Fresno Catastrophic
Injury Attorneys

OUR FIRM HAS RECOVERED MILLIONS OF
DOLLARS FOR MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT VICTIMS THROUGHOUT CALIFORNIA.

25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

When you hire us, you’re adding unmatched experience to your team, ensuring you get the best possible outcome.

99% WIN RATE

Our firm maintains an impressive 99% win rate, even while accepting difficult cases other law firms have turned away.

NO UPFRONT FEES

We are not afraid of trial, and insurance companies know this. If it’s in your best interest, we are always trial ready.

Suffering From Catastrophic Injuries in Fresno?

A tragic accident that results in a catastrophic injury changes your life. The emotional, psychological, physical, and financial impact of such an injury can remain with you throughout your lifetime. From medical care to help with your personal care needs, the costs can quickly accumulate into an unmanageable sum.

If you suffered a catastrophic injury due to another person’s negligence, your case may qualify for legal action. Pursuing possible compensation for your damages is where a Fresno catastrophic injury lawyer can help you.

Our Firm Gets Results: Damages We’ve Recovered for Accident Victims

Results in Fresno catastrophic injury cases vary depending on the particular circumstances of the case so the following examples cannot predict the outcome of your case. Compensation is never guaranteed, but it is often worth pursuing. At The May Firm, our team works hard to achieve the best possible results for each one of our clients.

We aggressively negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement in every case. If necessary, we have no problem proceeding to trial.

The following case results are just a small sample of how we can put our experience to work for you:

  • Spinal cord injury: Award: $1.5 million
    • This settlement occurred out of court and before we had to file a lawsuit.
  • Traumatic brain injury: Award: $1.5 million
    • For a car accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury for our client.
  • Car accident: Award: $2.3 million
    • Our clients suffered serious injury when their vehicle was rear-ended by a utility vehicle.
  • Motorcycle accident: Award: $800,000
    • The rider experienced a lower back injury after colliding with a car. Disputed liability was a component of this case.
  • Wrongful death: Award: $1.8 million
    • Awarded to the estate of a pedestrian struck and killed by a vehicle while walking their dog.

The May Firm stands firm against insurance companies that attempt to pay our clients less compensation that they need and deserve. We bring years of experience to the table, and our team can easily spot sneaky insurance company tactics designed to avoid paying out a fair settlement.

We take great pride in our success rate and our ability to help accident victims. While the outcome of your claim is impossible to predict, we are ready to review your case and provide you with advice about your legal options. Allowing us to represent you is an honor we take seriously. Contact one of our friendly team members today for your free case consultation by calling 1-(866) 619-6688 or contact us online. 

Table of Contents

The May Firm Can Help

The traumatic event that resulted in your catastrophic injury demands an investigation. The May Firm can review important evidence and identify all parties that may be responsible for your harm. Holding the at-fault party accountable for their actions is important for seeking justice.

Financial compensation is worth pursuing when you experienced harm caused by the negligence of another driver, property owner, or another responsible party. Pursuing your case alone is challenging and can make it hard to focus on your physical recovery. The May Firm understands how California law applies to cases involving catastrophic injuries. If your injuries prevent you from traveling to us, we can come to you —in a hospital, rehabilitation center, or at home.

We proudly serve clients in Fresno and throughout the region. Accident victims can contact us 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our friendly approach will ease your stress as you learn more about your legal options. 

Common Causes of Fresno Catastrophic Injuries

A catastrophic injury can happen in a split second, with lifelong implications for you and your family.

If your catastrophic injury resulted from one of the following common causes, The May Firm can help you fight for compensation:

  • Motor vehicle accidents: involving cars, semi-trucks, motorcycles, or other types of vehicles.
  • Pedestrians and bicyclist accidents: where the victim was struck and critically injured by a motor vehicle driver.
  • Slip and fall accidents: due to wet floors, torn carpeting, or other forms of property owner negligence that amounts to premises liability.

Fresno catastrophic injury cases require proof that the responsible party acted negligently.

