Orange County Catastrophic Injury Attorneys
Last Updated: August 24, 2026
- $500M+
- Recovered since 1991
- $250M+
- Recovered in the past 5 years
- 35 Years
- Of plaintiff-side practice
- Tier 1
- Best Law Firms every year since 2011
Orange County Catastrophic Injury Lawyers
Some people who suffer personal injuries due to the actions of others eventually recover, but others are not so fortunate. A personal injury in Orange County, CA qualifies as catastrophic when it causes permanent harm, such as disfigurement and/or disability. These injuries are physically and psychologically damaging, and a victim and their family will need the help of an Orange County catastrophic injury lawyer to ensure accountability for their damages.
Orange County Catastrophic Injury Attorneys
Featured in Orange Coast magazine as
The Face of Wrongful Death Litigation
Recovering full and fair monetary damages for a life-changing catastrophic injury or death of a loved one in Southern California is one of the toughest challenges for an injured party or family. Insurance companies know that the courts place a high standard of evidence on the injured party. You should expect insurance defense attorneys to put up their strongest wall of defense. Your attorney must demonstrate skill, as well as have the professional and financial resources to handle the case through all its ups and downs, possibly for a year or more as the case progresses through the legal system.
“Catastrophic injuries and death affect everyone in the family. We listen to your story and then put the human element into our case preparation to more persuasively convey your story. If a jury, defense attorney or insurance adjuster truly understand your story, then significant compensation is much more likely to follow. Call us to tell us how your injuries or loss of a loved one has impacted your life and family.”
Attorney Matthew Easton
When you choose Easton & Easton to represent your case, you will have access to a legal advocate who is ready to provide the comprehensive support and reassurance you need to approach a complex personal injury claim with confidence and peace of mind. We know you are likely to have many pressing legal questions in the aftermath of a catastrophic injury, and we’re ready to provide the guidance and support you need in this difficult time.
Seasoned Fatal Accident Attorneys in California
We are the catastrophic injury and wrongful death attorneys of The Easton Law Firm located in Orange County in the Center Tower across from South Coast Plaza. We are a family of trial lawyers with a successful record of recovering maximum compensation for victims of negligence and their families who also suffer the consequences. Our attorneys represent victims of negligence in Orange County and communities in nearby Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County and San Diego County. Call us toll free at 800-461-8259 or contact our offices by email to arrange a free case evaluation with one of our Orange County catastrophic injuries lawyers today.
We handle all personal injury and wrongful death cases on a contingency-fee basis. We advance the cost of attorneys’ fees, trial preparation and settling your case out of court. You will not pay attorneys’ fees if we cannot help you recover money damages.
Building Your Catastrophic Injury Claim in Orange County
Before the victim of any personal injury can recover compensation for their damages, they need to prove exactly how those damages happened and identify the party who caused them. If you intend to file a catastrophic injury claim in Orange County, it’s vital to choose an attorney who has proven experience handling cases like yours. Our case results include successful monetary recovery for claims such as:
- Deaths from auto accidents
- Injuries and deaths resulting from industrial accidents
- Neck and back injuries, rear-end collision whiplash injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Burn injuries, severe scarring
- Amputation, loss of limb
- Loss of eyesight, blindness
- Internal organ injuries
- Crush injuries, compound fractures
It’s possible for more than one party to bear liability for your catastrophic injury. If you were hurt, you may have little recollection of the events that transpired prior to your injury. If you are seeking legal recourse on behalf of an injured family member, you may not be able to split your attention between caring for them during recovery and tracking down the evidence you will need to prove liability for their injury.
Working with a seasoned team of Orange County catastrophic injury lawyers can make every aspect of your case much easier to handle, and you will be more likely to reach a positive outcome for your case with their assistance. Your attorney can help gather whatever evidence is required to firmly establish liability for the injury; they can also help you uncover every available channel of compensation that may enhance your recovery.
Doug Easton, the founder of The Easton Law Firm, has been featured by the Los Angeles Times as one of Southern California’s Best Lawyers and has been repeatedly honored as a Southern California Super Lawyer. For more than 25 years, Doug Easton has earned Martindale-Hubbell’s highest AV Preeminent* peer review rating for ethical standards and legal ability. His sons followed in his footsteps many years ago, and together our family of lawyers has earned great respect and name-recognition among our peers in the legal community in Southern California.
3 Things You Should Know After A Catastrophic Accident in Orange County, CA
Get the contact and insurance information of the other driver.
Do not talk to the insurance company or give a written or recorded statement to the insurance company without talking to the Easton & Easton, LLP.
Call Easton & Easton, LLP as soon as possible so we can advise you what to do next.
Ultimately, every case is different, and every victim will have unique concerns when it comes to their recovery options. Securing legal counsel as soon as possible after a serious personal injury will significantly increase your chances of not only winning your case but also of maximizing the total compensation you obtain from the defendant. Your Orange County catastrophic injury lawyer can answer all your questions and help you feel more confident about your impending case.
