As in the case of personal injury and catastrophic injuries, the difference is in the type of cases they handle. A personal injury attorney can handle cases that involve moderate or less serious injuries to serious injuries. While a catastrophic injury attorney handles more difficult cases.
Compensation for catastrophic injuries can be several hundred thousand dollars or even millions. In contrast, a personal injury may be worth less based on its severity. To claim damages for a catastrophic injury, the help of an attorney specializing in these cases is required.
However, in pursuing damages for a catastrophic injury it is imperative that the attorney have skill and experience. You must have a detailed understanding of California personal injury law in order to provide quality legal representation.
Some of the most notable differences in personal injury and catastrophic injury claims are:
Duration of damage. Catastrophic injuries cause greater and lasting damage, while less serious personal injuries do not. The victim may recover after a few weeks or months of treatment and rehabilitation therapies. In catastrophic injury lawsuits, the plaintiff's future medical needs are almost always considered.
Damage scale. In a claim, the value of a catastrophic injury award is greater than that of personal injury. This includes economic damages (medical bills and lost wages) and non-economic damages. For example, emotional damage, pain and suffering, present and future.
More experience and work. Catastrophic injury cases require experienced attorneys, demand more work, and lawsuits can last for years. The severity of injuries and associated costs require greater knowledge of the law and resources. Proving the responsibility of the accused, justifying compensation and negotiating a settlement takes a lot of skill.
Disputes and controversies. Catastrophic injury cases are the most fought or contested by insurance companies. The degree of opposition from the other party is greater and more tenacious as the demand for compensation increases.
In cases involving corporate clients, insurance companies employ stronger defenses. On the one hand they try to preserve the image of the client and on the other to avoid millionaire compensation payments.