The four core elements of negligence are:

  1. Duty: The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care.
  2. Breach: The defendant breached the duty of care.
  3. Causation: The plaintiff’s injuries resulted from the defendant’s actions.
  4. Damages: The plaintiff experienced harm due to the breach of care. 

Examples of Negligence

Negligence happens every day in a variety of circumstances. There is often nothing you can do to protect yourself or to avoid sustaining a catastrophic injury.

The following examples of negligence demonstrate how the reckless actions of another person can instantly change your life:

  • A licensed driver has a responsibility to share the road and to maintain control of their vehicle. If they breach that duty of care by choosing to drive drunk or distracted and cause serious injuries, that driver is often liable for the damages they cause.
  • A restaurant that invites guests to a special event and fails to repair a known leaking roof issue resulting in a wet and slippery floor may be liable if a guest slips and suffers a traumatic brain injury that was likely preventable had the owner repaired the leak.
  • A pet owner who fails to maintain control of their dog, resulting in serious bite injuries for a guest, may face liability for the victim’s damages.

No matter what caused the catastrophic injury you experienced, the medical care you need may cost more than you can afford. A serious injury can also limit your ability to work or put an end to your career, leaving you in a financial bind.

If you experienced a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligent behavior, you may qualify for compensation. Accident victims who are unsure if their case qualifies for a Fresno catastrophic injury claim or lawsuit can contact us to discuss their case for free. No accident victim should pay for medical costs that were someone else’s fault. 

Types of Catastrophic Injuries and Related Costs in Fresno

A catastrophic injury can devastate you and your family. Depending upon the type of injury you experience, life may never return to how it was before the accident.

Access to quality medical care is vital for your recovery. But paying for care is difficult, which is why pursuing a Fresno catastrophic injury claim is often the best option for many accident victims.

The following types of injuries are often catastrophic and involve care costs that can cost millions: 

Spinal Cord Injury

There are two types of spinal cord injuries: complete or incomplete. A complete injury means there is no sensation or movement below the point of injury. An incomplete spinal cord injury typically means there is some sensation or movement below the injury point.

The paralysis that results from either type of spinal cord injury forces changes to the patient’s means of mobility, transportation, and living accommodations. The associated costs can quickly reach millions of dollars during a spinal cord injury victim’s lifetime. 

Traumatic Brain Injury

The Centers for Disease Control define a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a bump, blow, jolt, or penetrating head injury.

TBIs typically disrupt normal brain function, affecting victims in one or more of the following ways:

  • Cognitive function: patients may find themselves with impaired thinking skills and memory.
  • Motor function: patients can experience difficulty with balance and movement.
  • Behavior and emotional issues: leading to inappropriate expressions of anger and symptoms of depression.

A severe TBI can force the victim’s family to seek help caring for their injured loved one. Twenty-four-hour care can cost hundreds of dollars each day, making it unobtainable for many. When a brain injury results from negligence, the victim’s family may receive compensation from the at-fault party to cover this cost.

These are just two examples of the types of catastrophic injuries that can forever change your life. If you or a loved one experienced a life-altering injury due to another person’s careless actions, consider contacting The May Firm for a free case consultation today. A Fresno catastrophic injury lawyer from our team can assist you with your claim and lawsuit. While compensation can never replace the skills you lost or return your loved one to the person you remember, it can help pay for important medical care.

Important Steps to Take Following Your Fresno Accident

As with any traumatic event, seek immediate medical attention following your accident. The next step is to contact a Fresno catastrophic injury lawyer from The May Firm as soon as possible.

State laws set a time limit, called the statute of limitations, for every claim. The clock starts the moment you suffer your catastrophic injury. If the deadline passes before you file, your opportunity to pursue compensation is generally lost forever.

Contacting a lawyer may not top your to-do list when experiencing pain and undergoing medical treatments after an accident. It is, however, an important step for protecting your best interests. If insurance companies contact you, do not speak with them. Instead, refer them to your lawyer. Insurance companies want to protect their best interests and not yours. To protect company profits, they may offer you a settlement before you hire legal representation. Accepting their offer will generally prohibit you from pursuing additional compensation later, should your catastrophic injury worsen.

