LaGrange Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
Any personal injury can put a hitch in your current and future plans, but when an accident leads to permanent effects, you may have a lot more on your plate than a few medical bills and missed paychecks. Long-term disabilities and disfigurements result not only in immense financial losses for victims, but also significant social and psychological consequences as well.
Recovering fair compensation for the impact a debilitating injury has and will have on your life is not easy, but an experienced personal injury attorney may be able to help you protect your rights and seek justice. Speak with an experienced and dedicated LaGrange catastrophic injury lawyer about how you may be able to recover financial compensation for the damages you have incurred as a result of the accident.
The Importance of Recovering for Long-Term Damages
While there is no formal definition of a catastrophic injury enshrined in Georgia state law, but they are generally understood to be an injury with debilitating effects that last for a significant period of time, if not permanently. Common examples of injuries that may be considered catastrophic include:
- Traumatic brain damage
- Spinal cord damage resulting in any degree of paralysis
- Amputation or loss of limb
- Third-degree burns
- Bone fractures severe enough to require surgical insertion of plates, rods, or screws
- Any other injury that requires inpatient hospital care for an extended period of time
In a basic sense, the process of filing suit for a catastrophic injury is the same as it would be for any typical personal injury. However, a seasoned LaGrange catastrophic accident attorneys know how important it is to focus on recovering for not just short-term losses resulting from a catastrophic injury, but long-term damages as well.
A comprehensive catastrophic injury lawsuit should seek recovery for both current medical expenses, and the future expenses they may face to pay for continued care. This could include costs related to modifying their home so they may maintain their mobility while physically disabled, equipment needed to adapt personal vehicles and other property, as well as outpatient care like physical therapy and mental health counseling.
Additionally, a plaintiff could seek recovery for non-economic damages such as the loss of enjoyment of life, loss of opportunity to participate in hobbies and occupational pursuits, emotional anguish, and physical pain and suffering. Even punitive damages specifically intended to punish the defendant may be available if a catastrophic injury stemmed from egregiously negligent or intentional behavior.
What Could Inhibit or Prevent Recovery?
Plaintiffs filing suit for a catastrophic injury must be sure to contest and mitigate any allegations of comparative fault the defendant’s legal team levels against them. If a civil court finds a plaintiff partially liable for their own injuries, Georgia statute allows the court to reduce a plaintiff’s damage award by their percentage of fault, or to restrict them from recovering altogether if their amount of fault equals or exceeds 50 percent.
Furthermore, there is a time limit of two years from the date a catastrophic injury occurs for a prospective plaintiff in LaGrange or their attorney to file suit. Failure to abide by this statute of limitations could leave a plaintiff unable to recover any compensation.
Consult with a LaGrange Catastrophic Injury Attorney Today
A severe injury could reshape the course of your entire life in a profoundly negative way. However, through civil recovery could help you financially meet the costs of your medical bills, both past and future. A LaGrange catastrophic injury lawyer could help you learn more about your legal options. Call today to set up a consultation.
