YOUR TRUSTED CATASTROPHIC INJURY LAWYERS IN SHERMAN OAKS

WHAT IS CATASTROPHIC INJURY?

A serious injury can affect much more than just your body. People in Los Angeles who experience severe injuries might become temporarily or permanently disabled, which can disrupt every part of their lives — their jobs, marriages, future plans, and even their ability to take care of themselves. This type of injury is not only physically painful but also emotionally challenging. Unfortunately, it can also be very expensive. Even if you have health insurance, the costs for surgeries and hospital stays can quickly add up to tens of thousands of dollars. Plus, injured people might not be able to work for a long time or might not have a job to return to at all.

If you or someone you care about was badly injured because of someone else's bad choices, you have the right to hold them responsible. A lawyer who specializes in catastrophic injuries in Sherman Oaks and Los Angeles can help you get the most financial compensation possible. While money can’t fix the injury, it can help you get the care you need and live with dignity.

TYPES CATASTROPHIC INJURY?

Understanding Catastrophic Injuries

A catastrophic injury is a serious type of injury that has permanent effects on a person’s life. Legally, it’s an injury so severe that it changes the course of the victim’s life forever. These injuries can result in permanent scarring, disfigurement, or disabilities that prevent individuals from enjoying their daily lives. Often, such injuries leave victims unable to work, leading to a lifetime of lost income and missed opportunities. The impact of a catastrophic injury is profound, affecting not just the victim’s physical abilities but also their overall quality of life and ability to earn a living.

Catastrophic injuries don’t just affect the individual; they often place a heavy burden on the entire family. Family members may find themselves taking on the role of caregivers, and the household may face mounting costs for ongoing care. These expenses can include medical bills, physical therapy, rehabilitation, medications, and even live-in nursing care. The injured person may also be unable to contribute to household chores or income, further straining the family’s resources.

Emotionally, catastrophic injuries can be devastating. The victim may experience significant emotional distress, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. The injury can also diminish their quality of life, leading to feelings of humiliation, loss of independence, and ongoing mental anguish. The victim’s family may suffer as well, losing the injured person’s companionship, care, and guidance. These emotional and non-economic damages can result in higher compensation in catastrophic injury claims.

Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries typically refer to those that are permanent, such as spinal cord injuries that result in paralysis (e.g., quadriplegia or paraplegia). Any injury with little chance of full recovery may be classified as catastrophic under California law. If the injury prevents the victim from working, it may also be considered catastrophic in legal terms. Some of the most common catastrophic injuries include:

• Severe head or skull injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Loss of major bodily functions
• Vision or hearing loss
• Amputation or loss of limbs
• Injuries requiring prolonged medical treatment or care
• Multiple or complex fractures
• Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
• Third-degree burns
• Extensive scarring or disfigurement
• Permanent or long-term disabilities

The classification of an injury as catastrophic can vary depending on the individual’s circumstances, such as age, health, and pre-existing conditions. What might be a catastrophic injury for one person could be less severe for another. The key factor is the extent to which the injury affects the victim’s life. If you’re uncertain whether an injury qualifies as catastrophic under California law, it’s essential to consult with an attorney. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles can help determine the severity of the injury and navigate the complexities of the state’s legal system.

WHAT CAUSES CATASTROPHIC INJURY?

Catastrophic injuries can result from a variety of serious accidents and incidents. Here are some common causes:

1. Catastrophic injuries can result from a variety of serious accidents and incidents. Here are some common causes:

• Car Accidents: High-speed collisions, head-on crashes, and multi-vehicle pileups can lead to catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and severe fractures.
• Truck Accidents: Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents involving them often result in devastating injuries, including paralysis, amputations, and severe burns.
• Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable in crashes, which can lead to life-altering injuries such as head injuries, spinal injuries, and extensive road rash.

2. Workplace Accidents

• Construction Site Accidents: Falls from heights, being struck by heavy machinery, or being caught in-between equipment can result in catastrophic injuries like amputations, crush injuries, and spinal cord damage.
• Industrial Accidents: Exposure to hazardous materials, explosions, or machinery malfunctions can lead to severe injuries, including chemical burns, respiratory damage, and loss of limbs.

3. Medical Malpractice

• Surgical Errors: Mistakes during surgery can cause catastrophic outcomes, such as brain damage, paralysis, or severe infections.
• Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: Failing to properly diagnose a serious condition can lead to worsening of the disease, resulting in permanent disabilities or death.
• Birth Injuries: Medical negligence during childbirth can result in lifelong disabilities, such as cerebral palsy or brachial plexus injuries.

4. Slip and Fall Accidents

• Falls on Dangerous Premises: Slip and fall accidents, particularly among the elderly, can lead to catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, hip fractures, and spinal cord injuries.

5. Acts of Violence

• Assault and Battery: Violent acts, including gunshot wounds, stabbings, or physical assaults, can cause catastrophic injuries, such as brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or disfigurement.
• Domestic Violence: Severe physical abuse can result in long-term disabilities, such as broken bones, internal injuries, or psychological trauma.

6. Defective Products

• Faulty Vehicles: Defective car parts, such as brakes or airbags, can cause accidents that lead to catastrophic injuries.
• Dangerous Consumer Products: Defective products like malfunctioning machinery, faulty electronics, or unsafe household items can cause burns, electrocutions, or other severe injuries.