The May Firm can fight for you. We understand that the time immediately following a traumatic event usually leaves victims confused and stressed. Let us ease your burden during this difficult time. Our team members can handle the necessary paperwork, phone calls, negotiations, and court filings. This will leave you more time to concentrate on recovering from your injury and to spend more time with your family. 

When a Loved One Dies from a Catastrophic Injury

The death of a loved one from a catastrophic injury is heartbreaking. If the injury resulted from negligence, our team can investigate whether your case qualifies for wrongful death action.

A wrongful death case is highly emotional for family members. Your relationship with the decedent plays an important role in determining if you are eligible to pursue compensation for damages.

Wrongful death claims usually involve both economic and non-economic damages. Damages can cover losses such as:

  • Funeral costs;
  • Final medical costs;
  • Lost wages;
  • Potential wages;
  • Loss of inheritance; and
  • Loss of companionship.

Explaining how the loss of your loved one affected your life is best left to a wrongful death attorney. Their skills and experience with a jury are essential to conveying the true meaning of your loss.

The May Firm can handle the details of your case so you can focus on other matters. Planning a service, informing friends, and dealing with the shock of this devastating news is stressful and exhausting.

Our case results demonstrate our commitment to securing justice for our clients. Let us get to work for you by reaching out for a free, no-obligation case consultation today. 

Contact The May Firm Today

Take the first step toward fighting for justice and compensation by contacting The May Firm. Our goal is to protect you from aggressive insurance companies as you deal with your catastrophic injury. We negotiate with them for fair compensation, and if necessary, we take them to court.

Your catastrophic injury was not fair and was most likely preventable. Hire The May Firm to fight back against the negligence you experienced. Time is of the utmost importance so contact us now. We will immediately get started with your Fresno catastrophic injury claim.

Insurance companies want to protect their clients and their profits. At The May Firm, we want to protect our clients and their future medical and personal care needs. If someone else’s negligence changed your life in an instant, fighting for justice can perhaps prevent the same thing from happening to another person. Protect your best interests by contacting The May Firm without delay.  

Community Involvement

At The May Firm we strive to be involved and connected to our local community. For example, this past holiday season we organized bicycle and Christmas tree giveaways for individuals in our community. Our goal is to be a positive force for good in the local community and give back in some small measure to those we can serve. We receive satisfaction and joy from serving our clients and will continue to look for ways to be of assistance to the community as a whole. We receive positive energy from the community when we are involved.

We have listed a few of the local organizations we support and look forward to growing our outreach in the future. If you have any suggestions for ways we can be of service or support, please reach out to us. 

Where Compassion Meets Experience

We take pride in working hard for each of our valued clients and will help you recover from your injuries and losses, including lost wages, mental anguish, future earning potential, disability or continued health care needs and lost or damaged property.

Our Fresno injury lawyers stay well-informed and up-to-date on all applicable legal changes, so you can be confident that you will always receive relevant, current legal advice.

If you have suffered a personal injury or are a victim of an accident that is not your at fault for, contact our award winning Fresno attorneys 24/7 to schedule your free case consultation. You can also call our Fresno office at 1-(559)-385-2090. Let us be your personal injury and accident advocate.

“My number one goal is to help others. When you step foot into our firm, you’ll be treated like family, period.”
Robert May, Attorney | Founder

Fresno Catastrophic Injury FAQs

A catastrophic injury caused by someone else’s negligence changes your life forever. The traumatic accident that resulted in your injury can affect your ability to work or to enjoy simple activities with others. If you suffered a catastrophic injury due to another person’s careless actions, a Fresno catastrophic injury lawyer can help you fight for compensation.

Talk with a lawyer about the specific circumstances of your case, but until you do, the following answers to frequently asked questions can help you learn more about your legal options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers provided by Fresno catastrophic injury courtesy of The May Firm
to some frequently asked questions we receive from clients.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines catastrophic as “bringing about ruin or misfortune.” If this describes your accident, you most likely suffered a permanent and devastating injury.

