The most severe, painful and life-changing injuries are catastrophic injuries. These injuries are permanent or long-term in nature and prevent an individual from engaging in gainful employment. They often involve chronic pain, loss of limbs, or impairment of bodily functions. 

Catastrophic injuries are caused by negligence, including vehicular accidents, workplace mishaps, construction site incidents, animal attacks, medical malpractice, or faulty products. Examples of catastrophic injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage (SCI), amputations, paralysis, severe disfigurement, and loss of sensory functions like sight or hearing. Such negligent actors are not limited to those obviously responsible and can include motorists, product manufacturers or distributors, property owners, employers, or animal owners. Even if the victim is partially responsibility for the accident, they may still be eligible for compensation under California’s pure comparative negligence laws, though the award may be reduced proportionally.