A catastrophic injury in Sacramento, whether from a wreck on Interstate 5, a crash or fall at Tower Bridge, or a workplace accident at an industrial site, can drastically alter your life. Catastrophic injuries are severe, often leading to long-term or permanent disabilities and requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in Sacramento because of someone else’s negligence, get experienced legal representation to safeguard your rights and secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, our Sacramento catastrophic injury lawyers specialize in handling complex catastrophic injury cases with a track record of successful outcomes. We understand the challenges these cases entail and fight to protect our clients’ rights and ensure a fair settlement.
Reach out today for a free consultation with our team.
EXAMPLES OF CATASTROPHIC INJURIES
Catastrophic injuries are the most painful and debilitating injuries one can suffer. In many cases, they are permanent and could result in lifelong disabilities. Here are a few examples:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs impact millions people each year and can lead to serious, long-term impairment, impacting memory, concentration, speech, and regulation of emotions. Even mild TBIs may cause persistent headaches or mood disorders, while severe injuries can result in permanent disability. Victims of TBIs often require neurological treatment, therapy, and significant lifestyle adjustments and support.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These life-altering injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, impacting mobility, sensation, and organ function. There are nearly 17,730 new SCIs reported annually in the U.S. Victims often face long recoveries, high medical costs, and permanent lifestyle changes. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we understand which medical facilities handle the most severe spinal cases (such as UC Davis Medical Center, Northern California’s only Level I trauma center) and that the cost of care is astronomical. We fight to secure compensation for all medical care, assistive technology, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- Amputation: The loss of a limb from trauma can be both physically and emotionally devastating. Victims may need prosthetics, long-term rehabilitation, and home modifications to regain independence. Amputation often results in phantom limb pain and psychological effects like depression or anxiety.
- Severe Burn Injuries: Third-degree burns and deep tissue damage can lead to lasting nerve damage, infections, and disfigurement. Sacramento is home to one of the region’s busiest burn centers—UC Davis Regional Burn Center. We’ve seen burn survivors there and at other facilities require multiple skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and extensive physical and emotional recovery. These injuries may also result in permanent loss of function or mobility.
- Multiple Fractures: Accidents involving several broken bones can result in significant physical limitations, especially when joints or the spine are impacted. Victims may need multiple surgeries, hardware implants, and months or years of physical therapy. Recovery is often painful and can impact work and daily activities.
- Organ Damage: Trauma to internal organs like the liver, lungs, or kidneys can have life-threatening consequences. These injuries may require emergency surgery, intensive care, and long-term medical treatment. Victims often face complications such as internal bleeding, infection, or chronic organ dysfunction.
- Loss of Vision or Hearing: Blunt force trauma, explosions, or head injuries can result in permanent loss of sight or hearing. These sensory losses can be devastating and significantly impact daily life, independence, and mental health. Victims may require assistive devices, occupational therapy, vocational retraining, and psychological support.
- Severe Nerve Damage: Injuries involving the nervous system can cause horrific pain, muscle weakness, or paralysis. Nerve damage may result from trauma, crush injuries, or deep lacerations. Treatment often includes surgery, extensive and ongoing pain management, and occupational therapy.
- Psychological Trauma: Catastrophic accidents often lead to emotional and psychological conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or depression. Psychological trauma can be just as disabling as physical injuries and may linger long after the physical wounds have healed. Ongoing therapy, medication, and support are often needed.
- Facial Injuries and Disfigurement: Facial trauma can cause broken bones, dental injuries, or soft tissue damage, often leaving lasting scars or disfigurement. These injuries may require multiple reconstructive surgeries and dental procedures. The psychological impact can be overwhelming, negatively affecting self-esteem and social interaction.
- Crush Injuries: When heavy objects compress the body, they can cause damage to bones, muscles, and internal organs. These injuries often lead to nerve damage and may require amputation. Recovery typically involves surgery, intensive rehabilitation, and pain management.
- Severe Lacerations: Deep wounds can sever nerves, muscles, or blood vessels, causing significant blood loss and long-term health problems. Victims may need surgical repair, physical therapy, and scar revision surgeries. These injuries can impact how a victim functions physical and alter appearance, depending on location and severity.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): CRPS is a rare but severe chronic pain condition that can develop after an injury. Even minor injuries can result in this condition. It causes intense, persistent pain, swelling, and sensitivity, often in a limb. CRPS is difficult to treat and can lead to long-term disability and emotional distress.
