Los Angeles Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
When another’s wrongful action causes a life-altering accident resulting in catastrophic injuries, you need a Los Angeles catastrophic injury attorney who fights for you. At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, our lawyers don’t settle for less than what’s right.
- For over 50 years, we’ve fought for accident victims in Los Angeles.
- We’ve recovered more than $2 billion for our clients.
- You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Contact us anytime for a free case evaluation.
Powerful Representation, Compassionate Support
Trusted by clients in Los Angeles since 1972, the powerhouse legal team at The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker has a reputation for securing maximum compensation and justice. We have recovered over $2 billion for our clients, earning recognition from Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and major media outlets for our landmark injury cases.
With a dedicated bilingual support team available 24/7 and thousands of injured clients represented across Los Angeles, we stand ready to fight harder than anyone for you.
A catastrophic injury can stop your life in its tracks. The pain is intense, the emotional shock is overwhelming, and the uncertainty about the future can feel crushing. Suddenly, you’re facing medical bills you never expected, losing income because you can’t work, and struggling to understand what comes next. The future you once imagined disappears, replaced by a new reality filled with long-term care, rehabilitation, and life-changing challenges for you and your family.
During this difficult time, you need a compassionate legal team that can advocate for you. At our catastrophic injury law firm, our mission is to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on your health, your recovery, and your family. We fight to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the resources you need to rebuild your life with dignity.
What to Do After a Catastrophic Injury Accident in Los Angeles
The moments after a severe accident can feel chaotic and frightening, and what you do next can change what happens next. If you or someone you love has suffered a catastrophic injury, take these steps to protect yourself:
- Seek emergency medical care right away. Call 911 or go to the nearest ER. Even if you feel “okay,” serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, can hide beneath the surface.
- Make sure the accident is officially reported. Call the Los Angeles Police Department after the accident, or notify your supervisor immediately if the injury happened at work.
- Document as much as you can. Take photos or videos of the scene, your injuries, and any damage. Collect witness information and save every medical record, bill, and important communication.
- Be cautious with insurance companies. Adjusters may seem helpful, but their goal is to reduce payouts. Don’t give statements, sign forms, or accept any offers before speaking to an attorney.
- Contact a catastrophic injury lawyer as soon as possible. You need someone who can step in quickly, protect your rights, handle the insurers, secure crucial evidence, and start building a strong case while you focus on healing. That’s exactly how an experienced Los Angeles catastrophic injury attorney can help.
Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a vibrant but congested city where severe accidents happen daily. Our firm has seen firsthand how another party’s negligence can lead to devastating consequences.
Common causes of catastrophic injuries include:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Crashes can result in catastrophic injuries, especially on high-speed freeways like the I-405, I-10, and US-101. In fact, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety, there were 8,944 people fatally injured in Los Angeles in 2022.
- Truck Accidents: Collisions with large commercial trucks on major arteries often result in life-altering harm due to the massive size and weight disparity. With 364 fatal truck crashes, California ranked second in the nation for the highest risk in 2021.
- Motorcycle Accidents: With limited protection, motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable to catastrophic injuries, especially at dangerous intersections and on congested surface streets. In 2022, Los Angeles had 605 victims injured and killed in motorcycle crashes.
- Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents: Distracted drivers and a lack of protected bike lanes put pedestrians and cyclists at severe risk, leading to devastating injuries. Based on the same data by OTS, 1,534 pedestrians and 475 cyclists sustained fatal injuries from crashes within the same year.
- Rideshare Accidents: The constant presence of Uber and Lyft vehicles contributes to traffic congestion and the potential for complex accidents involving multiple liable parties.
- Workplace Accidents: Industries such as construction and manufacturing pose significant risks, with falls, equipment malfunctions, and safety violations often resulting in permanent disability. In Los Angeles, there were 2,904 workplace accidents in 2022.
- Premises Liability: Poorly maintained properties, inadequate security, or unmarked hazards can lead to slip-and-fall accidents that result in spinal cord injuries or TBIs.
- Defective Products: When a product like a vehicle part, medical device, or piece of machinery fails, the resulting injuries can be catastrophic.
What Kind of Injuries Qualify as Catastrophic?
Catastrophic injuries significantly (and frequently permanently) impair the bodily functions and health of the victim. For survivors, going back to work may not be an option because of the severe deterioration in the quality of life and well-being they and their families have experienced.
We represent victims who have suffered the most severe types of harm, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal Cord Injuries (resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia)
- Amputations (loss of a limb)
- Severe Burns
- Crushing Injuries and Internal Organ Damage
- Multiple Bone Fractures
- Paralysis
- Vision or Hearing Loss
When Can Catastrophic Injury Victims File a Claim?