Two of the most common catastrophic injuries are traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. Both types of injuries have serious implications for the patient’s quality of life.

You will likely face many challenges as you deal with the physical, emotional, psychological, and financial impacts of your injury. A catastrophic injury is expensive and —when it is the result of negligence —deserving of a free case evaluation.

It only takes a second for your life to change forever. There is often no way to predict the dangerous actions of others, making it virtually impossible to prevent an accident in many circumstances.

Car accidents are a leading cause of many catastrophic injuries. The violent impact of vehicles colliding with one another or a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist can result in devastating consequences.

Common causes of serious car accidents include:

Drunk driving. You may be driving defensively and obeying all traffic laws while someone in a lane next to you is returning home from a bar. Drunk driving continues to plague our nation’s highways and city streets. If a driver is above California’s blood alcohol concentration limit of .08, their reaction time, judgment, and vision are all impaired.

Distracted drivers. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) list three main types of driver distraction: visual, manual, and cognitive. Glancing at a smartphone or anything other than the road ahead, taking your hands off the wheel, or allowing your mind to drift away from the task of driving can all cause serious crashes. The CDC estimates that nine people die and at least 1,000 people suffer serious injuries each day in the United States due to crashes involving a distracted driver.

Aggressive driving. Heavy traffic and impatient drivers can lead to aggressive driving. A survey conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that nearly 80 percent of respondents admitted to engaging in some form of aggressive driving within the previous year.

Aggressive driving includes such dangerous actions as:

  • Speeding;
  • Purposely tailgating;
  • Changing lanes without notice; and
  • Purposely cutting off another driver.

These and other forms of aggressive driving can escalate into road rage, such as purposely running another driver off the road or throwing objects at another vehicle. Both aggressive driving and road rage can lead to devastating accidents.

Drowsy drivers. With busy schedules, far too many people put a good night’s rest last on their to-do list. According to a poll by the National Sleep Foundation, 60 percent of respondents admitted to feeling drowsy while driving, and 37 percent admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel.

No one should suffer a catastrophic injury due to the reckless actions of another driver. If you or your loved one face massive medical expenses and cannot work after a devastating accident, contact The May Firm today for a free case consultation.

Car accidents are just one of the many types of accidents that can cause a catastrophic injury.

Other types of accidents, mistakes, and environments can result in similar harm, including:

  • Construction site accidents;
  • Slip and fall accidents;
  • Elder abuse;
  • Medical mistakes; and
  • Boating or aviation accidents.

The specific details of how your accident occurred help build your case. Each Fresno catastrophic injury claim and lawsuit is unique, and the outcome of your case depends on various factors. At The May Firm, we work hard to secure the best possible outcome for our clients. To build a strong case for compensation, we must get to work as soon as possible. 

The first and most important step is to seek immediate medical attention. Certain extremely serious injuries —like internal bleeding —can exhibit little to no obvious signs or symptoms in the first hours or days after an accident.

 

Shock and confusion can fill the immediate aftermath of a serious accident.

Here are some additional basic steps you can take to protect your chance of succeeding in a possible legal claim:

  • Cooperate with responding law enforcement. Police reports can serve as valuable evidence for determining liability for your injuries.
  • Collect the contact information from any witnesses, and take pictures of the accident scene. If your injuries prevent you from taking these important steps, ask someone to assist you.
  • Do not accept blame for the accident and do not apologize. You may feel compassion toward the responsible party; however, apologizing may come off as an admission of guilt.
  • Contact The May Firm without delay. Our firm offers a free, no-obligation case consultation to help you learn about your options for possible justice and compensation. 

Yes, particularly if you accept a settlement offer before speaking with us. Insurance companies are generally eager to close claims quickly and for the least amount of money possible.

Insurance company representatives often use high-pressure tactics designed to convince accident victims to settle without a lawyer. Many accident victims do not realize that when they accept a settlement offer, they generally give up any future legal options. For example, if you accept a settlement offer and then suffer complications later due to your injury, you generally cannot pursue a Fresno catastrophic injury lawsuit for additional compensation. Once you sign a settlement agreement your case is considered closed.

