San Francisco Catastrophic Injury Attorney

Overview of Catastrophic Injuries

A catastrophic injury is a severe, life-altering injury that results in long-term or permanent disability. Unlike typical personal injuries, catastrophic injuries prevent victims from returning to their previous lifestyle, occupation, or independence. These injuries often require:

• Lifelong medical treatment
• Assistive devices and mobility aids
• Home or vehicle modifications
• Ongoing physical or occupational therapy
• Full- or part-time caregiving

In legal terms, a catastrophic injury is one that dramatically impacts a victim’s ability to perform daily activities and earn a meaningful income. Because the stakes are so high, these cases frequently involve complex medical evidence, expert testimony, and aggressive insurance disputes—making skilled legal representation essential.

Catastrophic injuries can occur in many types of accidents, including car accidents, motorcycle crashes, falls, workplace incidents, defective product cases, and more. Some of the most common catastrophic injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs can cause cognitive impairment, memory loss, mood disorders, and long-term neurological complications.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, changing every aspect of a person’s mobility and independence.
• Severe Burn Injuries: Burn victims often face lasting disfigurement, nerve damage, emotional trauma, and costly surgical procedures.
• Amputations or Loss of Limb: Limb loss can require prosthetics, long-term therapy, and significant lifestyle adjustments.
• Multiple Fractures and Crush Injuries: These injuries may require multiple surgeries and can result in chronic pain, mobility issues, or permanent impairment.
• Organ Damage or Internal Injuries: Severe internal injuries can leave victims with lifelong medical complications and reduced quality of life.

If you or a loved one suffered any of these injuries because of someone else’s negligence, Bostwick & Associates is ready to fight for your rights.

Life-Altering Effects of a Catastrophic Injury

The consequences of a catastrophic injury go far beyond the physical damage. Victims often experience:

• Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Many experience depression, anxiety, PTSD, and significant emotional distress due to the drastic changes in their abilities and lifestyle.
• Loss of Income and Earning Capacity: Catastrophic injuries frequently prevent victims from returning to work, resulting in substantial financial strain. Some victims are permanently unable to work at all.
• Ongoing Medical Costs: Long-term medical care can involve surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, home health services, specialized transportation, and more.
• Impact on Daily Living: Victims may require assistance with bathing, dressing, cooking, and transportation—sometimes for the rest of their lives.
• Burden on Family Members: Families often become caregivers, leading to emotional strain, lost income, and significant lifestyle adjustments.

At Bostwick & Associates, we understand how overwhelming this journey can be. Our San Francisco catastrophic injury lawyer works tirelessly to pursue maximum compensation so you and your family can focus on healing and rebuilding.

Compensation in a Catastrophic Injury Claim

Because catastrophic injuries have long-lasting and costly consequences, available compensation may include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Home modifications and assistive technology
• Long-term care costs

We work with medical experts, economists, and life-care planners to calculate the full value of your claim so no future costs are overlooked.

Catastrophic Injury Claim FAQs

How long do I have to file a catastrophic injury claim in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of injury. However, claims involving government entities have much shorter deadlines. It’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible—your award will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Do catastrophic injury cases usually go to trial?

Many settle out of court, but because these claims involve high-value damages, insurance companies often fight aggressively. Our firm prepares every case as if it will go to trial to ensure the strongest position for negotiation.

How much is my catastrophic injury case worth?

The value depends on the severity of the injury, long-term medical needs, impact on your ability to work, and the extent of your pain and suffering. After reviewing your case, we can provide a more accurate estimate.

Do I need a lawyer for a catastrophic injury claim?

Absolutely. These cases involve complex medical evidence, expert testimony, and large financial stakes. An experienced lawyer protects your rights and helps you recover the maximum compensation available.