Life doesn’t stop when something goes wrong. And when a severe injury changes someone you love, it changes everything for you, too.
Maybe you’re trying to figure out how to manage doctor visits, rehab schedules, and insurance calls. Perhaps you’re sorting through bills that keep piling up, wondering how everything will get paid. Or maybe you’re just trying to be strong for them, even when you don’t know what’s ahead.
A catastrophic injury isn’t just about the person who got hurt—it affects the entire family.
Spouses become caregivers.
Parents rearrange their lives.
Kids grow up faster than they should.
Everything shifts, and nothing feels certain anymore.
At Peerali Law, we understand that when someone in your family suffers a life-changing injury, you’re carrying a lot, too. If you need a Torrance catastrophic injury lawyer who sees the whole picture—the impact on your loved one and you—we’re here to help.
What Is Considered a Catastrophic Injury in California?
Some injuries heal, but others leave a lasting impact on daily life. State law defines what is considered a catastrophic injury in California as one that causes permanent or long-term damage, affecting mobility, cognitive function, or the ability to work.
For families, this often means adjusting to a new reality:
- Traumatic brain injuries. Memory loss, personality shifts, and impaired thinking can change the person you knew.
- Spinal cord injuries. Partial or complete paralysis can mean your loved one needs constant assistance for even the simplest tasks.
- Amputations. Losing a limb doesn’t just affect movement—it impacts self-esteem, independence, and career prospects.
- Burn injuries. Severe burns can lead to painful surgeries, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma.
- Crush injuries and multiple fractures. Shattered bones and nerve damage can limit mobility and cause lifelong pain.
These injuries don’t just bring medical bills. They bring hard choices—deciding whether to leave a job to care for your loved one, figuring out how to make your home accessible, or finding long-term rehabilitation. Insurance companies don’t think about these things when they offer quick settlements. But we do.
How Do Catastrophic Injuries Happen?
Some injuries happen by accident. Others occur because someone acted recklessly. When another person’s careless actions cause life-changing injuries, they should be held responsible.
Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Accidents
A distracted driver looking at their phone, a trucker pushing past legal driving hours, a motorcyclist cut off in traffic—one careless moment can change everything.
According to the California DMV, thousands of people suffer permanent injuries every year due to:
- Speeding,
- Texting and driving,
- Driving under the influence, and
- Falling asleep at the wheel.
A reckless decision behind the wheel can turn someone’s life upside down. The person responsible should be held accountable, not the person left suffering the consequences.
Workplace Accidents
Construction workers, warehouse employees, and industrial laborers face the highest risks of catastrophic injuries. Falls, machinery malfunctions, or unsafe work conditions can result in spinal cord damage, amputations, or head trauma.
Even office workers can suffer catastrophic injuries—slips, falling objects, and unsafe building conditions can cause serious harm. Employers must provide a safe work environment. If they fail to do so, they may be responsible for any harm caused.
Slip and Fall Incidents
A cracked sidewalk. A wet floor with no warning sign. A broken stair railing. It takes just one second for a fall to cause a life-changing injury. If your loved one suffered a catastrophic injury because a business or property owner neglected to fix a hazard, they have the right to seek damages.
Defective Products
Some injuries happen because a product failed when it mattered most. A seatbelt that didn’t lock, an airbag that didn’t deploy, or a malfunctioning medical device are not just accidents. When companies cut corners on safety, people get hurt. We hold them responsible.
Medical Malpractice
You trust doctors to help, not hurt. However, misdiagnoses, surgical errors, and anesthesia mistakes can lead to injuries that should have never happened. If a doctor’s mistake caused your loved one’s condition, they should be held accountable.
California law limits the amount of compensation available for certain types of injuries. Noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases are capped at $350,000, increasing by $40,000 annually until it reaches $750,000 in 2033.
What Are the Long-Term Consequences of a Catastrophic Injury?
Even if the injury seems manageable initially, complications can develop over time. Many catastrophic injuries require multiple surgeries, long-term physical therapy, or permanent medical devices. What seems like a short-term adjustment can become a lifetime of ongoing care. Families often don’t realize the full extent of costs until months or years later. Peerali Law helps families understand their rights and fight for what’s fair.
What Does a Good Settlement for a Catastrophic Injury Look Like?
Insurance companies want to settle quickly and cheaply. But a fair settlement should reflect everything your loved one has lost—and everything they still need.
That means covering:
- Medical costs—surgeries, hospital stays, rehab, medication, and in-home care;
- Lost wages and future earnings—if your loved one can’t work anymore, their settlement should reflect that;
- Home and vehicle adjustments—ramps, stairlifts, modified vehicles, and accessibility tools; and
- Pain and suffering—physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of independence all count.
Settlements should also consider the emotional strain on families. Spouses may need to leave their jobs to provide care. Children may lose out on financial security. A good settlement for a catastrophic injury isn’t just about medical costs; it’s about ensuring your loved one and your family don’t struggle financially because of someone else’s negligence.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
California law gives two years from the date of injury to file a claim. But there are exceptions:
- If a government entity is involved, the deadline is six months; and
- If the injury wasn’t diagnosed immediately, the deadline starts when the injury was discovered.
Waiting too long can limit your options. Insurance companies often delay claims, hoping families will settle for less out of frustration. A solid legal case starts with acting early.
Why Peerali Law?
There are plenty of personal injury lawyers in Torrance, but not all firms give their clients the time and attention they deserve.
Here’s what makes Peerali Law different:
- We take fewer cases so we can focus on yours. Some law firms juggle hundreds of claims and push quick settlements. That’s not us.
- We prepare for trial. Insurance companies take cases more seriously when they know the lawyer is willing to go to court. We don’t settle unless it’s fair.
- We think long-term. A fast payout won’t help if you need medical care for the rest of your life. We calculate everything from lost wages, home modifications, and future surgeries to demand what’s fair.
When a family puts their trust in us, we don’t take that lightly. We fight for every dollar your loved one needs to live fully and comfortably.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone – Hire Peerali Law as Your Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
A catastrophic injury doesn’t just change one life; it changes an entire family.
You’re already carrying a lot by helping, planning, and holding things together. But you shouldn’t have to do this by yourself.
When you need a Torrance catastrophic injury lawyer who will listen to what your family needs, Peerali Law is ready. Call us today at 818-938-2983 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation.