California Catastrophic Injury FAQs
Answers to the questions families ask most after a catastrophic injury in California. This is general information, not legal or medical advice — for guidance on your situation, a free, confidential review can help. Se habla español.
What counts as a catastrophic injury?
Generally a permanent, life-altering injury — a brain or spinal injury, amputation, or severe burn — that requires lifelong care and changes the ability to live and work. Read more →
How is a catastrophic case different from an ordinary claim?
The biggest difference is the future — a lifetime of care, lost earning capacity, and changed circumstances — which requires experts and careful planning. Read more →
What is a life care plan?
An expert-prepared roadmap of everything the injured person will need over a lifetime, and its cost — the backbone of these cases. Read more →
Are catastrophic injury damages capped?
In California, generally not for an ordinary injury — caps apply mainly to medical malpractice, not to a catastrophic injury from a crash, product, or unsafe property. Read more →
What is lost earning capacity?
The reduction in your future ability to earn because of a permanent injury — often one of the largest parts of a catastrophic claim. Read more →
Should we settle before we know the full extent?
Generally no. Because a settlement is usually final, settling before the future needs are documented can leave a lifetime of costs uncovered. Read more →
How much is a catastrophic injury case worth?
There is no set formula — it depends on the lifelong care, lost earning capacity, the human impact, and the available insurance and parties. Read more →
How much does a catastrophic injury lawyer cost?
We work on contingency — no fee unless we recover — advance the case costs, and the first review is always free. Read more →
Answered in more depth
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