Accidents can happen without warning. Unfortunately, some accidents are more severe than others and can cause catastrophic injuries with long-term consequences.
A catastrophic injury significantly changes many aspects of a person’s life. It can cause devastating physical pain, mental turmoil, and financial instability. Often, accident victims need help navigating the challenges ahead of them. That is where the law firm of Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, P.L.L.C., can help. Our experienced Lincolnton catastrophic injury attorneys stand ready to give accident victims the support and legal advice they need.
If the actions of a careless individual left you or a loved one with a catastrophic injury, contact a member of the legal team at Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, P.L.L.C. We want to help you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact our Lincolnton office today to set up a free case evaluation.
When Is an Injury Considered Catastrophic?
“Catastrophic injury” is not necessarily a medical term. Instead, it is a phrase used to categorize a class of injuries that cause devastating physical trauma. In many cases, catastrophic injuries cause permanent and life-altering changes.
Sudden and violent events, such as car crashes and workplace accidents, typically cause catastrophic injuries. Treating a catastrophic injury often requires lengthy hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, mental therapy, and rehabilitation. Many patients with catastrophic injuries never make a complete recovery.
What Types of Injuries Are Considered Catastrophic?
Catastrophic injuries are traumatic and often have life-altering consequences. Some of the most common injuries classified as catastrophic include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Paralysis
- Amputation or loss of limb
- Severe burns
- Vision loss
- Hearing loss
- Crush injuries and compartment syndrome
- Organ damage and organ failure
- