While all injuries have the possibility of creating difficulties, some types of injuries drastically change your life and significantly impact your daily functioning. These kinds of catastrophic injuries can create enormous medical bills, physical pain, and mental suffering. Fortunately, Georgia gives injury victims the right to recover financial compensation for catastrophic injuries by filing a claim against any at-fault and liable parties.
The attorneys at Ted A. Greve & Associates, P.A., proudly represent catastrophic injury victims in Augusta. We understand the significant consequences of life-altering injuries and how they complicate all areas of life for victims and their families. We want to help injury victims recover and move forward with their lives by maximizing the compensation they can receive. Contact us today to speak to a catastrophic injury lawyer in Augusta, GA.
How a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Can Assist You
When dealing with the aftermath of an injury, the last thing you’ll want to think about is fighting insurance companies to get your money. A personal injury attorney in Augusta, GA, can take the lead in filing a claim and serve as a go-between for you and insurance companies. They can ensure you meet all filing deadlines and include all relevant documentation to avoid payment delays and denials. The claims process can take a long time to resolve, so you need an attorney who can represent your interests so you can focus on your injuries and recovery.
Why Catastrophic Injury Cases Require Specialized Legal Representation
Catastrophic injuries differ from other injuries due to their long-lasting and life-altering effects. Catastrophic injuries may incur costs that a typical injury would not, such as long-term medical care, new equipment installations, in-home assistance, and other expenses to manage your new injuries and condition.
Insurance companies may argue against reimbursing specific expenses after a severe injury, such as mobility assistance devices or in-home medical care. Catastrophic injury attorneys can account for these unique expenses when filing a claim for compensation, increasing the chances of you fully recovering your losses.
Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries
There is no single official legal definition of a catastrophic injury, but the term typically refers to injuries that require the victim to significantly alter their lifestyle, prevent them from finding gainful employment, and create permanent physical or mental effects. Below are some common examples of catastrophic injuries:
- Amputations – Losing a limb drastically alters your ability to function in life and may prevent you from working or partaking in activities you previously enjoyed.
- Burns – Significant burns and scarring cause chronic pain and discomfort and may require specialized treatment to manage long-term.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, which may require in-home care or specialized mobility equipment.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries – Traumatic brain injuries can compromise mental and neurological functioning, resulting in a loss of motor skills or mental disability.
- Organ Damage – Organ damage may require expensive treatment to regain normal functioning, and organ transplants will require a strict lifetime regimen of drug therapy.
Catastrophic Injury Causes
Some of the most common causes of catastrophic injuries include:
- Car Accidents, Truck Accidents, and Motorcycle Accidents – The high kinetic forces and heavy machinery involved in auto accidents have a high chance of causing severe injuries.
- Falls – A fall from even a low height can cause brain damage, broken bones, and spinal cord compressions.
- Workplace Injuries – People who work in dangerous professions, such as mining or logging, are at a higher risk of severe work injuries.
- Defective Products – A defective product can cause burns, lacerations, and even explosion injuries. Defective products may also cause illness from long-term toxic exposure.
- Sports and Recreation – Contact sports, such as football or combat sports, can cause traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, and internal injuries.
- Medical Malpractice – Improper surgery or dangerous drugs can cause a wide range of medical complications and injuries.
Compensation After Your Catastrophic Injury
One of the main features distinguishing catastrophic injuries from others is the overwhelming and often unique costs. A catastrophic injury settlement can contain money to help you recover your losses.
Medical Expenses
Catastrophic injuries require substantial medical treatment and can leave you on the hook for tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. A settlement will cover your emergency medical expenses in addition to continuing medical care, such as prescription medication and rehabilitative services.
Special Equipment
You may have to buy special equipment to manage after suffering a catastrophic injury. For instance, victims might have to install a chairlift in their homes or modify their cars to use them. A settlement can cover the cost of these kinds of atypical injury expenses.
Lost Income
You can also recover money for any lost work income or employment benefits, such as bonuses. You can also claim lost tips as lost income if you work in a tipped position.
Loss of Future Earnings
A catastrophic injury can cause permanent disability and make it impossible to find gainful employment. Your settlement can include compensation for your loss of future earnings if you can no longer work at full capacity.
Pain and Suffering
Catastrophic injuries create substantial physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional suffering. You can recover money for these types of intangible losses in Georgia.
Loss of Life Enjoyment
An injury could significantly reduce your capacity to enjoy activities you used to, like sports or certain types of recreation. Your attorney can claim compensation for this loss of quality of life and ability to feel fulfillment.
Contact a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer in Augusta, GA
Life can change drastically after a catastrophic injury, and the financial and emotional burden of managing can be enormous. Injury victims and their loved ones deserve an attorney who will stand up for their interests and fight for justice. The personal injury attorneys at Ted A. Greve & Associates, P.A., provide a compassionate and empathetic approach to legal matters sensitive to your needs. We have been serving Augusta residents for many years and have built a reputation as a client-focused firm you can count on for effective and comprehensive personal injury representation.
If you would like to schedule a free case consultation, contact our office online or call today to speak to a catastrophic injury lawyer in Augusta, GA.