If your catastrophic injury happened because someone failed to act responsibly, whether a careless individual, a negligent employer, a reckless company, or a defective product manufacturer, you may have the right to pursue a claim.
Catastrophic injuries aren’t minor setbacks. Instead, they are life-altering events that disrupt your health, independence, and future. When someone’s negligence causes that level of harm, they can and should be held accountable.
How Negligence Plays a Role
Every person and organization has a duty to keep others reasonably safe. When they ignore hazards, cut corners, or choose convenience over safety, they breach that duty. And when that breach leads to a devastating injury, such as a brain injury, spinal cord damage, severe burns, amputation, or permanent disability, the law allows you to seek justice and compensation for everything you’ve lost.
What You Need to Prove
To recover compensation, your legal team must establish:
- Duty: The other party had a responsibility to keep you safe.
- Breach: They failed to meet that responsibility.
- Causation: Their negligence directly caused your catastrophic injury.
- Damages: You suffered significant physical, emotional, and financial harm.
Because cases involving permanent or catastrophic injuries can be complex, having an experienced attorney is essential. We gather evidence, consult experts, and protect your rights while you focus on recovery.
Who May Be Liable for a Catastrophic Injury?
Although medical knowledge frequently saves the lives of people who have suffered catastrophic injuries, it can’t always return them to full health, cognition, and mobility. People who suffer catastrophic injuries need to adjust to a new normal that includes daily life, ongoing care, therapy maintenance, family support, and a significant financial commitment.
This is why identifying all responsible parties is a critical step in seeking justice for victims with severe injuries. However, in many cases, liability extends beyond a single individual. Depending on the circumstances, the following parties may be held accountable:
- Negligent Drivers: Motorists who speed, text while driving, drive drunk, or act carelessly can be held responsible for the harm they cause.
- Employers: When an employee causes an accident while performing work duties, their employer may be held vicariously liable.
- Public Agencies: Government entities, such as the City of Los Angeles or Caltrans, may be accountable for hazardous road conditions or the negligent actions of government workers.
- Manufacturers: Companies that design, build, or sell defective vehicles, parts, or products can be liable when those defects lead to injury.
- Property Owners: Landlords, businesses, or managers who fail to maintain safe premises may be responsible for accidents that occur on their property.
- Rideshare Companies: Depending on the situation, Uber, Lyft, or similar platforms may share responsibility for crashes involving their drivers.
A Los Angeles catastrophic injury attorney from our firm conducts a thorough investigation to identify every party that contributed to your injuries, ensuring you can pursue compensation from all available sources.
Damages You Can Recover in a Catastrophic Injury Claim
A catastrophic injury claim allows you to recover compensation for all the ways the accident has impacted your life. California law allows victims to seek both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
These are the measurable financial losses associated with your injury. We work with experts to calculate the full lifetime cost of your needs.
- Medical Expenses: All past, current, and future medical bills, including surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and in-home care.
- Lost Earnings: Income you have already lost and your diminished capacity to earn a living in the future.
- Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle or other damaged property.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: Any other expenses incurred due to the injury, such as home modifications or assistive devices.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages compensate you for the profound, personal losses that do not have a specific price tag.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort you have endured.
- Emotional Distress: Damages for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological impacts.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to participate in hobbies and activities you once loved.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the negative impact the injury has had on your relationship with your spouse.
In situations involving severe negligence or intentional wrongdoing, the court may also award punitive damages. These damages are designed not only to hold the wrongdoer accountable but to discourage others from engaging in similar harmful behavior.
Your life has been changed in ways no dollar amount can fully capture, but securing fair compensation can provide the resources and support you need to move forward. You deserve nothing less than a recovery that honors the true extent of your losses, and a competent Los Angeles catastrophic injury attorney knows that.
The Statute of Limitations for Catastrophic Injuries in California
Acting quickly is crucial after a catastrophic injury. In California, you typically have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, but if a government agency is involved, you only have six months to submit a formal claim. These deadlines are strict, and missing them means losing your right to pursue compensation forever.
Reaching out to a catastrophic injury lawyer right away ensures you meet all deadlines and secure evidence before it’s lost or destroyed. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call us today to start your case.
Why You Need a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
A catastrophic injury changes everything, and trying to handle a complex claim on your own can jeopardize your financial future. Insurance companies may minimize your injuries, challenge your medical needs, or push you toward a quick settlement that won’t come close to covering a lifetime of care.
The truth is, the long-term costs of a catastrophic injury are easy to underestimate without the guidance of a skilled attorney. You need someone who understands the full scope of these claims and can stand up to powerful insurance companies. A seasoned catastrophic injury lawyer becomes your advocate, your protector, and your voice when you need it most. We take on the legal burden so you can concentrate on healing.
