Catastrophic Injury Lawyers

In the blink of an eye, a serious accident or mishap can result in a catastrophic injury that will change your life, as well as the lives of your family members. The immediate pain and extensive medical treatment can be overwhelming. The loss of mobility or function and continued physical and occupational therapy may impact you and your loved ones for a lifetime. The seasoned catastrophic injury lawyers here at Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP have extensive experience representing accident victims, and we stand ready to put that experience to work for you. Contact our firm today.

Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Serving Clients in California & the Western U.S.

If you or a member of your family in Northern or Southern California has suffered a life-changing injury because of another party’s negligence, talk to a personal injury lawyer at Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP. We are a team of personal injury trial attorneys with a record of successfully representing clients in catastrophic personal injury cases since 1926.

Types of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries can take various forms, but over the decades, our litigation team has successfully represented clients in cases involving all types of these injuries, including the following:

• Severe burns and scarring
• Amputation injuries, loss of limb or digits
• Loss of eyesight/blindness
• Compound fractures and crush injuries
• Life-altering spinal cord injury

Whether your injury was the result of an auto accident, caused by the negligence of a property owner, or occurred on your job working for a railroad, we are ready to provide the aggressive, effective legal representation you need.

Commitment, Backed By Professional And Financial Resources

Many law firms advertise they handle catastrophic injury cases. The reality is that only a few actually have the professional, technical, and financial resources required to win these cases, in the event they go to court. A successful catastrophic injury lawsuit requires:

• Trial experience: The law firm must be prepared to expend the resources to gather all evidence, records, and reports necessary to prepare the case for trial, before sitting down to negotiate a full and fair settlement.
• Professional resources: The law firm must not only have experienced lawyers on staff but also have a network of independent experts available to reconstruct the accident scene, explain the medical details, and serve as expert witnesses regarding future economic, vocational, and medical damages over a lifetime.
• Financial resources: Catastrophic injury cases can take months and even years to settle or come to trial. The law firm must have the financial resources to commit to preparing the case, working through the settlement negotiations, and presenting the strongest case possible in court. Your catastrophic injury will result in lifetime damages. Make sure you hire a law firm that will be willing to fight for you as long as it takes to get the full and fair recovery you need.

Contact Our Catastrophic Injury Lawyers

Don’t face a catastrophic injury without a skilled team of lawyers in your corner. Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP has extensive experience representing victims of catastrophic injuries, and we stand ready to put that experience to work for you. Contact us today so we can get started working on your case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Catastrophic Injury Claims

How long do I have to file a catastrophic injury claim?

It depends on the type of case. Most California personal injury claims, such as those from auto or property accidents, must be filed within two years under Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. If your catastrophic injury happened while working for a railroad, a FELA claim generally must be filed within three years under 45 U.S.C. Section 56.

Can I still recover if I was partly at fault?

Yes. California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, so your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault rather than barred entirely. FELA railroad claims apply a similar comparative fault rule that reduces, but does not eliminate, your recovery.

Why do catastrophic injury cases require lifetime damages calculations?

Because these injuries often cause permanent disability, damages must account for future medical care, lost earning capacity, and ongoing needs over your lifetime, not just current expenses. Learn more about TBI and spinal cord injuries.