Have you or someone you love suffered a life-changing injury in Monterey, CA? An experienced Monterey County catastrophic injury lawyer can help you fight for compensation. Call Mercado Kramer, LLP at (888) 311-4050 for a free consultation to learn more about how our attorneys can fight to maximize your compensation.
We’re prepared to put our experience to work for you to get the top results you deserve.
You’re already suffering the consequences of someone else’s mistake. Let our lawyers fight for the money you deserve. Contact our law offices in Monterey County, California, to get the help you need today.
Why Choose Mercado Kramer, LLP to Handle My Catastrophic Injury Claim in Monterey County?
Your future may seem entirely uncertain right now. You’re already watching the medical bills stack up. You’re wondering when you’ll be able to return to work–if ever.
When your life has changed forever, often in an instant, you deserve the best possible legal representation. Call our Monterey County personal injury attorneys at Mercado Kramer, LLP for the legal help you need.
Catastrophic injury claims are highly complex. They tend to require extensive legal assistance–especially if you plan to fight for the maximum amount you deserve. Our legal team has over 18 years of combined experience and are ready to fight for you.
When you hire us, count on us to reject lowball deals. Our Monterey County catastrophic injury lawyers have the skills to fight back. The insurance company won’t make things easy. With us on your team, you won’t have to worry about their scare tactics and manipulation.
Are you ready to learn more about our skills and experience? Call us today for a free case review.
Catastrophic Injuries: A Brief Overview
While there is no exact definition of “catastrophic injury”, catastrophic injuries are the most serious and life-threatening injuries possible. Catastrophic injuries almost always have a profound and life-changing impact on the victim’s life.
After a catastrophic injury, you’ll likely experience significant damage to your:
- Physical health
- Emotional wellbeing
- Ability to work
- Overall daily life and ability to participate in life
You may require extensive medical treatment, assistance with the most basic activities, and, sometimes, lifelong care.
In the personal injury context, catastrophic injury cases are different from cases involving milder injuries. Your case value will likely be higher. Much of your compensation award will stem from projected future losses. Catastrophic injuries may take longer to settle because of these and other complexities.
What is My Monterey County Catastrophic Injury Case Worth?
Even in catastrophic injury cases, it’s important to understand that there is no standard settlement amount–regardless of what the insurance adjuster says.
Our lawyers will carefully evaluate the details of your unique situation, considering:
- Your current medical treatment costs
- Your anticipated future medical needs
- Whether you’re expected to work in any capacity after reaching maximum medical improvement
- The current value of your lost income
- Your projected future lost income, considering your age and earning capacity
- Your personal losses, including damage to your quality of life
- How the injury has impacted your family and home life
- Your projected future expenses related to the injury
- Available insurance coverage and the defendant’s resources
- The impact of California’s shared fault laws, if any
Typically, we’ll start by evaluating your financial losses. These tend to be significant in catastrophic injury cases. We’ll also work closely with you and your family to evaluate your personal losses. We’ll use that information as a starting point in insurance negotiations.
Note that factors not listed here could affect your case value. Count on our lawyers to work tirelessly to understand your specific losses. That way, we’ll be prepared to demand every dollar you deserve.
What Types of Compensatory Damages Are Available to Victims Who Have Suffered Catastrophic Injuries in Monterey County?
Damages in personal injury cases are meant to compensate victims for the losses they have incurred due to the injury.
Your financial expenses are called economic damages, and often include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Long-term care
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Nursing care
- In-home assistance
- Property damage
Your non-economic losses are also important, and may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Severe depression
- PTSD and fear
- Diminished quality of life
- Physical disfigurement and scarring
- Damage to personal relationships
It’s important to identify all of the damages you’ve suffered as a result of the defendant’s actions. Often, this requires the help of expert witnesses.
Our Attorneys in Monterey County Are Prepared to Handle All Types of Catastrophic Injury Claims
The following types of injuries have the potential to be catastrophic:
- Serious brain injuries
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Paralysis
- Vision loss
- Severe burn injuries
- Organ failure
- Severe chest injuries
- Multiple broken bones and complex fractures
Our lawyers understand the far-reaching impact that these types of injuries can have on your life. The compensation you recover by filing a personal injury lawsuit can be critical to your future. It’s often key to getting the medical care and assistance you need going forward.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer to Handle a Catastrophic Injury Claim?
Like most personal injury law firms in California, our team at Mercado Kramer, LLP works on a contingency fee basis.
This arrangement has several advantages:
- You won’t be required to pay anything upfront
- Your attorneys’ fees are directly tied to the amount of money your lawyer recovers
- You never have to worry about covering legal fees if we don’t recover compensation
When the stakes are so high, you want to know that your lawyer’s interests are aligned with yours. The contingency fee arrangement ensures that your lawyer knows they only get paid if they win.
What Happens if I Was Partially Responsible for the Accident that Caused My Catastrophic Injury in California?
First, you won’t lose your right to compensation entirely unless the accident was wholly your fault. Second, hiring strong legal representation becomes even more important.
California follows a pure comparative negligence law. If you share some blame, your compensation will be reduced to the extent of your fault. For example, if you’re found to be 20% responsible for the car crash that caused your injury, you remain entitled to 80% of your settlement or verdict.
Our lawyers know how to push back on unfair finger-pointing and victim-blaming. You may not completely understand why your accident occurred. We have the tools to investigate and minimize any allegations of shared fault.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Catastrophic Injury in Monterey County?
Most catastrophic injuries are the result of avoidable accidents and incidents, including:
- Car accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Accidents involving large trucks
- Sports accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Accidents involving recreational vehicles
- Uber or Lyft accidents
- Boating accidents
- Construction accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Dog bites
- Defective products
- Fires
- Medical malpractice
- Exposure to hazardous substances
Of course, catastrophic injuries also happen because of intentional wrongdoing. Firearm violence and domestic violence are common causes of life-changing injuries.
What Do I Have to Prove to Recover Compensation After a Catastrophic Injury in California?
The elements of your case will depend on how you suffered the injury.
Most victims must prove negligence, or:
- The defendant owed you a legal duty of care (for example, as a doctor owes a patient or a driver owes others on the roads)
- They breached the duty by failing to exercise a reasonable amount of caution
- That breach caused your injury
- You suffered damages or some type of harm
Different versions of this standard may apply depending on the facts. It’s also possible that strict liability or intentional tort laws may govern your case.
While you’re working toward your recovery, our Monterey County catastrophic injury attorneys will be working to locate the evidence you need to prove your case.
What is the Deadline for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Catastrophic Injury Accident in California?
The deadline will depend on how you suffered the injury.
A two-year statute of limitations applies in most California personal injury cases. Most victims have two years from the date of the injury to take legal action. Otherwise, you forfeit your right to compensation entirely
In medical malpractice cases, victims have three years from the date of the injury or one year from the date they discover the injury (whichever comes first).
Different deadlines may also apply depending on the identity of the victim or defendant.
Contact Our Monterey County Catastrophic Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation Today
When someone else’s actions cause your life to change forever, you deserve a relentless advocate who will fight for you. If you or a loved one is suffering, our team at Mercado Kramer, LLP is prepared to fight for you. We’ll put the full weight of our legal knowledge and resources to work for you.
We know you’re probably dealing with significant medical issues. It’s never too early to reach out to an experienced Monterey County catastrophic injury attorney to learn about your legal options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to get started.