What we do for you:
- Investigate your case thoroughly to uncover every detail and the responsible party
- Secure and preserve critical evidence that supports your claim
- Manage all insurance communications to prevent adjusters from taking advantage of you
- Consult with medical and economic experts to project your long-term needs and expenses
- Evaluate the true value of your claim, including future care, lost income, and lifelong impact
- Develop a strategic, compelling case grounded in facts and expert opinions
- Fight aggressively for fair and full compensation on your behalf
With the right lawyer by your side, you gain strength, protection, and a powerful ally committed to helping you rebuild your life.
How Our Law Firm Builds Your Case
Our approach is meticulous, strategic, and focused on one thing: results. Here is how we build your case from the ground up:
- Free Case Evaluation: We start with a no-cost, no-obligation consultation to listen to your story and explain your legal options.
- Investigation & Evidence Gathering: Our team immediately begins a comprehensive investigation, collecting police reports, medical records, witness statements, and physical evidence.
- Working with Experts: We collaborate with leading medical specialists, life care planners, and accident reconstructionists to build a powerful case demonstrating liability and the full extent of your damages.
- Calculating Damages: We meticulously document every past and future cost associated with your injury to determine the full and fair value of your claim.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Armed with a powerful case, our attorneys negotiate aggressively with insurers to demand a settlement that meets your needs.
- Preparing for Trial: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are always prepared to take your case to trial and fight for a verdict before a judge and jury.
Why Choose Us for Your Los Angeles Case?
When everything is on the line, you need a catastrophic injury law firm with a proven track record of fighting and winning for clients in Los Angeles.
- Over 50 Years Serving LA: We have been a pillar of the Los Angeles community since 1972.
- Multilingual Team: Our dedicated bilingual staff is ready to assist you in English or Spanish.
- Neighborhood Familiarity: We know LA’s roads, courts, and communities. This local expertise is a powerful advantage.
- Proven Case Results: We have recovered over $2 billion for injured clients. Our results speak for themselves.
- Full-Service Support: We help you navigate every challenge, from finding top medical specialists to handling all the paperwork.
- Personalized Attention: You are not just a case number. We provide the dedicated, personal attention you deserve.
We’re ready to fight relentlessly for your rights and your recovery. Reach out today for a free consultation and let us show you how we can help.
Client Testimonials
While many attorneys offer representation, few fight with the level of purpose and determination we bring to every case. We go all in for our clients, and the trust we’ve earned over the years reflects our unwavering commitment to their recovery.
“I did nothing; they took care of everything. I would definitely use them again. Thank you.” – Jesse M.
Areas We Serve in Los Angeles
We proudly serve clients throughout Los Angeles County, including Downtown LA, the San Fernando Valley, West LA, South LA, and beyond.
Central Los Angeles & Core Business Hubs
- Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA)
- Century City
- Mid-Wilshire / Miracle Mile
- Koreatown
Westside & The “Silicon Beach” Corridor
- Beverly Hills
- Santa Monica
- Culver City
- Playa Vista
- Westwood
- Malibu
San Fernando Valley (The Valley) & North County
- Burbank
- Studio City / Sherman Oaks
- Woodland Hills / Warner Center
- Santa Clarita
South Bay & Harbor Area
- Torrance
- El Segundo / LAX Corridor
- Long Beach
- Inglewood
- San Pedro
San Gabriel Valley (SGV) & Northeast
- Pasadena
- Glendale
- Alhambra / Monterey Park
- East Los Angeles (Unincorporated Area Focus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do catastrophic injuries automatically qualify for higher compensation?
They often do, because these injuries involve lifelong consequences and significant financial impact. However, the actual value depends on the evidence, the severity of the injuries, and how the accident has changed your life.
Will I have to go to court for a catastrophic injury claim?
Not always. Many catastrophic injury claims settle out of court. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.
What evidence is most important in catastrophic injury cases?
Medical records, expert evaluations, witness statements, accident reports, photos, videos, and documentation of your physical and emotional challenges all help prove the full extent of your losses.
Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company offered me a settlement?
Yes. Early offers are almost always far below what you actually deserve. An attorney can evaluate whether the offer covers your medical needs, lost income, and future expenses before you sign away your rights.
What if the insurance company says I was partially at fault?
California follows comparative fault, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partly responsible. Your attorney will work to reduce the percentage of fault assigned to you to maximize your recovery.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
After a catastrophic injury, you need a legal powerhouse you can trust. We have the experience, resources, and determination to fight for the justice and maximum compensation you deserve. Let us handle the fight so you can focus on healing.
- Free Case Evaluation
- No Fees Unless We Win
- Available 24/7
Call 562-620-5912 or fill out our online form to get started now.