Claimable Damages in a Catastrophic Injury Case
The objective of a personal injury claim is for the victim of another party’s negligence or intentional misconduct to be made as whole as possible again. Success with your case requires proof of liability for your damages, and you will also need to prove the full extent of the damages the defendant caused. For most plaintiffs, these damages are likely to include economic losses and pain and suffering.
Economic damages are relatively straightforward, and you will need to prove that any claimed economic losses resulted solely from the defendant’s actions. These are likely to include medical expenses, including anticipated future medical treatment costs for severe injuries, lost income, and lost earning power if you are unable to return to work due to the severity of your injuries. You can also claim compensation for any property the defendant damaged or destroyed.
When it comes to pain and suffering, your Orange County catastrophic injury lawyer can assist you in calculating an appropriate amount to seek with your claim. If the defendant caused your injury through an illegal act, you could also receive restitution and/or punitive damages at the court’s discretion alongside your other claimed damages. For the greatest chance of maximizing your total case award, it’s vital to have an Orange County catastrophic injury lawyer handle your case.
FAQs
Q: How Do I Prove Fault for a Catastrophic Injury?
A: Success with your claim will require proof that another party directly caused your injury. The evidence you will require will vary based on the type of personal injury you experienced. For example, if you were seriously hurt in a car accident, you may need traffic camera recordings and witness testimony. If you were injured in a slip and fall, security camera footage and building maintenance records could be invaluable to your case.
Q: What Happens if I Partially Caused My Injury in Orange County?
A: It is possible for a plaintiff to have contributed to causing their claimed injury and still have grounds to recover compensation for their losses. Under the state’s pure comparative fault rule, any fault percentage assigned to a plaintiff is deducted from their case award, and they keep the remainder. For example, 20% fault means they lose 20% of the total compensation won from the defendant.
Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Catastrophic Injury Claim in Orange County?
A: The state enforces a two-year statute of limitations on most personal injury claims, and this time limit starts on the day an injury occurs. Do not assume that two years is more than enough time to file your case. Evidence can degrade over time, and witness testimony is most reliable when it is obtained as soon as possible after an incident. Filing your case as soon as possible ensures you meet the deadline and greatly increases your chance of success with the claim.
Q: Will a Defendant Go to Jail for Causing a Catastrophic Injury?
A: Most personal injuries reported happen because of negligence. If you were harmed by another party’s negligence, they would face liability for your damages. However, if you were injured by any type of illegal misconduct, the at-fault party will also face criminal prosecution. In this situation, their penalties, once convicted, are likely to increase significantly because they have caused great bodily harm.
Q: How Is Pain and Suffering Calculated in a Catastrophic Injury Claim?
A: There is no set formula you need to use to calculate pain and suffering in your personal injury claim. For all claims outside of medical malpractice cases, plaintiffs may seek whatever amounts they deem appropriate to reflect the severity of their experiences. Many plaintiffs who have suffered catastrophic injuries seek several times their total economic damages in pain and suffering compensation.
Free Office Consultation · Contingency Fees · Se Habla Español
Our office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evening and weekend appointments are available by special arrangement. We can also arrange to travel to your home, hospital room or other convenient location to meet with you and your family. If you hire us, we will handle your claim on a contingency-fee basis. We don’t win unless you win.
Call us at 800-461-8259 or use our convenient email contact form to inform us of your circumstances.
Your Story Is Important To Us.
CALL US SO WE CAN HEAR IT.
Easton & Easton has been recognized by TopVerdict.com Top 10 Motor Vehicle Accident Settlement in Los Angeles for 2025, for the case Bicyclist v. Inattentive Driver — recognized more than 75 times by TopVerdict.com over the past 5 years — including fifty-eight #1 recognitions, and a recognition that arrives in the firm’s 35th anniversary year.
Easton & Easton holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau — the highest rating available. Trust is earned. We've earned it.
Easton & Easton is honored to have been chosen anew each year since 2014 by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers as one of the "Best Law Firms" for the Southern California Metro Area.
Easton & Easton was voted #1 in 2026 (People's Choice Award). This recognition means the most to us — because it comes from the community we serve. Voted #1 in 2022, 2024, 2025, and 2026 — four #1 wins, including three years in a row
Doug, Brian, and Matt Easton were selected to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 — an invitation-only organization recognizing the nation's premier trial attorneys. Selection is based on case results, leadership, and reputation. When you need attorneys who are ready for the courtroom, you want a team that's already proven they belong there.
All five partners of Easton & Easton — Doug, Brian, Matt, Travis, and Gabe — were selected to Best Lawyers in America® 2027. This is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. Selection is based entirely on peer review, representing the consensus opinion among leading lawyers in the community. When other attorneys are asked who they trust, they name us.
