San Diego Catastrophic Injury Attorney

A catastrophic injury is an injury that is extremely serious and that results in long-lasting medical condition, permanent disability, and shortened life expectancy.  It usually affects at least one system of the body and causes much suffering to the victim.  It could come in the form of a traumatic brain injury, for example, or the loss of a limb, severe burns, a spinal cord injury, or other neurological disorders. If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, we can help. We've helped many seriously injured victims to recover large awards for injuries caused by someone else's negligence. We never charge any up front fees to handle your case so call us today for your free case evaluation.

Catastrophic Injury Information

Catastrophic injuries or illnesses can be devastating to victims and to their families.  These injuries very often cause such severe disruption to the body and its central nervous system that many other systems of the body are affected.  In addition to possible loss of movement, bodily sensation, and communicative and cognitive abilities, such serious injuries may impact the respiratory system which affects one's ability to breathe, the circulatory system which affects vital blood supply to limbs and organs, the kidneys and other organs that purify the blood, and many other vital body systems that are impacted when one sustains a catastrophic injury. 

Depending upon the type of injury and the extent of the damage to the body, managing catastrophic injuries can be extremely complex.  All too often these injuries require the expertise of a whole team of health professionals, including physicians, nurses, therapists, and counselors.  In most cases, the long-term needs of someone who has experienced this type of injury far surpass those of individuals with less severe injuries.  Ongoing long-term therapy is a very real possibility for these patients.

If you or a loved one has sustained a catastrophic injury, you will need the help of a personal injury attorney who understands the special lifelong challenges that these patients will face.  You cannot expect that those who are negligent, nor that their insurance companies, will accept responsibility or look out for your future interests.  A classic example of this can be seen in the attitudes that some of the major auto makers have about public safety. 

In March of 2000 on an Arizona highway, 21-year-old lost her life. Her Ford SUV flipped down Interstate 10 after she lost control, crushing her inside.  Because the roof had collapsed and there was nothing left holding the seat belts, the seat belts could not hold her and she lost her life in the accident.  Two weeks into their wrongful death suit against Ford, the company settled.  Recently, the advocacy group Public Citizen released a new study on ″roof crush″ accidents. The conclusion was that "roof crush" can and does cause catastrophic injury and death. The science in these studies is irrefutable.

In another accident in Virginia, a woman died of a fractured skull after her Ford Explorer rolled over. Ford claimed she was run off the road and that no one could have survived the crash, that roof strength was not a factor.  But the jury ordered Ford to pay $10 million, after finding that Ford was liable. The plaintiffs introduced evidence that during the mid-1990s, Ford had weakened its roofs during redesigns, while maintaining the minimum government standard.  In 1999, after Ford bought Volvo, Volvo was sill working on strengthening its roofs.  Apparently, the auto industry has known for years that stronger roofs will save lives.

Statistics show that approximately 7,000 people each year are killed or severely injured in vehicle accidents in which the roof crushes or caves in.  Safety groups have stepped up their campaign for new roof-strength standards with the new verdicts that have come in, including a $225 million verdict against Ford in a roof crush case.

The NHTSA is looking hard at recent crash data to establish a direct relationship between collapsing roofs and catastrophic injuries.  Sadly, in filings with NHTSA, GM, Ford and DaimlerChrysler continue to contend that there is no need for new standards.

If you or your loved one has sustained a catastrophic injury as the result of the negligent or intentional act of another, or by a dangerous or defective product, seek the advice of a qualified personal injury attorney today. We can help you like we've helped many others. Call today.

Estey and Bomberger, LLP
2869 India Street
San Diego, California 92103

Phone      619.543.1391
Toll Free  800.672.1036