If you have suffered a severe injury due to the negligence of another person, it is particularly important that you get a settlement or award that reflects the seriousness of your injuries. While a broken arm may heal, an injury such as an amputation or loss of sight will impact your life forever — changing your ability to work and get through the activities of daily living. You need compensation that addresses your new reality so that you can move forward with your life.
The Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn understands how devastating these types of injuries can be for both the victim and their family. We are committed to providing compassionate representation with an ultimate goal of helping you get the money that you deserve for your losses. If you want to learn more, contact us today at (310) 209-1600 or info@michaelkahnlaw.com to schedule a free initial consultation.
What Are Catastrophic Injuries?
A catastrophic injury can be anything that significantly changes your health or how you live your life. It may be suffered in a motor vehicle accident, a slip and fall, a dog bite, a truck accident, or even from falling from an electric scooter. No matter the cause, the effect is clear: your life has been permanent impacted.
At the Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn, we represent clients who have suffered any number of catastrophic injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Amputation/loss of limb
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Nerve injuries
- Serious burns
- Internal organ damage
- Loss of a sense, such as hearing, sight or taste
In these cases, it is vital to work with an experienced California catastrophic injury attorney. Doing so can help to ensure that you have the funds that are necessary to support you throughout your recovery and your life.
The Importance of a Lawyer in a Catastrophic Injury Case
After an accident, you may be tempted to take any settlement offered by the insurance company. You may be overwhelmed by bills, out of work, and simply sick of dealing with the endless calls and letters from the insurance adjuster. Taking a settlement from the insurance company without a lawyer is rarely (if ever) a good idea. It is especially ill-advised in catastrophic injury cases.
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Their goal is to make money, not to pay you as much as you deserve for your injuries. The insurance adjuster knows that the sooner they can get you to accept a check, the more likely it will be that they will save money. This is particularly true if you don’t have a lawyer, as people who are represented by an attorney receive compensation that is an average of 3.5 times higher than those who are unrepresented.
In catastrophic injury cases, it may take you months or longer to reach what is known as maximum medical improvement (MMI). This is the point at which your doctor can predict your future medical needs. If you accept a settlement before this time, it will not reflect your need for treatment in the years to come. A lawyer can ensure that any settlement incorporates your future medical needs.
In addition, a settlement should include your reduced earning capacity. If you worked in construction and are now paralyzed, then the settlement (or a jury award) must reflect that you won’t be able to perform the same work — or possibly any work — in the future. Again, a California catastrophic injuries attorney can make sure that any money you receive includes all of your losses.
Contact a California Catastrophic Injuries Lawyer Today
If you have suffered any type of catastrophic injury, you will need a settlement or award that reflects the severity of your losses. The Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn can help you achieve the compensation that you deserve. Contact our firm today at (310) 209-1600 or info@michaelkahnlaw.com to schedule a free initial consultation, where we will help you understand your rights and your options.
