Maison Law represents people suffering from extreme personal injury in California. In personal injury cases, the more severe your injury, the more damages you can claim. Also, extreme injuries such as the loss of a limb, brain injuries, or spinal injuries typically result in the highest payouts due to their severe impact on a person’s life.
For more information, contact a Personal Injury Lawyer at Maison Law today for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
Damages Available in Extreme Personal Injury Cases
In California, injured victims are allowed to recover two types of compensatory damages in personal injury lawsuits. These damages are referred to as special damages and general damages.
Special damages: these are also known as economic damages, which include medical expenses, lost wages, and all other out-of-pocket expenses incurred from the extreme personal injury.
General damages: often referred to as non-economic damages, these are comprised of intangible losses such as pain and suffering, anxiety, trauma, and depression caused by the injury.
Punitive damages: these are damages awarded to serve as punishment to the at-fault party. Although rare, they can sometimes be claimed in a personal injury case, if the extreme injury was caused by another person’s reckless behavior or an intentional act to harm.
Types of Extreme Personal Injuries
An extreme personal injury can happen to anyone. And when they do, they usually alter a person’s life completely by eliminating activities and career options. Sometimes extreme injuries are caused by defective products or inadequate warning labels on dangerous products. Companies that offer products to the general public are held to a strict liability standard, making it easy for injured victims to seek justice if they suffer an extreme injury. Types of extreme personal injuries include:
- Brain damage
- Paraplegia or quadriplegia
- Burns
- Vital organ damage
- Broken limbs
- Psychological trauma
In these cases, insurance may cover some of these medical expenses, but not all of them. Insurance policies cannot always cover the enormous costs of treating an extreme injury. That’s why it is important to consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer if your life has been seriously altered by an injury.
How Do You Prove an Extreme Injury in a Personal Injury Case?
Extreme injury treatments are typically determined by a doctor. However, in a personal injury case, having your doctor diagnose you with an extreme injury such as a TBI, spinal damage, or quadriplegia is just one step in proving the extent of your injury.
Personal injury lawsuits involve a plaintiff (the injured victim) and the defense (the liable party). So, while you as the plaintiff can present your doctor’s medical diagnosis of your injury as evidence, the defense can elect to have their doctor diagnose you. This is known as a defensive medical exam (DME).
The defense’s doctor may try to minimize the extent of your injury or even attempt to get you to say your injury isn’t as limiting as you’re claiming. However, a Personal Injury Lawyer can attend your DME and ensure the doctor is honest through the entire exam by recording the meeting and objecting to any questions intended to trick you.
An attorney will also hire a Lifecare Planner on your behalf to strengthen the legitimacy of your extreme injury. A Lifecare planner is a healthcare professional who will assess the extent of your injury and calculate the cost of treatment required for the remainder of your life. This lifecare planner will give a report of their findings to the defense and will also testify on your behalf as to the legitimacy of your injuries in court if necessary.
How a Lawyer Can Maximize Your Extreme California Personal Injury Settlement
It is a proven fact that injured victims were much more likely to receive a fair payout than those who dealt directly with the insurance company without representation. Also, victims with representation have been found to receive twice as much in compensation as those who proceeded unrepresented, even after attorney’s fees.
Legal representation offers several advantages, such as:
- Identification of All Liable Parties: personal injury accidents can involve multiple parties. An accident attorney will investigate all responsible parties and file a personal injury lawsuit against them, maximizing your chance at full, financial recovery.
- Management of your claim with the insurance companies: insurance companies can and will attempt to get injured victims to agree to a “lowball” settlement, or get you to admit fault. Having your attorney file a lawsuit against the insurance company will let them know you’re aware of your rights and are prepared to exercise them to achieve fair compensation.
- Adherence to Proper Legal Procedures: An experienced personal injury attorney understands the complexities of suing liable parties and the specific legal rules that must be followed. Having your lawsuit properly filed and the details of your situation perfectly outlined for the insurance adjuster will let the defense know you are aware of your rights and are prepared to exercise them.
- Preparation for Litigation: An attorney will expedite the litigation process if no acceptable offer is made. They will prepare you for trial, handle all legal proceedings, and represent you in court.
- Allow you to focus on Recovery: Hiring a well-practiced attorney will allow you to recover, while they deal with the legal side of your case. Not only will this give you a better chance at maximizing your compensation, but it will alleviate your stress and give you peace of mind while dealing with a very traumatic time in your life.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in California
If you or a loved one has suffered an extreme injury requiring lifelong treatment in California, our team of Personal Injury Lawyers at Maison Law can help you get the compensation you need. To regain financial control over your life after an extreme injury, contact Maison Law today for a free, no-risk consultation and case evaluation. There are no upfront fees and you don’t pay a cent until we’ve won your case.
