Some workplace injuries are life-altering. When an accident leaves you permanently disabled, unable to work, or requiring lifelong care, you may have suffered a catastrophic injury — and your workers’ compensation claim deserves serious legal firepower.
At Employees First Labor Law, we specialize in high-value, catastrophic workplace injury cases across California. We’ve helped thousands of workers recover the lifetime medical care, disability benefits, and financial compensation they need after devastating injuries on the job.
This post explains what counts as a catastrophic injury, the types of cases we handle, and how we fight to maximize every dollar our clients are entitled to.
🔹 What Is a Catastrophic Work Injury?
A catastrophic injury is any work-related injury that results in:
- Permanent loss of function
- Severe disfigurement
- Inability to return to work in any capacity
- Need for lifelong medical care or assistance
In legal terms, catastrophic injuries often lead to a 100% Permanent Disability Rating or qualify the worker for Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits — the highest level of compensation available under California workers’ compensation law.
🔹 Types of Catastrophic Injuries We Handle
Our firm represents injured workers in the most severe and complex workplace injury cases, including:
Spinal Cord Injuries
- Paraplegia or quadriplegia
- Permanent loss of mobility or sensation
- Chronic pain and neurological complications
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Concussions with long-term cognitive issues
- Severe brain trauma affecting memory, speech, or movement
- Behavioral and emotional changes
Amputations
- Loss of fingers, hands, arms, toes, feet, or legs
- Infections or crush injuries requiring surgical removal
- Long-term prosthetic and rehabilitation needs
Loss of Vision or Hearing
- Full or partial blindness
- Hearing loss due to explosions or equipment failure
- Injuries requiring sensory adaptation or assistive devices
Severe Burn Injuries
- Chemical, electrical, or thermal burns
- Extensive skin grafting or reconstructive surgery
- Scarring, disfigurement, and psychological trauma
Occupational Illnesses
- Advanced respiratory conditions (e.g., mesothelioma, COPD)
- Cancer due to chemical exposure
- Neurological damage from toxins
Severe Psychological Trauma
- PTSD from violent or traumatic workplace events
- Psychiatric disability due to harassment, violence, or prolonged exposure to trauma
- Cases where mental injuries prevent any return to work
We also handle cumulative trauma cases that evolve into catastrophic conditions over time — like severe back injuries, joint degeneration, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
🔹 What Compensation Can You Recover?
In catastrophic injury cases, the stakes are high — and so are the benefits available. Depending on your case, we pursue:
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits – lifetime wage replacement
- Lifetime medical care awards – for surgeries, medication, therapy, and equipment
- Supplemental job displacement benefits (if applicable)
- Structured settlements or lump sum payouts
- Third-party civil lawsuits (when a contractor, property owner, or defective product caused your injury)
🔹 Can You Sue Outside of Workers’ Comp?
Yes. If your catastrophic injury was caused by a third party — such as a negligent subcontractor, dangerous equipment, or unsafe premises — we may pursue a civil lawsuit in addition to your workers’ compensation claim.
This can open the door to additional compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of future income
- Punitive damages
At EFLL, our legal team handles both workers’ compensation and civil litigation, allowing us to pursue every available avenue of recovery for our clients.
🔹 Why Choose Employees First Labor Law?
Catastrophic work injuries require more than routine legal help — they demand skilled, aggressive, and experienced representation. At Employees First Labor Law, we specialize in the most serious workers’ comp cases and fight to make sure our clients are fully protected for life.
Here’s how we deliver results:
✅ Comprehensive Medical and Vocational Proof
We work with trusted physicians and vocational experts to build clear, detailed evidence showing the full extent of your injury and your inability to return to work.
✅ We Fight Biased Ratings
If your disability rating is too low, we act fast. We review MMI reports for errors, dispute improper ratings, and ensure all injuries — including psych and cognitive impairments — are counted.
✅ We Focus on Lifetime Compensation
We prioritize long-term benefits, including lifetime wage replacement and medical care, and reject lowball settlements that leave clients exposed to future costs.
✅ We Pursue Third-Party Lawsuits
When a defective product, unsafe condition, or outside contractor caused your injury, we pursue civil damages for pain, suffering, and lost future income — in addition to workers’ comp.
✅ We Leverage Experts for Maximum Recovery
Our team partners with top life care planners, medical experts, and economists to value your case accurately and negotiate from a position of strength.
We go head-to-head with insurance companies every day — and we don’t back down until you get what you’re owed.
✅ Get a Free Case Review Today
If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic work injury, don’t go it alone. These cases are high-value, high-stakes, and you only get one chance to get it right.
📞 Call now to speak with an attorney
📩 Submit your case online for a free, confidential consultation
We’ll explain your rights, outline your options, and help you secure the benefits and justice you deserve.
