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Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

San Rafael Catastrophic Injury Attorneys

Don’t Accept That Settlement Check Until You Speak with Our California Catastrophic Injury Lawyers

If you or your loved one suffered catastrophic injuries in California, unfamiliar territory lies ahead. Don’t let the insurance company take unfair advantage of your situation. Reach out to our personal injury lawyers to find out how much your case is really worth. We’ll answer your questions, address your concerns, and fight to protect your rights.

Don’t settle for less than you deserve. If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury, contact our law firm today for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.

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Meet Our San Rafael Catastrophic Injury Attorneys

At Kuvara Law Firm, representing injured people in personal injury cases is all we do. With over 50 years of combined experience in personal injury law, our attorneys know what it takes to help our clients win. Headquartered in San Rafael, we have law offices located throughout Northern California for your convenience. 

Call today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Se habla español.

Don’t settle for less. Fight for full compensation.

  • $2,000,000 Truck Accident
  • $1,850,000 Pedestrian Accident
  • $1,800,000 Motorcycle Accident
  • $1,750,000 Motor Vehicle Accident
  • $1,495,000 Premises Liability
  • $1,410,000 Premises Liability
  • $1,300,000 Pedestrian Accident
  • $1,000,000 Rollover Accident
  • "They really are a best in class firm who will fight for you."

    I would highly recommend Kuvara Law Firm to anyone who has been in an accident. Colby Kuvara was an excellent attorney who went above and beyond in guiding me through the legal process and really advocating for me in a time that was extremely stressful. Her team was very responsive and thorough through the duration of the case.

    - Jessica B.
  • "Wish I could give 6-stars."

    I had a bad car accident and I had both the pleasure and the best experience with Kuvara Law Firm. Was given excellent top notch service , the firm and its excellent staff went above and beyond the call of duty, I highly recommend. Thank you for everything.

    - Brennan C.
  • "We recommend Kuvara Law Firm to anyone needing services of a law office."
    Kuvara law firm was able to resolve a dispute with our insurance company. We received a settlement that we believe is fair and just. Everyone we dealt with at the law firm was very friendly and professional.
    - Craig M.
  • "Coby Kuvara is caring, compassionate, patient and knowledgeable."

    She consistently checked in on my wellness and kept me updated, which was instrumental in the pursuit of my mental and physical health progression. I have no regrets choosing Kuvara Law Firm, if I ever find myself needing help again I know I can trust Kuvara Law.

    - Sondra R.

    How Our Law Firm Can Help You Recover

    From investigating the accident to negotiating with the insurance company and/or representing you in court, our lawyers at Kuvara Law Firm can help you get up to three times more compensation for your injuries.

    When you hire our attorneys, we can increase your chances of success by:

    • Investigating your accident. We can meticulously investigate the cause of your accident, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with medical specialists. This strong foundation allows us to build a compelling case for negligence.
    • Understanding your needs. We take time to understand the full impact of your injuries, not just the medical bills you’ve incurred. We factor in lost wages, future medical needs, pain and suffering, and your loss of earning capacity.
    • Aggressively negotiating. Our skilled lawyers are not afraid to go toe-to-toe with insurance companies. We can negotiate aggressively on your behalf, aiming for a fair settlement that reflects the true cost of your injuries.
    • Preparing your case for trial. While most cases settle before trial, we are fully prepared to take your case to court if necessary. Our trial experience means we’re ready to fight for your rights in any situation.
    • Providing compassionate support. This is a difficult time, and we understand. We provide compassionate support throughout the legal process, keeping you informed and advocating for your best interests every step of the way.

    We understand that no amount of money can truly replace the life you had before your injury. However, fair compensation can help you secure the medical care you need, manage financial burdens, and rebuild your life as much as possible.

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    What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

    A catastrophic injury is one that significantly changes a person’s life, often on a permanent basis. A person who suffers this type of injury may never fully recover, even with years of medication, therapies, surgeries, and other forms of medical treatment. A catastrophic injury makes it difficult to get back to the quality of life that a person had before the accident and may also affect the victim’s loved ones, who may need to take on a new role as caretakers.

    Catastrophic injuries can cause long-term or permanent damage to a person’s health. However, not all types of long-term injuries are considered catastrophic. For example, a person may take months or longer to heal from a whiplash injury, but because people usually do recover from whiplash, it is not considered a catastrophic injury.

    With a catastrophic injury, lifelong or extensive treatment is usually needed. This type of injury may make it impossible for the individual to work or even to live alone. Some people who suffer catastrophic injuries may require 24-hour care and medical treatment that amounts to millions of dollars over the course of their lifetime.

