income you lost during that time. You may get paid for days off for treatment, recovery, or medical appointments.
If your injury makes it hard or impossible to go back to your old job—or to work at all—you could receive compensation for the income you’ll lose in the future.
You may be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional stress of the injury. It can cover things like chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment in everyday life.
In rare cases where extreme carelessness or intentional harm caused injury, the court may punish the wrongdoer and deter others from doing the same harm.
Insurance companies don’t make money by paying out big claims—they often try to pay as little as possible. That’s why you need to be careful when dealing with them. Here’s what to keep in mind:
An insurance adjuster might sound helpful, but they’re trained to look for ways to weaken your claim. If you give a recorded statement, they could use your words against you later. It’s best to keep things brief and stick to the facts.
Insurers often make lowball offers, hoping you’ll take the money quickly without asking questions. But these offers usually don’t cover the full cost of your injuries or future needs. Take the time to review any offer and consult with a lawyer before accepting it.
Settlement papers can include fine print that limits your rights and obligations. You might be signing away your chance to ask for more money later, even if new medical issues come up. A lawyer can help you understand what you’re agreeing to.
Engaging with support groups and community programs can give you with emotional support and practical assistance as you adjust to life after a catastrophic injury.
The type of insurance that covers your injury depends on how and where it occurred. Knowing which policies apply can help you get the financial support you need.
If you were hurt in a car, motorcycle, or truck accident, the driver’s auto insurance may cover the costs associated with your injury.
You may qualify for workers’ comp, which covers medical care, rehab, and part of your lost wages while you recover.
If your injury happened on someone else’s property—like from a fall or a structural problem—their liability insurance might cover your medical expenses and other damages.
Your health plan can help cover the costs of hospital stays, doctor visits, and medications. However, it may not fully cover long-term care, physical therapy, or specialized equipment you may need for recovery.
If you can’t go back to work because of your injury, disability insurance may give you income support—either for a while or for the long term, depending on your policy.
The following factors determine the worth of a catastrophic injury claim.
More serious injuries—like brain damage, paralysis, or losing a limb—usually lead to larger payouts because they have a significant, lasting effect on your life.
You can be compensated for all your medical bills, including past and future expenses for surgeries, therapy, equipment, and modifications to your home to assist with mobility.
If your injury prevents you from working or earning what you used to, you may receive money to make up for lost wages and future income.
You may also be compensated for things that don’t have a set dollar amount, like physical pain, emotional struggles, and loss of enjoyment in everyday life.
If someone’s actions were especially reckless or intentional, the court might award additional compensation to punish and deter them from repeating their offense.
Catastrophic injury cases often take time—anywhere from several months to a few years—depending on a few key factors:
If multiple parties share the blame or disagree about who caused the injury, the legal process takes longer to resolve.
Doctors need time to assess the full extent of your injuries. Lawyers usually wait until they know your long-term medical needs before negotiating a settlement.
Some insurers work quickly to settle. Others delay on purpose, hoping you’ll accept a low offer out of frustration or financial pressure.
If both sides can’t agree on a fair settlement, your case may go to trial. That move can significantly extend the timeline—sometimes by years.
California law gives you a limited window to take legal action, so act quickly if you plan to file a claim:
You can sue the responsible party two years from the date of your injury.
If your injury involves a public entity—like a city bus or government-owned property—you must file your claim within six months of the incident.
In some cases, such as those involving children or injuries that don’t immediately become apparent, you may be given more time. A lawyer can review your situation and tell you if an exception applies.
Most Sacramento catastrophic injury lawyers use a contingency fee model, which means you only pay if they win your case:
You pay your lawyer if they recover money for you. If they don’t win, you owe nothing.
Lawyers usually collect 25% to 40% of your final settlement or court award. The exact rate depends on the complexity of your case and whether it proceeds to trial.
Many attorneys offer complimentary case reviews, so you can ask questions and understand your options before committing.
If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury, a catastrophic injury lawyer in Sacramento early can help you get the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one sustained a catastrophic injury in California, RMD Law can help. Our skilled attorneys will review your case, walk you through your legal options, and work aggressively to recover the compensation you deserve.
Call us at (909) 326-5000, send a fax to (909) 326-7000, or visit our Contact Us page to book your free consultation. We’re ready to support you and stand by your side every step of the way.
Sacramento offers a diverse range of destinations, a rich history, and a vibrant way of life. If you enjoy outdoor activities, exploring historic places, or savoring great food, you’ll find something to enjoy. Here’s how to have a good time in the county:
If you or a loved one suffered a serious, life-changing injury, a qualified attorney can review your situation and identify whether you have a valid claim. They’ll consider:
California uses a comparative negligence system, so you can still claim compensation even if you were partly responsible.
Yes, you and your family can include emotional harm in your claim.
Families in Sacramento rely on us to handle their brain injury claims with compassion and commitment. Here’s what they have to say:
A Minor’s Compromise is a court-approved process in California that ensures the proper handling of settlements for a minor’s injury or wrongful death claim. California law requires court approval of any settlement involving a minor to ensure the minor’s rights and future needs are protected.
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Over $200,000,000 total recent personal injury wins for our clients. Our dedicated personal injury lawyers are eager to fight for you.
RMD Law found an insurance code violation by the defense insurance company in a dog bite injury case. With smart lawyering, we used the violation to argue that the $100,000 policy limits no longer applied.
The insurance company wrongfully refused to pay our client the $100k policy limit in a rollover auto accident. RMD Law refused to take no for an answer, and filed a lawsuit alleging bad faith, ultimately winning millions for our deserving client.
Confidential bad faith settlement – a negligent driver t-boned our client at a red light resulting in severe spinal injuries. The defendant’s insurance company unreasonably refused to pay the $100K policy limit. RMD Law filed a lawsuit seeking the true value of the case. Policy was opened, and the client settled for an amount vastly higher than the original limits.
Aria is a member of the prestigious Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®. He speaks English, Farsi, and Spanish.
Nicole has settled hundreds of personal injuries claims, known for her professional, honest, and caring approach.
John is a former defense lawyer turned award-winning personal injury lawyer. He speaks English and Farsi.
Associate Attorney Yen Quach started work at RMD Law in 2017 as a paralegal. Injured clients seeking justice from insurance companies can do no better than Yen.
Ryan is a caring and experienced litigator. He defended scores of depositions and understands what it takes to move a case in California.
Ariana Martin is one of RMD Law’s skilled personal injury lawyers. She brings a lot of legal experience to the table, having worked previously in the field of insurance defense.
We care about your recovery. We stake our reputation on it.
RMD Law is a California Personal Injury law firm. We help victims who have been injured in accidents due to someone else’s negligence. RMD Law offers free no-obligation case evaluations for our clients.
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