Catastrophic injuries produce long-term or permanent consequences that affect work, independent living, or normal body functions. Negligence or wrongdoing may cause these injuries and provide grounds for a legal claim. A catastrophic injury lawyer evaluates the injury and its cause, and medical information helps establish future care needs associated with lasting effects. Here is how catastrophic injury lawyers help navigate complex cases:
Assessing Catastrophic Injury Claims
An injury lawyer examines the condition and its functional effects when assessing a claim. The assessment also examines the circumstances surrounding the accident and the resulting limitations. Catastrophic injuries include:
- Losing a limb
- Losing hearing or vision
- Paralysis
- Disabilities
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Excessive burns
Catastrophic injuries result from many incidents; these may include motor vehicle crashes, workplace accidents, construction accidents, or defective products. Negligence or wrongdoing by another person also sometimes causes these injuries. The circumstances surrounding the event help establish how the injury occurred and who may be responsible.
Gathering Significant Case Evidence
A catastrophic injury lawyer obtains various sources to evaluate the accident and establish who was at fault. Combined information from multiple reports and records helps show the injury’s effects, treatment received, and ongoing care needs. They may work with physicians to determine how severe a condition is and how much recovery time is needed. Some aspects that help provide evidence include:
- Accident reports document the circumstances of a crash or other incident.
- Injury records document the physical effects of the accident
- Surveillance footage may show the events leading to the injury.
- Medical records show the treatment received
- Photographs capture conditions at the accident scene
- Witness statements may provide additional details about the incident
Calculating Long-term Damages
In some instances, catastrophic injuries create medical expenses that continue after initial treatment. A catastrophic injury attorney evaluates past and future lost income, medical bills, emotional distress, and suffering and pain when assessing compensation. Ongoing rehabilitation and other long-term medical expenses also factor into the claim. Medical bills document treatment costs already incurred, while future medical expenses account for rehabilitation and continued treatment. Lost income reflects wages affected by the injury, and suffering and pain addresses the physical effects of the condition.
Pursuing Complex Injury Litigation
Sometimes, an appropriate insurance settlement is not reached, so an injury lawyer may take the case to court. Litigation begins with filing the necessary legal documents and preparing the evidence gathered during the investigation. The lawyer also identifies major witnesses and develops the case for presentation before the court.
During the trial, the lawyer presents evidence and addresses the extent of the injuries and damages. An attorney may also question opposing parties under oath during depositions; this allows them to address inconsistencies in arguments. The lawyer handles the legal proceedings so the injured person is able to focus on recovery.
Work With a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
A catastrophic injury lawyer evaluates the case and guides clients through the legal steps. Lawyers gather evidence and negotiate with insurance providers, and they present cases in court when necessary. The lawyer explains available legal options as the case progresses and helps meet significant filing deadlines. Contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case and available legal services.