- Birth Injuries: Medical negligence during labor or delivery can result in serious harm to newborns, including cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, or brain damage. These injuries may require lifelong medical care, physical therapy, and special communication and education services. Families often face immense emotional and financial hardships.
- Severe Orthopedic Injuries: Trauma to bones, joints, ligaments, or tendons can severely impact mobility. Treatment may require surgeries, joint replacements, and ongoing rehabilitation. These injuries often limit a person’s ability to work or participate in activities of daily life.
COMMON CAUSES OF CATASTROPHIC INJURIES
Catastrophic injuries can result from many types of accidents and incidents, often having life-altering consequences for the victims. Here are some of the most frequent causes of catastrophic injuries:
MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS:
- Car Accidents: High-speed collisions, rollovers, and head-on crashes can lead to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other severe trauma.
- Truck Accidents: Accidents involving commercial trucks, which are significantly bigger and heavier than passenger vehicles, often result in catastrophic injuries, including multiple fractures and severe internal injuries.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable in crashes, sometimes suffering from severe road rash, traumatic brain injuries, and amputations.
WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS:
- Construction Accidents: Falls from heights, heavy machinery accidents, and scaffolding collapses can cause spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and crush injuries, among others.
- Industrial Accidents: Exposure to hazardous materials, explosions, and machinery malfunctions can result in severe burns, amputations, and organ damage, among other injuries.
SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES:
- Contact Sports: Activities like football, rugby, and hockey can lead to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and severe fractures. If negligence is involved, such as lack of supervision or safety equipment during a school match, compensation may be available.
- Water Sports: Diving accidents and boating collisions can result in spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and severe lacerations, among other serious injuries.
FALLS:
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents: Falls on slippery or uneven surfaces can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and fractures, to name a few possible injuries.
- Falls from Heights: Accidents involving falls from ladders, roofs, or elevated platforms can result in severe orthopedic injuries and head trauma, among other injuries.
VIOLENCE AND ASSAULT:
- Physical Assaults: Blunt force trauma and gunshot wounds can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and internal organ damage. Business who fail to provide adequate security for their visitors can be held liable in these cases.
- Domestic Violence: Victims of severe physical abuse may suffer from multiple fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and severe psychological trauma.
DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS:
- Faulty Machinery: Defective industrial equipment and consumer products can cause severe injuries, including amputations, burns, and crush injuries.
- Unsafe Vehicles: Defective vehicle parts, such as brakes or airbags, can lead to accidents resulting in catastrophic injuries and even death.
FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS:
- Building Fires: Burns and smoke inhalation injuries from fires can be life-threatening and cause permanent damage. When landlords and business owners fail to implement safety measures, they can be held liable for these injuries.
- Industrial Explosions: Explosions in industrial settings can result in severe burns, traumatic brain injuries, and amputations, among other injuries.
By recognizing these common causes, individuals and organizations can take steps to mitigate risks and enhance safety measures. If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence, seek legal assistance. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping victims pursue the compensation they deserve to support their recovery and future well-being.
SECURING COMPENSATION FOR CATASTROPHIC INJURIES
To claim compensation, it’s essential to gather all relevant documentation relating to the injury, including medical records, accident reports, and evidence of negligence. These documents will help your case and establish liability.
Consulting with an experienced catastrophic injury attorney can greatly improve your chances of a successful outcome. They assess the circumstances surrounding the injury, evaluate potential damages, and guide you through the legal process. Factors that influence the compensation amount include the injury’s severity, its impact on the victim’s daily life and work capacity, the cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation, and any emotional suffering endured.
CONTACT OUR SACRAMENTO CATASTROPHIC INJURY LAWYERS TODAY
Our dedicated team of Sacramento catastrophic injury lawyers at Berg Injury Lawyers is committed to helping victims of catastrophic injuries in Sacramento navigate the legal process.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, if you don’t win, you pay nothing. There’s also no cost or obligation to hire simply to speak to one of our lawyers. We call that our No Fee Guarantee®. Contact us today for a free consultation.
