Our law firm that specializes in handling catastrophic injury cases. As a catastrophic injury law firm, we handle cases where victims were seriously injured due to someone else’s negligence. In your case, more than one party may be responsible for your injuries. Liability may extend to employers, property owners, manufacturers, contractors, or other entities whose actions contributed to what happened. Identifying all responsible parties is critical to recovering full compensation. If you or someone you know was injured call our experienced catastrophic injury lawyers today for a free case review.
GJEL may be able to help you recover expenses due to the injuries you experienced. In a catastrophic injury case, your compensation is not limited to current medical bills. Your claim may need to account for a lifetime of medical care, rehabilitation, assistive devices, prescription costs, and ongoing treatment. If lifetime costs are not fully considered, you may face financial hardship years after your case is resolved.
Some of these expenses might include:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages [Past and Future]
- Ongoing Medical Treatment
- Pain and Suffering
- Loss of Work
Your injuries may require significant changes to your living environment. You may need wheelchair-accessible entryways, modified bathrooms, in-home lifts, or other adaptive equipment to safely live in your home. These costs can be substantial and are often part of a catastrophic injury claim
Since the firm was started from humble roots in 1971 we have received over $950,000,000 for our clients in verdicts and settlements while maintaining a 99% success rate. We are not afraid to take insurance companies to trial and hold them accountable for a fair settlement. Because catastrophic injury claims involve significant long-term damages, insurance companies may be less willing to offer a fair settlement. In some cases, preparing for trial is necessary to protect your right to full compensation.
“We still take pride in fighting for the little guy,” says partner Luke Ellis, noting that the firm’s partners began their careers in public service. The cases have gotten larger and more complex along the way, but that hasn’t changed the firm’s focus. The one-on-one relationship between attorney and client remains important to GJEL today.
GJEL limits its practice to personal injury and wrongful death cases. The attorneys take cases they believe in for people they care about. Each case that the firm selects is handled with extreme care and given the amount of time it needs and deserves. “We are certainly proud of the results we get, ” Gillin says. “But we are more proud of the relationships we have formed and the people we have helped through the years.”
We are one of the highest-rated catastrophic injury law firms serving California.
What is considered a catastrophic injury?
Unlike a standard personal injury case, a catastrophic injury is defined by the severity and permanence of its impact on your life. A personal injury may heal with time, while a catastrophic injury permanently limits your ability to work, live independently, or function as you did before. This legal distinction matters because catastrophic injury claims involve higher damages, more complex proof, and a different litigation approach than ordinary injury cases.
This is an injury that is so severe that it permanently prevents the victim from living a normal life. Because your injury meets a higher severity threshold, your case may be handled differently under the law. You may need stronger evidence, expert testimony, and long-term damage projections than in a typical injury claim. Insurance companies often defend catastrophic injury cases more aggressively because of the lifetime compensation involved. These are some of the worst types of injuries. The victim may be unable to work, take care of him or herself, or even communicate with others. Catastrophic injuries often result in death long term.
Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries
A catastrophic injury is a life-changing event. It may have been caused by a car accident, scooter accident, or anything else. We have helped seriously injured victims through these difficult times.
There are many potential causes of catastrophic injuries, but some are more common than others. One of the most common causes of catastrophic injuries is car & auto accidents. If your catastrophic injury occurred at work, you may have legal options beyond workers’ compensation. When a third party such as an equipment manufacturer, subcontractor, or property owner contributed to your injuries, you may be able to pursue a separate personal injury claim for additional damages. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 6 million car accidents in the United States in 2021, and many of these resulted in catastrophic injuries. Other common causes of catastrophic injuries include falls, sports injuries, and workplace accidents.
Here are a few of the types of catastrophic injuries we see from major accidents and motor vehicle accidents:
Below are just a few of the types of catastrophic injury cases we have handled for our clients.
Brain Damage Cases
At Gillin, Jacobson, Ellis, Larsen & Lucey, our catastrophic and serious accident injury lawyers handle cases involving brain injuries and brain damage at all levels of severity. Brain damage is often caused by an impact to the head, and it may include subsequent complications due to lack of oxygen, and rising pressure or swelling in the brain. Unfortunately, brain damage, particularly when it involves a “closed head” impact, often goes undiagnosed in emergency rooms. Not all catastrophic injuries are immediately apparent.
You may experience worsening symptoms or delayed complications months or years after an accident, toxic exposure, or medical error. These delayed injuries can still qualify as catastrophic if they permanently affect your life. In many cases, a person with a closed-head brain injury may not even realize at first that they have been injured. A victim of a traumatic brain injury may undergo changes in disposition, be unable to concentrate, have memory problems, have a loss of vision, or suffer from hearing loss or deafness.
Appropriate treatment of a brain injury can involve diagnostic testing, medications, rehabilitation, and even surgery. As with any serious injury, an extensive team of caregivers may be necessary. It is not uncommon for an injured individual to see a neurologist, neurosurgeon, psychiatrist, psychologist, vocational specialist, and numerous therapists.
All levels of brain injury can cause physical, emotional, social, and job-related changes in your life. Recovery can be a continuous process of adjustment and accommodation for an injured person and his or her family members. Your family may also experience financial strain. A spouse, parent, or child may need to reduce work hours or leave employment entirely to help care for you. Lost household income and caregiver responsibilities are common consequences of catastrophic injuries and may be considered when evaluating damages.