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    Steps to Take Immediately After a Catastrophic Injury

    In addition to seeking legal advice as soon as possible, there are several other things you should do to put your case in the best possible position, including:

    If an accident caused you or your loved one to sustain a catastrophic injury, chances are good that you’ve already received emergency medical treatment, and you’re probably facing additional surgeries or ongoing medical care in the future. To make sure your medical bills are paid for, that you recover the money you’re losing because you can’t work, and that you receive fair compensation for the pain and suffering you’re now forced to endure, you’re going to need a lawyer.

    • Document the Incident Scene as Much as Possible
      Write down or record everything about the event, including the time, location, and what caused the injury. Take photographs if possible. This documentation can support future legal or insurance claims and help establish a clear sequence of events.
    • Gather and Preserve Medical Records and Bills
      These documents serve as critical evidence when pursuing legal claims or negotiating with insurance companies. Medical records provide detailed accounts of your diagnosis, treatment, and the extent of your injuries, while bills outline the financial impact of your care. Together, they help establish the full scope of damages so that you can receive fair compensation for medical expenses, future treatments, and other related costs.
    • Keep a Medical Journal
      Keeping a medical journal after suffering a catastrophic injury provides valuable clarity and additional documentation of your recovery process. Record your daily symptoms, pain levels, mobility challenges, and emotional well-being to capture how the injury impacts your life. Writing in your own words creates a powerful narrative that can complement medical records, illustrating both the physical and emotional toll of your injury.
    • Avoid Making Statements to Other Involved Parties, Their Lawyers, or Their Insurance Companies
      After suffering a catastrophic injury, speaking directly to other involved parties, their lawyers, or their insurance companies can harm your case. These parties may use your words against you, twisting statements or taking them out of context to diminish the legitimacy of your claims. Even casual comments might be misinterpreted or documented in ways that reduce your compensation. Let your attorney handle communication with these parties on your behalf.
    • Avoid Signing Any Legal Documents or Accepting Any Settlements
      After sustaining a catastrophic injury, signing legal documents or agreeing to settlements without first getting proper legal advice can severely impact your ability to recover fair compensation. Insurance companies and opposing parties might pressure you to accept quick settlements that undervalue your damages. These offers often do not account for the long-term medical costs, lost wages, or emotional distress caused by the injury. Consulting with an experienced attorney helps you evaluate the full extent of your losses and negotiate for an outcome that reflects your true needs.
    With More Than 50 Years of Combined Experience We Can Help You Maximize Your Compensation
    Kuvara Law Firm, our car accident attorneys represent clients throughout California. We offer a free initial consultation so that you may learn about your legal options, and the legal services we offer.
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      Proving Liability in a Catastrophic Injury Case

      In California, a person who is injured as a result of another person or entity’s negligence can file a legal claim against the at-fault party to receive compensation for their losses. In some cases, there may be more than one person or entity responsible for a catastrophic injury. Each responsible party may be sued for their share of the damages. 

      Before filing a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party or parties, however, you and your lawyer will need to determine whether your case is valid. To recover financial compensation in a personal injury case, an injured party must prove that the at-fault party was negligent.

      This is done by demonstrating that:

      • The defendant (the at-fault party) owed the plaintiff (the victim) a duty of care.
      • The defendant breached (violated) that duty.
      • The defendant’s breach was a substantial factor in causing harm to the plaintiff.
      • The plaintiff suffered some type of loss (such as medical bills, lost wages, and/or pain and suffering).

        What Damages Are Available in California Catastrophic Injury Cases?

        In any personal injury claim, the injured party may be entitled to financial compensation for their losses, such as pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages. In catastrophic injury cases, the claim for damages is typically higher and far more complex.

        If you have suffered a catastrophic injury, you may be able to recover compensation for:

        • Past and future medical expenses
        • Physical, occupational, and/or psychological therapies 
        • Short- or long-term care
        • Lost wages
        • Reduced or lost earning capacity
        • Disfigurement
        • Loss of enjoyment of life
        • Pain and suffering

        In addition, your loved ones may also be entitled to compensation for their losses as a result of your injury. For example, your spouse or partner may be able to recover for loss of consortium, which is the loss of companionship, moral support, and/or intimacy due to your injury. Our skilled San Rafael catastrophic injury attorneys can help you determine the value of your case, including the potential for your loved ones to recover damages.

        To learn more about your legal actions after suffering a catastrophic injury, call or contact us online.

