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What is a catastrophic injury under California law?
A truck accident can alter your life in an instant. Truck accidents can result in serious and catastrophic injuries that will have lifelong consequences. You may not be familiar with the term “catastrophic injury.” Our Los Angeles truck accident attorneys at the law firm of J&Y offer the following look at what constitutes a catastrophic injury in California and what you can do if you suffer a catastrophic injury in a truck accident.
Catastrophic Injuries Defined
A catastrophic injury is defined as any injury that is so severe it renders the victim unable to resume the life they led prior to the truck accident. Commercial trucks, such as 18 wheelers, tractor-trailers, box trucks, and more, often weigh in at 80,000 pounds. When a truck of this size slams into a passenger motor vehicle, catastrophic injuries will often occur. Examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries happen when the nerves within the spine are damaged in a truck or other accident. Spinal cord injuries can be complete or incomplete, with complete injuries resulting in paralysis. These injuries will require significant and ongoing medical care.
- Head injuries: The extreme force of a truck accident can damage the head and brain. Traumatic brain injuries can permanently impact a truck accident victim’s memory, bodily functions, and more.
- Loss of vision or hearing: Injuries stemming from truck accidents could cause blindness or loss of hearing. Once lost, these senses may not be able to be restored. Loss of your vision or hearing may impact your career and everyday living.
- Bone fractures: While some broken limbs will heal with no long term impact, other bone fractures could result in permanent mobility problems, ongoing pain, and other ill effects.
If you have suffered a catastrophic injury in California, you should obtain experienced legal assistance to protect your legal rights. Catastrophic injuries may involve considerable medical expenses and can significantly limit your ability to work. You may be able to seek compensation for your catastrophic injury related losses from the at-fault truck or trucking company that injured you.