The financial stress you are experiencing is understandable and an initial settlement offer may appeal to you. While it is impossible to predict the future, estimating your future financial needs is one way a member of our team can help you. Hiring a Fresno catastrophic injury lawyer to represent you can protect you from settling for less than you deserve. In addition to protecting your best interests, a lawyer can handle the paperwork and phone calls associated with your case.

When an insurance adjuster contacts you, refer them to your lawyer. While your lawyer handles negotiations, you can focus on your treatment and recovery. 

Claims typically begin with insurance company negotiations. A majority of Fresno catastrophic injury cases settle out of court. If, however, your lawyer can’t reach a fair settlement, your case may proceed to trial.

Securing the help of an attorney with trial experience is extremely important. If your case proceeds to trial, an experienced lawyer will continue to stand by your side and keep you informed throughout the proceedings. Knowing that someone is hard at work on your behalf can give you great peace of mind during this time of major life changes. 

Each Fresno catastrophic injury case is different, and there is never a guarantee of compensation.

At The May Firm, we generally pursue the following types of compensation for our clients:

  • Medical costs associated with transport, hospital fees, and doctors’ fees.
  • Continuous medical costs relating to your catastrophic injuries, such as rehabilitation, prescription medications, and therapies.
  • Lost wages from time missed from work due to a hospital stay or during recovery.
  • Lost future earnings if you can’t return to your previous job.
  • Pain and suffering, including mental anguish you experienced due to your injury.

The compensation your lawyer may pursue can depend upon the circumstances of your case. Allowing a lawyer to review your medical reports and bills, along with your income information, helps them prepare your case.

No, unfortunately. The statute of limitations for Fresno catastrophic injury cases is two years in most cases. Twenty-four months fly by when you are recovering from a serious injury and adjusting to your new reality.

The legal clock begins ticking the moment you suffer your injury. Investigating your case, identifying those who may be liable, and negotiating with the other side takes time. If your case must proceed to trial, you must file your lawsuit within two years. Failure to do so can prevent you from ever seeking compensation for your damages.

At The May Firm, we understand that you are under a great deal of stress. Our knowledge of California law, our negotiation skills, and our ability to present to a jury are just a small part of how we can help you.

Our team is friendly and professional when it comes to customer service for our clients. When it comes to insurance adjusters and courtrooms, we are fierce in our determination to walk away with the compensation you deserve.

The days, weeks, and months following a tragic injury can blur together. Taking immediate action by contacting an attorney is a vital first step following your accident. 

You do not have to fight for compensation alone. Chances are, your catastrophic injury causes you pain and emotional discomfort. It likely leaves you little to no time to learn about California law or prepare for legal action.

The law is challenging and best left to a licensed attorney. A Fresno catastrophic injury lawyer knows how to fight for compensation on behalf of accident victims. A lawsuit is separate from criminal law, where punishment for a crime is at stake. Even if the person responsible for your injury is facing criminal charges, you can simultaneously pursue civil action against them.

Contact The May Firm for a Free, No-Obligation Case Consultation
Reaching out to an attorney for help is easy. The May Firm offers free, no-obligation case consultations to people who experienced harm due to someone else’s negligence.

Because there is no obligation and no cost, you have nothing to lose by contacting us today. Take swift action due to the limited time allowed for filing a civil lawsuit.

A catastrophic injury can be overwhelming. If your injury resulted from the negligent actions of another person, a business, or both, we can help you.

Hold the at-fault party responsible for the harm you suffered. A successful legal claim may just prevent the same thing from happening to someone else.

The May Firm Is Here for You
Our tight-knit, family-style atmosphere makes our legal team approachable and easy to talk with. If your injury prevents you from traveling to us, we can come to you.

If you want a personable approach by a law firm with proven results, contact us. What you experienced was traumatizing and unfair. With help from our legal team, you can fight back against the injustice you experienced and go after the compensation you need.

