If you suffered a catastrophic injury due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct, our attorneys at Ellis Law can help you pursue the compensation you need to rebuild your life. For over 30 years, we’ve held negligent parties accountable.
I’ve never met a more dedicated group of individuals that provide the utmost care and professionalism than Ellis Law. They handled my case perfectly and provided consistent support and communication throughout the entire process. Client Testimonial.
With more than $750 million recovered for clients across Southern California, we have the skill, determination, and resources to take on the toughest cases. If you’ve been hurt, we’re here to help — starting with a free consultation.
With a no-win, no-fee policy, you only pay legal fees if we win or settle your case.
Catastrophic Injury Attorneys Serving Los Angeles
At Ellis Injury Law, we believe that you deserve the best legal support and guidance after being injured in a preventable accident. We champion the rights of clients who were harmed through no fault of their own and proudly serve communities throughout Southern California.
Having handled thousands of complex injury claims over the past 25 years, our Los Angeles catastrophic lawyers have quite literally seen it all. Our lawyers have obtained significant money damages in catastrophic injury claims arising from truck accidents, unsafe premises, construction site falls, heavy machinery failures, as well as drowsy and negligent driving. When it comes to pursuing maximum compensation, there is no substitute for legal experience. Contact Ellis Injury Law to arrange a free case evaluation. Though no outcome is guaranteed, the consultation is risk-free and offered with no strings attached.
When you call our Los Angeles law office, you will speak to a qualified accident attorney about the specifics of your injuries. We are respectful of your time and are available to meet clients in their home, office, or hospital. You can expect straightforward guidance about your rights to compensation and candid answers to your questions.
Verdicts & Settlements
Real Results for Los Angeles Injury Victims
Millions recovered for those injured by negligent acts across California.
Wood Veneer Falls on Family at Mall
Plaintiff and her family were severely injured after a large wooden veneer fell on them in a mall food court.
Read MorePropane Cylinder Explosion
Plaintiff severely burned after defective propane tank shot fire nearly 15-20 feet from nozzle.
Read MoreTruck Driver Asleep at the Wheel
$3 million was awarded to family of plaintiff after his delivery van was struck by an 18-wheeler, resulting in his death.
Read MoreWhat is Considered a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury causes long-term or permanent disability, significantly altering the victim’s quality of life and ability to earn a living. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, ongoing care, and rehabilitation.
Examples include spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, multiple fractures, loss of vision or hearing, and injuries that result in permanent disfigurement. Because of their life-changing impact, catastrophic injury claims often involve higher compensation to address both current and future needs.
To pursue a claim for compensation, the cause of the catastrophic injury must be traced back to another person or party’s negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct. When victims are unsure of precisely what happened in those fateful moments before the accident, the assistance of a catastrophic injury attorney can provide invaluable insight.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can significantly impair a person’s physical and cognitive abilities. Depending on the severity, individuals may require rehabilitation to relearn functions such as walking, speaking, or performing daily tasks like dressing and eating. While outcomes vary, many TBI patients face long-term challenges that affect their independence and ability to maintain employment.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Often result in permanent loss of mobility. Quadriplegia typically involves paralysis from the neck down, while paraplegia affects movement in the lower half of the body. Many individuals with spinal cord injuries require long-term or around-the-clock care to manage daily activities and medical needs.
Severe Burn Injuries
Severe burn injuries can cause intense physical pain, significant tissue damage, and long-term disfigurement. Recovery often involves an extended hospital stay followed by multiple surgeries and skin graft procedures, with ongoing medical care and rehabilitation lasting for years.
Amputation and Loss of Limbs
Amputation and loss of limbs present both physical and psychological challenges, often requiring extensive rehabilitation and long-term medical care. While many individuals adapt and regain mobility with the help of prosthetics, the associated costs are substantial. Prosthetic limbs are expensive, require regular maintenance, and typically need to be replaced every few years.
Multiple Fractures
Multiple fractures often lead to prolonged recovery and, in some cases, permanent impairment. Depending on the severity and location of the fractures, full recovery may not be possible, potentially resulting in lasting disability.
If this has happened to you, you need a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles from Ellis Law. We are aggressive and knowledgeable and will fight for your right to fair and reasonable compensation.
Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Los Angeles
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Accidents involving cars, trucks, or motorcycles are the primary cause of catastrophic injuries in Los Angeles. In addition to other critical injuries, burns are always a risk if the vehicle catches fire.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Collisions
Pedestrians and bicyclists struck by motor vehicles often suffer severe, life-altering injuries. In cases involving catastrophic harm, the impact can lead to long-term medical needs, reduced independence, and significant changes to the quality of life.
Construction Accidents
Construction sites present numerous safety risks, including injuries from heavy machinery, falling objects, and falls from heights. Fires and explosions can also result in severe burns. While workers’ compensation typically covers medical costs and partial income, injured workers may pursue a personal injury claim if a third party is found liable.
