What is a Santa Monica catastrophic injury claim worth to me?
A catastrophic injury claim in Santa Monica allows you to seek financial recovery for all the ways your life has changed. This includes your past and future medical bills, lost wages from being unable to work, and the impact the injury has had on your daily life, your relationships, and your emotional well-being.
California law permits recovery for these different categories of harm. The specific facts of your case and the evidence gathered will determine what compensation is available to you.
What kinds of catastrophic injuries do you handle in Santa Monica?
We represent people in Santa Monica who have suffered severe, life-altering injuries that often require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. These include injuries like spinal cord damage leading to paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, amputations, and permanent organ damage.
When an injury permanently affects a person's ability to work, care for themselves, or enjoy their life, it is catastrophic. Our firm concentrates on these types of complex claims, understanding the profound impact they have on individuals and their families. This deep understanding also extends to traumatic brain injury cases in Santa Monica, where the damage may not always be visible but can be devastating.
Where do Santa Monica catastrophic injury claims get filed?
If your catastrophic injury happened in Santa Monica, your personal injury case is filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Specifically, it goes to the Santa Monica Courthouse, located at 1725 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
In Los Angeles County, a personal injury case is filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred and is assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department (LASC Local Rule 2.3; General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024).
How long do you have to file a catastrophic injury claim?
Most California personal injury claims, including those for catastrophic injuries, must be filed within two years (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1) from the date of the injury. However, if your claim is against a city, county, or any other public agency, you must present a written claim to that public entity within six months (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2) before you can file a lawsuit.
The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352). But, that pause does not apply to claims against public entities under the Government Claims Act; the six-month deadline still applies for minors injured by a government agency.
These deadlines have exceptions, and you must confirm what applies to your specific facts with an attorney. If you lose a loved one in Santa Monica due to someone else's negligence, the same deadlines generally apply for wrongful death claims in Santa Monica, though the damages recovered differ.
What should you do after a catastrophic injury?
- Seek immediate medical attention. Your health is the first priority. Follow all medical advice and keep detailed records of your treatment.
- Report the incident. If it was a car crash, call the police. For other incidents, report it to property management or the appropriate authorities. Get a copy of the report.
- Gather information. Collect names and contact details of witnesses, and take photos or videos of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage.
- Do not give recorded statements. Do not speak with insurance adjusters or sign any documents without consulting an attorney first.
- Contact a Santa Monica catastrophic injury attorney. An attorney can protect your rights and handle communications with insurance companies on your behalf.
What happens when you work with Casa Legal Los Angeles?
When you work with us, our team takes on the burden of your legal claim so you can focus on your recovery. We investigate the incident, gather evidence, identify all responsible parties, and negotiate with insurance companies.
Our focus is on securing the full compensation available under California law for your medical expenses, lost income, pain, and other losses. We handle all personal injury and employment law matters. This includes all aspects of a personal injury claim, from initial investigation to court. We advocate for people across Los Angeles, including those in Temple City and Alhambra.
We work on a contingency fee basis. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a catastrophic injury?
A catastrophic injury is a severe injury that results in long-term or permanent disability, significantly impacting your ability to work, care for yourself, and enjoy life. Examples include spinal cord injuries, severe brain trauma, amputations, and extensive burns.
How long does a catastrophic injury claim take in Santa Monica?
The duration of a catastrophic injury claim varies widely based on its complexity, the severity of your injuries, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Complex cases with extensive medical treatment and high damages usually take longer, but our goal is always to pursue a timely and fair resolution for clients in Santa Monica.
Do I have to go to court for a catastrophic injury claim?
Many catastrophic injury claims settle before going to court through negotiation or mediation. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit and proceeding to trial in the Santa Monica Courthouse may be necessary to pursue the compensation you deserve.
What if I was partly at fault for my catastrophic injury in Santa Monica?
California follows a system of pure comparative negligence. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault for your catastrophic injury. However, the amount you recover will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% responsible, your total damages would be reduced by 20%.
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in Santa Monica, contact Casa Legal Los Angeles for a free consultation. Call us today at 888-585-2529 to discuss your options. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.