        Who Is Liable for Catastrophic Injuries in California?

        In many cases, liability is obvious when an accident occurs. In some catastrophic injury cases, the cause of the accident may not be so clear, especially when multiple parties are involved.

        An experienced personal injury lawyer who has handled complicated cases in the past will know what types of evidence to look for and how to identify the parties who may be responsible for ensuring the safety of others in various situations. The lawyer may also work with specialists, like accident reconstructionists and medical experts, to determine liability for catastrophic injuries.

        The parties who might be held liable in an injury case include:

        • Negligent drivers
        • Property owners
        • Business owners
        • Medical professionals
        • Pet owners
        • Government entities
        • Product manufacturers

        Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries

        Some common examples of catastrophic injuries include:

        A catastrophic injury can affect a person’s ability to accomplish the tasks of daily living, like caring for themselves. They may also significantly affect a person’s mental health. In some cases, catastrophic injuries are fatal. In addition to the losses that a victim suffers, family and friends are also affected by catastrophic injuries. A spouse may find the partner to be permanently changed after a brain injury, for example, and may have to take on the care of their husband or wife. If a child suffers a catastrophic injury, one or both parents may have to stop working to care for their child.

        • Spinal Cord Injuries
          Damage to the spinal cord disrupts the central nervous system's ability to communicate with the rest of the body. These injuries often lead to partial or complete loss of sensation and motor function below the site of the injury, significantly impacting an individual’s quality of life. Complications like paralysis, chronic pain, and loss of organ function can require long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
        • Paralysis
          Paralysis occurs when a person loses the ability to voluntarily move one or more parts of their body due to damage to the nervous system. This condition often results from spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or neurological diseases. Paralysis profoundly affects mobility, independence, and daily functioning, making even simple tasks incredibly challenging. Depending on the severity and location of the damage, paralysis may impact either a specific area or the entire body below the injury site. It not only limits physical movement but also disrupts essential functions like breathing, circulation, or bowel and bladder control.
        • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
          A TBI occurs when an external force impacts the head and causes damage to the brain. This damage disrupts normal brain function and may lead to a wide range of symptoms, including cognitive impairments, memory loss, sensory deficits, and emotional instability. TBIs frequently result in long-term neurological complications, which can interfere with communication, motor skills, and the ability to perform daily activities.
        • Amputations or the Loss of the Use of a Limb
          Any amputation or loss of the use of a limb will disrupt an individual’s ability to perform essential daily tasks, such as walking, lifting, or holding objects, requiring significant adjustments and adaptations. The physical challenges can be compounded by emotional struggles, as individuals may grapple with feelings of grief, frustration, or altered self-identity. Amputations also necessitate extensive medical care, such as surgeries, prosthetics, and physical therapy.
        • Severe Burns
          These injuries often damage skin, muscles, and nerves, leading to immense pain and a prolonged recovery process. Individuals with severe burns can face challenges like limited mobility, infections, and significant scarring, which can affect physical functionality and appearance. The emotional toll includes dealing with trauma, anxiety, or depression as they adjust to life after a serious burn. These cases require intensive medical attention, including surgeries, skin grafts, and rehabilitation, which often create a significant financial strain.
        • Eye Injuries that Cause Blindness
          Vision loss disrupts daily activities like reading, working, and navigating spaces safely, forcing a complete lifestyle adjustment. These injuries often demand specialized medical care, such as surgeries and ongoing treatment, which can pose significant financial challenges. The emotional impact can be equally intense, as individuals frequently cope with grief, frustration, and diminished independence. Blindness also imposes the need for assistive technologies and extensive rehabilitation, which help individuals regain some autonomy and learn new ways to perform basic tasks.
        • Ear Injuries That Lead to Deafness
          Hearing loss complicates verbal communication, which can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration. Individuals must adapt to alternative methods of communication, such as learning sign language or relying on technology like hearing aids or cochlear implants. These adaptations require significant time, effort, and resources, adding to the emotional and financial toll. Deafness also affects a person’s ability to perceive environmental sounds, posing safety concerns in daily life.
        • Organ Damage

          Organ damage jeopardizes vital bodily functions and generally requires immediate, life-saving medical intervention. For example, damage to the heart can impair circulation, while injuries to the liver or kidneys interfere with essential processes like detoxification and waste elimination. These injuries place immense physical stress on the body and often require long-term treatments, including surgeries, medications, and regular monitoring. The financial and emotional burdens can also be overwhelming, particularly when the damage leads to chronic health complications or a diminished quality of life.