Medical Malpractice
Healthcare providers are legally required to meet a recognized standard of care. When a deviation from that standard results in a catastrophic injury, the provider may be held liable for medical malpractice.
Falls on Unsafe Property
By law, property owners must keep their premises in a safe condition or post warnings about any hazards for visitors. Many catastrophic slip and fall accidents involve TBIs or spinal cord injuries.
How a Los Angeles Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Can Help
At Ellis Injury Law, we believe that you deserve the best legal support and guidance after a catastrophic injury. We champion the rights of clients harmed through no fault of their own and proudly serve communities throughout Southern California.
Having handled thousands of complex injury claims over the past 30 years, our Los Angeles catastrophic lawyers have seen it all. We have obtained significant money damages in catastrophic injury claims arising from motor vehicle accidents, unsafe premises, construction site falls, heavy machinery failures, drowsy and negligent driving, and medical malpractice.
Recent Case Results:
- Delivery Room Malpractice: $1,000,000
- Slip and Fall at Grocery Store: $1,500,00
- Forklift Injury: $420,000
When pursuing maximum compensation, there is no substitute for legal experience. Contact Ellis Injury Law to arrange a free case evaluation. Though no outcome is guaranteed, the consultation is risk-free.
Compensation for Catastrophic Injury Victims
Compensation for catastrophic injury victims is divided into economic and non-economic damages. The former is objective, based on actual figures. The latter is subjective and based on evidence.
Economic damages may include:
- Medical expenses, current and future: Beyond initial treatment and rehabilitation, victims may require home or vehicle modifications, long-term therapy, and ongoing caregiving.
- Lost wages: Recovery from a catastrophic injury often delays or prevents a return to work. Compensation accounts for missed regular pay, overtime, and bonuses.
- Lost future earnings and diminished earning capacity: This includes not just projected income loss, but also the reduced ability to earn due to lasting physical or cognitive limitations, factored by age, education, work history, and career trajectory.
Non-economic damages focus on elements of pain and suffering and include emotional distress and loss of quality of life.
Why Choose Ellis Law for Your Catastrophic Injury Case
Ellis Law is one of California’s most trusted personal injury firms. We’ve helped thousands of clients across Los Angeles and nearby cities like El Segundo, Irvine, and Long Beach get the justice and compensation they deserve. We have the courtroom credibility and investigative resources to recover maximum compensation for your losses.
Founding attorney Andrew Ellis has been named a California Super Lawyer for over a decade and is recognized among the National Trial Lawyers Top 100. Meet our attorneys and discover why so many Californians put their trust in Ellis Law.
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the exceptional service I received. My experience with your company was truly transformative. Client Testimonial.
Catastrophic Injury Case Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long do I have to file a catastrophic injury lawsuit in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits, including those involving catastrophic injuries, is two years from the date of the injury. If the case involves a government entity, you must file an administrative claim within six months of the incident; if the claim is denied, you have six months from the denial date to file a lawsuit.
In California, medical malpractice lawsuits must be filed within one year of discovering the injury or within three years of the injury itself, whichever comes first.
What evidence is important in a catastrophic injury claim?
Medical records are often the most critical evidence in a catastrophic injury claim, as they document the severity of the injury, the required treatment, and the long-term prognosis. However, other forms of evidence, such as surveillance footage, eyewitness testimony, and accident reconstruction, are also essential to establish liability.
What distinguishes a catastrophic injury claim is the extent of permanent impairment and its lasting impact on the victim’s life and earning capacity.
Can I sue more than one party?
We investigate every aspect of your claim to determine which parties are liable. For example, if you were severely hurt in an auto accident due to a mechanical defect, defendants may include the manufacturer or repair facility and the driver.
What if my loved one is in a coma or can’t speak for themselves?
If your loved one is in a coma, the statute of limitations is generally paused (tolled) until they regain legal capacity or a guardian is appointed to act on their behalf. Once capacity is restored or a guardian is in place, the statute resumes, subject to applicable legal limits.
Contact a Los Angeles Catastrophic Injury Attorney Today
Don’t face your recovery alone. A skilled catastrophic injury lawyer in Los Angeles is available 24/7 to take your call and start your case. Schedule a free consultation today. We serve clients throughout Southern California, including El Segundo, Bakersfield, and San Bernardino. No fees unless we win!
There aren’t enough words for me to express how amazing this firm is. From the beginning, they have kept me updated with everything that was happening with my case along the way.” Read more.
Attorney Spotlight
Ashley Arcos
Associate Attorney
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One of the most difficult things we navigate with clients is putting a number to pain. People come in knowing they’ve been hurt — and they should be compensated — but bridging that gap between what they feel they deserve and what the law can actually provide takes real care and real honesty.
