Because catastrophic injuries can result from a variety of sources and parties, pinpointing everyone who played a role in your accident will allow you to maximize the value of your claim. This is especially true due to California’s comparative negligence laws, which allow several parties to share responsibility when negligent actions lead to injuries.

It’s important to have an experienced attorney conduct a thorough investigation of your case – without one, all of the parties who contributed to the injuries may escape liability.

Responsible parties may include:

• Motor Vehicle Drivers: Because catastrophic injuries often occur as a result of motor vehicle accidents, the other driver (or drivers) involved may be held liable.
• Owners or Vehicles: Think twice before letting your friend borrow your car. If your friend gets into an accident which results in a catastrophic injury, you may still be found liable as the vehicle’s owner.
• Landowner or Tenant: Businesses, homeowners, and renters may be held liable for premises liability and slip and fall claims.
• Employers: If a victim is injured by an employee who was on-the-clock, their employer may be held liable.
• Manufacturers: Companies responsible for the manufacturing and retailing of a defective product that results in catastrophic injuries may ultimately be held liable.