There’s nothing that can be described as a “good injury” however, a catastrophic injury is considered to be the most severe. They can result in more than just physical disability. They almost always involve ongoing physical therapy and medical bills that can surpass hundreds of thousands of dollars over the period of time.
Stress and worry can result due to not knowing what you need to do or the best way to pay following a serious injury. If you’ve been the victim of such an injury, then you might not be capable of returning to your place of work for months or years. Our Warner Robins catastrophic injury lawyers at Wade Law will help you regain some semblance of stability. This is why we make sure that the person responsible for your injury is also the one who is responsible for the high medical expenses.
Our lawyers are well-trained and have the experience required to prove their liability and be successful in settling claims within the state of Georgia. Our lawyers have been practicing law for more than 60 years. We have assisted clients to receive compensation for many personal injury lawsuits. We’re here to ease the immense stress and financial burden caused by serious injuries.
Contact our staff today by calling at 770-282-1188 for a free review of your case involving a catastrophic injury.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury claim is different from a personal injury case because of the severity and long-lasting impact of the injuries. In general the case of a catastrophic injury, it isn’t a particular legal concept with clearly defined rules. However, Georgia law does outline catastrophic injuries in relation to workers’ compensation law. The identical criteria to define these kinds of injuries in the outside world too.
In accordance with workers’ compensation law, the following types of injuries are classified as catastrophic
- Any injury that requires the amputation of a leg, foot, arm, or hand.
- Any injury that causes the complete loss of a leg, foot, arm, or hand.
- Paralysis of the limbs or your torso caused by a spinal cord injury.
- Third and second-degree burns which extend over more than 1/4th of the body.
- Third-degree burns if they exceed 5 percent of the victim’s face.
- A traumatic injury that results in total blindness.
- Any brain injury that results in the loss of communication or brain function, or results in ongoing neurological problems.
A devastating injury can cause loss or damage to the major components of your personality. It may affect your vision, mobility, and your legs. These injuries tend to require ongoing treatment and care, and the victim may never experience an entire recovery.
The severe nature of these injuries and the treatment they require is not only debilitating but it is also very expensive. That’s why seeking compensation for damages is always advised.
Catastrophic Injury Statistics
These kinds of injuries are far more frequent than we prefer. About 166 people are killed each day as a result of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The majority of TBI patients recover within five years. Longer recovery times mean higher medical bills and a higher need for compensation. TBI sufferers pay over $1.5 billion each year.
Although the amount of spinal cord injuries (SCIs) is less than anticipated, it’s still alarming. Experts estimate that close to 17900 cases of SCI are reported each year. The same study outlines that the majority of SCI instances are men. A majority of these cases are caused by vehicle collisions, with a substantial number also being caused by work.
Traumatic amputations are not planned medical procedures that are often the result of a catastrophic injury. Every year, there are about 3000 cases of traumatic amputations within the United States. Similar to SCIs The majority of these amputations result from automobile accidents with the highest percentage occurring at the workplace. 70% of all traumatic amputations occur to the upper legs. Close to 80 percent of the traumatic amputees are males.
What Are the Effects of Catastrophic Injuries in the Long-Term?
It differs based on the type of injury and the affected area. Regardless of injury type, the majority of patients suffer the same lasting effects. These include:
Long-Term Financial Loss
It is typical to require continuing medical or physical therapy for several years. These expenses can quickly add up and become overwhelming in only a couple of months.
Career Change/Loss
After suffering an injury that is severe, chances are you won’t be able to work for a while. You may be able to return later to work but you might not be able to continue working in the same industry. Many patients are forced to change careers after making improvements in their recovery.
Lifestyle Shifts
These injuries may affect the way you move, think, and your senses. They could require ongoing therapy and daily medications. Chronic pain may limit the activities that a patient can participate in. All of this can result in some very serious lifestyle changes for the majority of patients.
What Are My Rights Should I Be the Victim of a Severe Accident?
Absolutely. Georgia does not differentiate between catastrophic and regular injuries unless the injury is part of an insurance claim for workers’ compensation. Similar to what you’d normally do apply for a personal injury case. Georgia is also a modified comparative negligence state. This means that you are able to seek damages even if you’re partially responsible for the accident occurring.
What’s the Goal of a Warner Robins Catastrophic Injury Lawyer?
Here are some of the best reasons to work with an experienced attorney in cases of catastrophic injury.
Gather Evidence
Our primary responsibility as lawyers is gathering the evidence necessary to establish the liability. We want to show that the party responsible for the harm is accountable and is responsible for any damage.
Negotiate an Out of Court Settlement
We’re committed to settling your claims outside of court, so you can get your money more quickly. When it comes to catastrophic injury, insurance companies are not necessarily willing to negotiate. We will continue to fight for your rights until you get an equitable settlement that is fair and compensates you.
Advocate for You If You Go to Trial
In some instances, the insurance company will be adamant and will not pay the damages for as far as is feasible. That’s why we have to bring the case before a judge and present our evidence to the judge or jury. If the insurance provider doesn’t be able to see the rationale, we can be sure that a jury of your peers will certainly.
What Damages Can I Get in a Catastrophic Injury Claim?
The three kinds of damages are the same for an ordinary personal injury claim. These are:
Economic Damages
We can prove the loss through financial records, such as invoices, receipts, and statements. These include medical expenses as well as physical therapy expenses, as well as lost wages.
Non-Economic Losses
The value of these damages isn’t quantified by economic calculations. They can be attributed to mental stress, loss of reputation, as well as other intangible losses.
Punitive Damages
These damages can be used as a punishment against the defendant. They don’t need to be coupled with any loss to the victim. They are typically enforced when the defendant behaved in a clear risky or reckless manner.
Contact Our Warner Robins Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Today
Have you experienced a catastrophic injury that could change your life for good? It may seem as though you’re not getting better at the moment. But Wade Law is available to assist. We’d like to put our legal experience to good use by helping you overcome the serious financial obstacles that come with a serious injury.
Don’t allow the person responsible escape responsibility while you are suffering from lifelong medical expenses. Contact our team at 770-282-1188 to set up a free review of your case in Warner Robins, Georgia.