A catastrophic injury requires a dedicated focus on relearning skills and attending to your health. Leave the legal details of your civil case to our team. We proudly represent accident victims, and we aggressively fight insurance companies who seek to underpay our clients. Our Fresno catastrophic injury lawyers can easily detect when an insurance representative attempts to use deceptive tactics to deny a claim or stall proceedings. The May Firm is ready to manage your case.

No one should have to pay for medical costs for a catastrophic injury that was someone else’s fault. If your medical bills are piling up and you cannot work, take an important step toward protecting your future and contact The May Firm as soon as possible at (559) 385-2090.

Not all victims are required to go to court to get the compensation they need. Often, a victim’s attorney can negotiate with the negligent party or their insurance company to settle before heading to trial. However, if the other side is unwilling to reach an agreement, it may be in your best interests to head to court and fight for fair compensation. If our attorneys handle your case, we can walk you through the whole court process and ensure you understand each step of the complicated legal proceedings. 

Anyone can suffer a significant burn injury.

Yet, certain groups are at a higher risk of suffering this tragic type of injury.

  • Children: Young children are curious and want to explore new things. However, when this curiosity extends to fire or hot objects, the results can be disastrous.
  • Elderly: As a person ages, they may experience slower reaction times, preventing them from reacting quickly enough to avoid a burn injury.

In addition, certain items around the house can increase the risk of someone suffering an extensive burn injury.

These items include:

  • Defective water heaters;
  • Harsh cleaning supplies that are poorly labeled, such as ammonia or bleach;
  • Faulty wiring; and
  • Certain malfunctioning appliances such as space heaters or stoves.

When someone dies from a burn injury that occurred due to another person’s negligence, the deceased’s family (spouse, domestic partner, child, or another relative who was financially dependent on the deceased) can file a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim is similar to a personal injury case. Here, however, the family files a lawsuit claiming that their loved one passed away because of the wrongful actions of another person or entity. If the deceased’s survivors are successful, they may receive money damages for their losses. These damages typically cover funeral expenses, burial costs, and potential income that the deceased could have earned had they lived.

Sustaining a burn injury can result in extensive pain, serious health issues, and numerous short- and long-term problems. Even worse, burn injury accident claims are incredibly complex, requiring detailed evidence proving liability and damages, a solid understanding of the state’s laws, and sound legal arguments. If you work with The May Firm, you do not have to worry about tackling these legal complexities on your own.

Once retained, our attorneys can:

  • Go over your Fresno burn injury case in detail, answer any questions you have, and discuss the legal options you can pursue.
  • Investigate your burn injury accident, interview witnesses, and gather critical evidence needed to show what happened and who was at fault.
  • Ensure critical motions and legal documents are filed accurately and on time.
  • Take over the discussions and negotiations with the insurance company, ensuring you only accept a fair settlement offer.
  • If the defense or the insurance company refuses to negotiate, take your case to trial and fight in court for maximum damages.

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury in Fresno because of another person’s or entity’s negligent or wrongful actions, do not wait. Contact The May Firm today at (559) 385-2090 and let us go after the compensation and the damages you deserve.

Call Us for a Free Consultation

Contact us to get started. It is important to have the proper legal representation on your side if you’re involved in a motorcycle crash. Often wrongful blame is placed on the rider in a multi-vehicle collision due to the increased risk that comes with riding a motorcycle. Insurance companies are reluctant to side with the motorcyclist and oftentimes will attempt to place the full or partial blame on them. Don’t accept that blame and the legal repercussions that come with it.

Call (866) 619-6679 to schedule a free consultation with our award-winning motorcycle accident lawyers. We’ll help determine the viability of your case based on your testimony and help you determine the best way to proceed. Working on a contingency fee means our lawyers are only compensated when your case or settlement is won, and our extensive experience and case history allow us to settle most claims out of court, giving you a faster resolution to your case and allowing you to focus on your recovery process. We factor in every possible expense when building your settlement: Medical bills, wage loss, property damage, and emotional suffering are all considered. Our goal is to help you put your life back in order to the best of our ability.

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