Catastrophic injuries occur every day, and they leave victims and their families wondering what steps they should take after an accident leaves themselves, or their loved ones, with permanent bodily damage. Being involved in an accident that leads to catastrophic injuries is stressful for everyone involved, but you don’t have to face the legal implications on your own.
When it comes down to it, seeking compensation for catastrophic injuries is in your, or your loved one’s, best interest, as compensation helps hold the responsible party accountable, and it gives you the financial means you need to recover, adapt, and move on with your life. By contacting a reputable catastrophic injury lawyer, like those from Pacific West Injury Law, you can set yourself up to receive the compensation you need to cover the costs of your injuries and lifestyle changes.
What Is Considered a Catastrophic Injury?
Generally speaking, an injury is considered catastrophic when it results in long-term and life-changing impacts on the victim. Some common injuries that are accepted as catastrophic include:
- Loss of limbs
- Brain injuries
- Facial disfiguration
- Loss of hearing or sight
- Paralysis
Victims that experience these injuries among others will face a long road to recovery, and they are unlikely to return to the life they knew before the accident that resulted in such injuries. People can sustain such injuries from car or truck accidents, fires and explosions, violent crime, medical malpractice, or even sports accidents. Although acting responsibly while navigating everyday life can prevent many accidents from occurring, plenty of catastrophic injuries happen from spontaneous events and the actions of others.
Damages You Can Collect from a Catastrophic Injury Claim
There are several types of damages victims of catastrophic injuries can collect, though some of the most common include lost wages, medical costs, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Lost Wages
When your injuries render you temporarily or permanently unable to work, you may be able to collect lost wages damages. This type of damage covers the money you would have made if your injuries had not forced you to take a leave of absence. In most situations, lost wages are calculated by taking the number of work hours missed multiplied by the employee’s typical hourly rate.
Medical Costs
Catastrophic injuries almost always result in long hospital stays, physical and occupational therapy, medical equipment, and even surgery. Trying to pay for such medical costs out of pocket is impossible for most people, especially when they are no longer able to work and earn an income. Medical cost damages cover the bills for your injuries, which can include primary care, long-term hospital stays, outpatient care, and so much more.
Pain and Suffering
Putting a dollar amount on a person’s pain and suffering may seem a little odd, but it’s a common practice in personal and catastrophic injury cases. When you have suffered from physical, mental, and emotional pain from your accident and subsequent injuries, you may be able to collect pain and suffering damages to cover the costs of physical and mental health care. Pain and suffering can be proven with documentation from doctors and other healthcare professionals, as well as witness testimony, and other pertinent documentation.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
If your injuries have left you unable to do some of the things you used to do for fun, such as golfing, hiking, or volunteering with your church, you might be able to collect loss of enjoyment of life damages. Most often, loss of enjoyment of life compensation is paired with pain and suffering, instead of being awarded separately.
What Should You Do After a Catastrophic Injury?
After suffering from a catastrophic injury, focus your efforts on healing and recovering until you are medically stable and ready to get to work on your case. You have two years from the date of your accident to file a claim in Nevada, and it’s always better to file earlier rather than later. One of the most important things you should do after a catastrophic injury is to gather as much evidence as possible, both about the accident itself, and how the accident and your injuries have impacted your life.
The most helpful types of evidence include photos and videos at the scene of the accident and of your injuries, medical documentation, and bills you have received after getting medical care. Next, it’s important to speak with a qualified lawyer who can look at your case and determine its viability. If your lawyer believes you have a strong case, he or she will then help you file a suit and attempt to receive the compensation you deserve.
How Long does It Take to Get Compensation for a Catastrophic Injury?
Like most things involving the courts, it can take a long time to finally receive your compensation. Many personal injury cases take months, or even years, to get fully resolved, though settlements outside of court can speed the process up. Unfortunately, many victims begin to struggle financially and feel the pressure to settle far earlier than they should.
Other firms know this, and they often try to exploit victims by drawing the case out and tempting them to settle for minuscule amounts that won’t even start to cover all of the costs they have accrued. By working with an experienced personal injury attorney, you can be sure that you will get the best settlement or compensation amount possible, and you won’t have to face the responsible party all on your own.
If You Suffered a Catastrophic Injury, Contact an Experienced Henderson Lawyer Today
Suffering a catastrophic injury can be agonizing for everyone involved, but working with a skilled Henderson attorney can help you feel assured that you’re receiving the best legal representation possible. If you would like to receive a free case review from Pacific West Injury Law, please contact us today using our online form or by calling us.