7. Dog Bites

• Severe Dog Bites: Attacks by aggressive dogs can lead to catastrophic injuries such as deep lacerations, nerve damage, permanent scarring, and infections. In severe cases, dog bites can cause disfigurement, loss of limbs, or psychological trauma, especially in children.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CATASTROPHIC INJURIES AND OTHER INJURIES

In personal injury law, not all injuries are considered equal. While any injury can be painful and disruptive, catastrophic injuries stand out due to their severity, long-term impact, and the extensive medical care they often require. Here’s how catastrophic injuries differ from other types of injuries:

1. Severity and Permanence

• Catastrophic Injuries: These injuries are typically severe and result in permanent damage. They often lead to long-term or lifelong disabilities that dramatically alter the victim’s life. For example, spinal cord injuries may cause paralysis, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can lead to permanent cognitive impairments. These injuries are not just about the immediate pain and suffering—they result in permanent changes to the victim’s physical and mental abilities.
• Other Injuries: Many injuries, such as sprains, minor fractures, or cuts, while painful and inconvenient, are generally temporary. With proper medical treatment, most people fully recover from these injuries and can return to their normal lives relatively quickly.

2. Impact on Daily Life

• Catastrophic Injuries: The impact of a catastrophic injury extends beyond physical harm. Victims may lose their ability to perform daily tasks, enjoy life, or maintain independence. For example, a severe burn might leave someone disfigured and in chronic pain, while a birth injury could result in lifelong disabilities requiring ongoing care. These injuries often necessitate significant lifestyle adjustments, including the need for assistive devices, home modifications, and long-term rehabilitation.
• Other Injuries: While other injuries can temporarily disrupt daily activities, they rarely result in permanent life changes. Most individuals with non-catastrophic injuries eventually return to their previous routines and activities once they have healed.

3. Financial Consequences

• Catastrophic Injuries: The financial toll of catastrophic injuries is often enormous. Victims may face a lifetime of medical expenses, including surgeries, rehabilitation, ongoing therapy, and possibly live-in care. Additionally, these injuries frequently result in a loss of income, as the victim may be unable to work either temporarily or permanently. The long-term financial impact can include lost earning potential and the costs associated with adapting to a new way of life.
• Other Injuries: While any injury can result in medical bills and time off work, the financial impact is typically short-term. Most people with non-catastrophic injuries can return to work and resume their normal earning potential once they have recovered.

4. Emotional and Psychological Effects

• Catastrophic Injuries: The emotional and psychological effects of catastrophic injuries are profound. Victims may experience depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other forms of emotional distress due to the dramatic changes in their lives. The loss of independence, the inability to participate in previously enjoyed activities, and the strain on relationships can be overwhelming. Families of victims also suffer, as they may lose the companionship, care, and support of their loved one.
• Other Injuries: While other injuries can certainly cause emotional distress, the effects are generally less severe and more transient. The psychological impact of non-catastrophic injuries often diminishes as the individual heals and returns to normal life.

5. Examples of Catastrophic vs. Other Injuries

• Catastrophic Injuries: Examples include spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis, traumatic brain injuries resulting in cognitive or personality changes, severe burns causing disfigurement, amputations, and birth injuries that result in lifelong disabilities.
• Other Injuries: Examples include minor fractures, sprains, whiplash, cuts, and bruises. These injuries, while painful, do not typically result in long-term disability or require extensive ongoing care.

Why the Distinction Matters

The distinction between catastrophic and other injuries is crucial, especially in the context of personal injury law. Catastrophic injuries typically warrant higher compensation due to the extensive medical care, long-term rehabilitation, loss of income, and significant lifestyle changes they cause. Legal cases involving catastrophic injuries often require expert testimony and detailed documentation to fully capture the lifelong impact on the victim.

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, it’s important to seek legal advice from an experienced attorney who understands the complexities of such cases. At Shiganian Law, we specialize in representing victims of catastrophic injuries, helping them secure the compensation they need to manage their medical expenses, loss of income, and other related costs. While no amount of money can undo the harm caused by a catastrophic injury, a fair settlement can help provide the care and support necessary to live with dignity and independence.

MEET ISABEL SHIGANIAN

Your Personal Injury Lawyer

I am Isabel Shiganian, a dedicated personal injury attorney and the proud founder of Shiganian Law. A name that I hope you will come to associate with care, trust, and your best interests, which will be my lighthouse throughout our journey together.

My legal career spans over a decade, with more than 3 years in the United States and over 7 years in Europe, where I have been recognized for my strategic prowess and unwavering client-focused approach in handling personal injury and domestic violence cases, in recognizing and fighting for human rights. My practice is built on a commitment to securing justice for those wronged, and I have had the privilege of helping my clients recover millions.

Before establishing Shiganian Law, I sharpened my skills as an associate attorney in several prestigious law firms across Los Angeles, specializing in a broad spectrum of cases, from premises liability to medical malpractice.

I firmly believe that everyone deserves personalized, attentive and what is more important, passionate, representation. My diverse experience across various legal sectors, coupled with my commitment to my clients' well-being, distinguishes me in the field of personal injury law. Known for my strategic thinking, compassionate approach, and relentless pursuit of justice, my ability to connect with and successfully represent my clients is further enhanced by my fluency in multiple languages and international insights.

My international experience is a cornerstone of my practice, offering me a unique perspective on the law and enhancing my ability to effectively advocate for my clients. My involvement in human rights work, including overseeing parliamentary elections and advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities, has reinforced my commitment to fairness and equity.

Currently serving Sherman Oaks and Encino, I continue to lead Shiganian Law Corp with a blend of international savvy and local expertise. My commitment to legal excellence and passion for justice not only make me a formidable advocate for my clients but also a respected member of the legal community. And I hope, this all will take me where YOU can put YOUR trust in me and proudly walk hand in hand until we get what YOU deserve.