Amputation Injuries
Amputation can range from the loss of a fingertip to the loss of an arm or a leg. Loss of a limb frequently results in significant blood loss, shock, infection, and even death. An amputation injury often causes a reaction of grieving or depression in the victim and almost always results in some level of negative emotional impact and pain. Our attorneys always make sure our clients and their families find the support they need during the extremely difficult period of adjustment or for as long as they need it. We have an extensive network of professionals throughout California who can help make sure that you have the resources you need to deal with all the effects of your injuries and loss. If you or a loved one has suffered an amputation as the result of an accident, seek legal assistance as soon as possible.
Paralysis Injuries
Paralysis, which can include paraplegia or quadriplegia, is the loss of strength or mobility in a part of the body. The extent of the paralysis depends upon the severity and the location of the injury. Paralysis and loss of sensation may be partial or total, temporary or permanent. If function and mobility are not regained within several months after the injury, the loss is more likely to be permanent.
Any injury that damages the spinal cord or nerve pathways in the spinal cord can cause permanent loss or disability. People who are weak or paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury are also at risk of developing other problems, such as bedsores, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia.
How GJEL Catastrophic & Serious Accident Injury Lawyer help me?
A catastrophic and serious accident injury lawyer such as GJEL Accident Attorneys can help you in a number of ways. First, we can help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and help you to maximize this. Second, we can help you receive the best possible medical care for your injuries with our connection of experienced doctors. Third, we can help you obtain the necessary financial resources to support you and your family during your recovery. You also won’t pay a dime unless and until we win your case. We work on a contingency fee basis. Finally, we can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney may help the chances of your lawsuit against the other party. Your catastrophic injury claim may require extensive proof. This can include detailed medical records, long-term care plans, and testimony from medical, rehabilitation, vocational, or economic experts to show how your injuries will affect you over time. We are experts at evidence collection on your behalf and will help insurance companies pay the money you deserve for your case. We will give you our best advice based on every case.
What should I do if I’ve been injured?
First and foremost, If you are injured in a catastrophic accident, you should seek medical attention immediately. If your injuries are severe, you may need to be hospitalized. Once you are stabilized, you should contact a catastrophic and serious accident injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.
If your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. You may have a catastrophic injury claim if your injuries permanently limit your ability to work, live independently, or enjoy daily life, and if another person or company played a role in causing that harm. A case review can help determine whether your injury meets this legal standard.
What are the time limits for filing a claim for a catastrophic injury?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the injury, the jurisdiction in which the injury occurred, and the applicable statutes of limitations.
In general, however, claimants have a limited time in which to file a claim for a catastrophic injury. However, in general in California, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
We Are An Award Winning Catastrophic Injury Law Firm
GJEL Accident Attorneys was just rated a top catastrophic Injury law firm by Best Lawyers for 2021 and 2022. We have also recovered over $950 million dollars with a 99% success rate for victims who experienced catastrophic injuries due to the negligence of someone else. Given the serious nature of spinal cord injuries, it is important to consult an experienced lawyer to seek all sources of liability and compensation.
GJEL Accident Attorneys is a California law firm that specializes in catastrophic and accident injury cases. We understand the devastating impact that a serious injury can have on your life and the lives of your loved ones. That’s why our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to representing those who have been seriously injured and fighting for their rights.
We have a proven track record of success in securing fair compensation for our clients. Because catastrophic injury cases involve lifetime damages, insurance companies often challenge the severity of your injuries, future care needs, or responsibility for the accident. Experienced legal representation is important when facing these tactics. We are committed to providing personalized attention to each and every case. If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today for a free consultation.
We can answer all of your questions and provide you with information relevant to taking your case to court. Call our office today at 1-855-508-9565 or email lawfirm@gjel.com. Talk to one a personal injury lawyers today before the statute of limitations expires and the outcome of your case is affected.
What are catastrophic injuries damages?
The damages or compensation you receive from your catastrophic injury claim will vary depending on the facts of your case. GJEL has recovered over $950 Million dollars for our clients. At GJEL we specialize in complex serious injury claims. Catastrophic injury cases are different from standard injury claims. Your case may require long-term planning, aggressive litigation strategy, and careful evaluation of future medical and financial needs to ensure you are protected well into the future.
Why You Need to Talk to GJEL After Your Injury
In the wake of a catastrophic injury, the path to justice and healing is fraught with challenges. This is when the expertise of a catastrophic personal injury lawyer becomes indispensable. GJEL Accident Attorneys are recognized authorities in handling cases of severe and life-altering injuries, providing expert legal representation to those who have suffered immensely.
Our approach as your catastrophic injuries attorney is thorough and compassionate. We understand that the aftermath of a catastrophic accident is overwhelming, and our goal is to shoulder the legal burden so that you can focus on recovery. As your catastrophic accident attorney, we commit to navigating the complex medical, legal, and insurance issues that are inherent to these cases.
GJEL’s catastrophic accident lawyers are not just advocates in the courtroom; we are your steadfast allies throughout the entire legal process. We stand out as a catastrophic personal injury attorney firm because of our unwavering dedication to our clients’ needs and our relentless pursuit of the compensation and care they deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, it’s crucial to act promptly to protect your rights and secure the necessary resources for recovery. Contact GJEL Accident Attorneys to discuss your case and ensure that your voice is heard during this critical time. We are here to guide you through every step, offering the support and expert representation you need to move forward.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Andrew (Andy) R. Gillin is a founding partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has practiced personal injury law in California state and federal courts since 1970. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago Law School and co-founded GJEL in 1972. Over the course of his career, Andy has helped hundreds of injured plaintiffs recover compensation, including multiple seven-figure settlements and verdicts. He specializes in serious injury and wrongful death cases and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, with recognition from Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America.
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