While there isn’t a thing as a “good” injury, however, an injury that is catastrophic would be the most serious. These injuries can cause more than just physical disabilities. They usually require continuous physical therapy and medical bills that could reach hundreds of thousands of dollars over time.
Stress and anxiety can come from not knowing what to do or how to make payments after an injury that is serious. You may be unable to return to work for a few months or even years after suffering such an injury. Our Chattahoochee Hills catastrophic injury lawyers at Wade Law will aid you to regain a bit of stability. That is why we make sure that the party responsible for your serious injury is also the one who is responsible for the high medical bills.
Our highly skilled lawyers have the knowledge and experience to prove that they are liable in Georgia. Our attorneys have been practicing law for over 60 years. We have helped clients win compensation in a variety of personal injury cases. We aim to alleviate the enormous stress and financial burden caused by catastrophic injuries.
Contact us today by calling the number 770-282-1188 for a free evaluation of your case involving a catastrophic injury.
What Are Catastrophic Injuries?
A case of catastrophic injury is different from a personal injury case due to the seriousness and long-lasting effects of the injury. In general, a catastrophic injury is not a specific legal term that has clearly defined criteria. Georgia law, however, does define catastrophic injuries under the workers’ compensation law. The same criteria could be used to pinpoint injuries that are not related to the workplace.
According to workers’ comp law, the following accidents are categorized as catastrophic
- Any injury that leads to the need to amputate a leg, foot, hand, or arm.
- A traumatic injury that results in the functional loss of a leg, foot, arm, or hand.
- A spinal cord injury resulting in paralysis of the torso or limbs.
- Third-degree and second-degree burns that take up more than 1/4 of the body.
- Third-degree burns that cover more than 5 percent of the victim’s face.
- Any injury that leads to complete blindness.
- Any serious brain injury that results in loss of communication or cerebral function or causes ongoing neurological disorders.
A serious injury can cause the destruction or loss of the major components of your character. It may affect your vision, ability to move, and your limbs. These kinds of injuries usually need ongoing care and victims may never see a complete recovery.
These injuries are serious and require special care. It’s very costly. It is recommended to seek compensation for any damages.
Catastrophic Injury Statistics
These kinds of injuries are far more frequent than we’d wish to see. More than 166 people die each day as a result of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). It is believed that just 26 percent of patients who suffer from a severe TBI will improve in the next five years. The longer time to recover means increased medical costs as well as a greater need for compensation. TBIs are costly for patients, averaging $1.5 billion every year.
The number of spinal cord injuries (SCI) each year is much lower but still alarming. Medical experts estimate that around 17900 new SCI cases will be reported every year. A similar study shows that 78 percent of these SCI instances are men. The majority of them result from automobile accidents, but a substantial portion occurring in the workplace.
Amputations for trauma can be unplanned medical procedures, often result from a devastating injury. The number of severe amputations across the United States every year. Similar to SCIs many of these amputations occur as a result of vehicle injuries with the second largest percentage happening at the workplace. 70 percent of all traumatic injuries involve the upper limbs. Close to 80 percent of traumatic amputation patients are men.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Catastrophic Injuries?
The severity of this varies greatly based on the type of injuries and the part of the body affected. But, there are lasting effects shared by almost all patients regardless of the type of injury. These include:
Long-Term Financial Loss
Regular medical treatment and physical therapy for decades are commonplace. These expenses add up quickly and can become unsustainable after just a few short months.
Career Change/Loss
There is a good chance that you’ll be out of work for a while after suffering from a catastrophic injury. You may be able to return eventually to your job or be able to work in the same field. Many patients are forced to shift careers after making progress with recovery.
Lifestyle Changes
These injuries may affect your movement, thinking, and senses. They may require ongoing therapy as well as daily medication. Chronic pain can limit the activities that a patient is able to engage in. This can result in significant lifestyle changes for the majority of patients.
What Rights Do I Have When I’m the Victim of a Severe Injury?
You have the right to file a claim for compensation. Georgia does not differentiate between injuries that are catastrophic and normal unless the injury is a part of a workers’ compensation claim. You can file an injury claim in the same way you normally would. Georgia also follows modified comparative negligence law. This means you are able to file a lawsuit even if the accident was partly your fault.
Why Do I Need Chattahoochee Hills Catastrophic Injury Lawyer?
The top reason is that you should hire an experienced attorney to handle a case involving catastrophic injuries.
Gather Evidence
As lawyers, one of our principal duties is to gather the evidence necessary to prove liability. We seek to prove that the party responsible for the harm is accountable and is responsible for any costs.
Negotiate for an Out of Court Settlement
We should try to settle our disputes out of court to ensure that you will receive the money owed to you faster. When it comes down to catastrophic injury, insurance companies are not often willing to give up. However, we’ll fight for you until we’ve reached an affordable settlement that compensates for your loss.
Represent You If Your Case Goes to Trial
Sometimes, the insurance company may argue and resist making payments for damages as long a possible. This is why we bring the case to court to argue the evidence before jurors and judges. If the insurance company doesn’t understand the logic, then we are sure that a jury composed of your peers definitely will.
What Kind of Damages Can I Recover in a Catastrophic Injury Claim?
The three kinds of damages available are the same for a standard personal injury claim. These are:
Economic Damages
We can prove the loss with financial records like receipts, bills, as well as statements. These include lost wages, medical expenses, and costs for physical therapy.
Non-Economic Damages
They are not quantifiable by financial calculations. They include mental anguish, loss of fame, and other intangible damages.
Punitive Damages
These damages are enforced to punish the defendant. They don’t have to be considered as a loss by the victim. They are usually enforced when the defendant behaved in a clear risky or reckless way.
Contact Our Chattahoochee Hills Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Today
Are you dealing with a life-altering injury? It might seem as if things aren’t getting better at the moment. Wade Law can aid you. We’re here to assist you to overcome the financial difficulties that may arise from serious injuries.
Don’t allow the person responsible to avoid responsibility, while you’re suffering from lifelong medical expenses. Contact our team at the number 770-282-1188 for a free assessment of your Chattahoochee Hills case.
