Civil laws consider any life-altering injuries that cause long-term or permanent disabilities to be “catastrophic” in nature. Debilitating injuries require expensive, often lengthy, medical care, and can prevent someone from working for an extended period—if not permanently.
When someone else’s negligence causes you harm, you could hold them financially accountable with help from a trustworthy personal injury attorney. A settlement for damages could cover your losses and allow you to focus on adjusting to the changes in your life. Call a New Orleans catastrophic injury lawyer from Scott Vicknair, LLC for how you can pursue compensation.
Examples of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries will have a considerable impact on a person’s life, including requiring ongoing medical care. While these injuries are not always permanent, they have long-term consequences that can be financially damaging. Some examples include:
- Severe burns, leading to permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Traumatic brain and head injuries
- The loss of eyesight or hearing
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic amputations
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
A catastrophic injury attorney in New Orleans could answer legal questions after reviewing the accident details and determining if there may have been a breach in the duty of care.
Timeline To File Lawsuits for Catastrophic Injury Cases
The statute of limitations enforces the amount of time a person has to file a personal injury lawsuit. According to Louisiana Revised Statutes § 3492, an injured person must start legal action within one year of the accident leading to their catastrophic injuries.
A single year leaves little time to investigate an accident and collect all the evidence needed to establish fault, so it is crucial to start preparing for a lawsuit immediately.
When the injured person in such a lawsuit is a minor, the clock on the one-year statute of limitations does not start ticking until their 18th birthday. Other circumstances might make that deadline even later; a New Orleans catastrophic injury lawyer could explain this during an initial consultation.
Recoverable Damages for Long-Term or Permanent Injuries
When the consequences of an injury could last a lifetime, recovering all potential losses with a lawsuit is extremely important. Recoverable damages in these cases may include:
- Current and ongoing healthcare expenses
- Lost salary, benefits, and retirement funds
- Future earning potential
- Lost enjoyment of life
- Mental and emotional suffering
- Permanent disability and physical pain and suffering
Often, the defendant’s insurance provider will contact the injured person quickly to try and settle a case. With the cost of catastrophic injuries being as high as they are, the insurance company will try to offer an amount much too low to cover all the expenses. While it may be tempting to take what they offer, an injured person should retain a legal professional to act as the intermediary so the insurance adjuster cannot take advantage of them.
Schedule an Appointment With a New Orleans Catastrophic Injury Attorney
An especially serious injury can change your life in every way, negatively affecting your lifestyle, work options, recreational activities, and ability to care for yourself. The injuries often cause substantial financial, physical, and psychological hardship. When a person or company caused you bodily harm due to their carelessness, you have every right to expect them to pay for the damages.
Call a hard-working New Orleans catastrophic injury lawyer today and begin preparing your claim. You have a maximum of one year to file suit but you will not pay for legal representation unless you collect a settlement.
