Catastrophic injuries are generally more severe than regular injuries. Catastrophic injuries can cause permanent disability, disfigurement, or even death. Regular injuries, on the other hand, are typically less severe and do not cause permanent impairment. Another key difference between catastrophic and regular injuries is the amount of damage that victims can recover. Victims of catastrophic injuries are often able to recover more damages than victims of regular injuries. This is because catastrophic injuries can have a more significant impact on a victim’s life.
Legal Framework for Catastrophic Injuries in CA
The legal framework for catastrophic injuries in California is complex. However, there are a few key laws that are important to understand.
- California Civil Code Section 3333 defines a catastrophic injury as an injury that causes permanent disability, disfigurement, or death.
- California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377 extends the statute of limitations for catastrophic injury cases from two years to four years.
- California Labor Code Section 3600 requires employers to provide workers’ compensation benefits to employees who suffer catastrophic injuries on the job.
Legal Framework for Regular Injuries in CA
The legal framework for regular injuries is also complex. However, there are a few key laws that are important to understand.
- California Civil Code Section 3333.2 defines a regular injury as an injury that does not cause permanent disability, disfigurement, or death.
- California Code of Civil Procedure Section 377 sets the statute of limitations for regular injury cases at two years.
- California Labor Code Section 3601 requires employers to provide workers’ compensation benefits to employees who suffer regular injuries on the job.
Compensation for Catastrophic Injuries in CA
Victims of catastrophic injuries in California may be able to recover the following types of damages:
- Economic damages: These damages are designed to compensate victims for the financial losses they have incurred as a result of their injuries. Economic damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, and future lost earnings.
- Non-economic damages: These damages are designed to compensate victims for the non-financial losses they have incurred as a result of their injuries. Non-economic damages may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive damages: Punitive damages are awarded to punish defendants for their reckless or intentional misconduct. Punitive damages are only awarded in rare cases.
Compensation for Regular Injuries in CA
Victims of regular injuries in California may be able to recover the following types of damages:
- Medical expenses: These damages are designed to compensate victims for the cost of all necessary medical treatment, including surgery, hospitalization, and prescription medications.
- Lost wages: These damages are designed to compensate victims for the wages they have lost as a result of their injuries.
- Pain and suffering: These damages are designed to compensate victims for the physical and emotional pain and suffering they have experienced as a result of their injuries.
Conclusion
If you have suffered a catastrophic or regular injury in California, it is important to seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney. With a deep understanding of California personal injury laws and a proven track record of handling complex catastrophic injury cases, our attorneys at Hollingsworth & Hollingsworth APC have the expertise needed to navigate the legal intricacies of your situation. Contact us at (619) 374-9320.