Our $4.5M settlement in Dump Truck Operator v. Equipment Rental Co. has been recognized as #1 in California for 2025 in two categories: • #1 Paraplegia Settlement in California — 2025 • #1 Rollover Accident Settlement in California — 2025
Our $4.5M settlement in Dump Truck Operator v. Equipment Rental Co. has been recognized as #1 in California for 2025 in two categories: • #1 Paraplegia Settlement in California — 2025 • #1 Rollover Accident Settlement in California — 2025
We were recently honored for our efforts in securing a $32,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as the #1 Bicycle Accident Settlement in California in 2024 by TopVerdict.com.
Easton & Easton was named a Tier 1 firm in Southern California by U.S. News & World Report — the highest ranking a law firm can achieve. Selection is based on client feedback, peer reputation, and professional excellence. When independent evaluators rank the best, we're at the top.
Gabe Mendoza, Alexandro Garza, Billy Seidlitz, and Aaron Sinfield were selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars — honoring the top 2.5% of attorneys 40 or younger in California. Three attorneys — John, Billy, and Aaron — were selected for the first time in 2027. The next generation of Easton & Easton is already among the best in the state.
Easton & Easton was voted "Best Personal Injury Law Firm in Orange County" by readers of the Los Angeles Times in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Three years in a row — chosen by the people we serve
Doug, Brian, Matt, Travis, and Saul were selected to Super Lawyers — a distinction earned by only 5% of California attorneys. Selection is based on peer nominations, independent research, and professional achievement. Doug Easton has been selected for 19 consecutive years. Matt Easton was also named to the Top 50 Orange County Super Lawyers for 2027. When you hire Easton & Easton, you're hiring attorneys in the top 5%.
Easton & Easton was recently honored for securing a $26,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as a Top 10 Personal Injury Settlement in California in 2023 by TopVerdict.com.
Easton & Easton received the "People Love Us On Yelp" award in 2016 due to exceptional client satisfaction reviews.Our clients don't just hire us — they recommend us.
Easton & Easton was recently honored for securing a $32,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as one of the Top 20 Personal Injury Settlements in the entire United States in 2024 by TopVerdict.com.
Brian, Matt, and Travis Easton are lifetime members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum — a distinction held by less than 1% of U.S. attorneys. Membership requires securing a verdict or settlement of $2 million or more. When you hire Easton & Easton, you're hiring proven results - because Results Matter.
Doug Easton has held the "AV Preeminent" Rating for over 30 years, and Matt Easton received this prestigious distinction in 2015. The AV Preeminent rating is the highest possible rating for both legal ability and ethical standards, based on the legal profession's oldest peer review rating system — dating back to 1887. When your peers have trusted your ability and integrity for over three decades, that says everything.
We were recently honored for securing a $26,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as a the #1 Personal Injury Settlement in Los Angeles County in 2023 by TopVerdict.com.
Brian Easton was selected to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) in 2015. ABOTA is one of the most premier associations of trial attorneys and judges, requiring a proven track record of jury trials as lead counsel and approval by a majority vote of the ABOTA board. Membership isn't given — it's earned in the courtroom.
Travis Easton, Gabe Mendoza, and Brenda Kocaj were selected to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 — an invitation-only honor recognizing the nation's top young trial attorneys. At Easton & Easton, experience and ambition work side by side.
Easton & Easton was honored for securing a $20,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as one of the Top 10 Personal Injury Settlements in the entire United States in 2019 by TopVerdict.com.
Both Doug and Matt Easton have been selected as Top Personal Injury Attorneys by Avvo with scores of 10 out of 10 — based on skill, experience, results, peer evaluations, and client reviews. A perfect score. No room for higher.
Easton & Easton was honored to have been chosen by the LA Times Reader's Choice Poll as "The Best Personal Injury Law Firm in Orange County" for 2018-2020 (each year the voting took place).
We were recently honored for our efforts in securing a $1,850,000 verdict for a client, which was selected as one of the Top 50 Personal Injury Verdicts in California in 2016 by TopVerdict.com.
20+ prestigious awards and recognitions. Exposed to the harshest scrutiny. Earning the highest honors. Recognized by every major legal organization — year after year.
Awards/recognitions noted are from organizations recognized within the legal profession as bona fide.
No purchase was required for selection. Selection methodologies available upon request.
*Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
“We look for the human story behind every injury or wrongful death. We prepare our cases for trial; reaching out to the jury with the most compelling evidence possible for the best verdict possible. Insurance companies know this and come to the table prepared to negotiate in good faith. Call us to see how we can turn your story into fair compensation.”
Partner W. Douglas Easton
What Our Clients Say
“Client testimonials reflect individual experiences; results vary. No guarantee of outcome.”
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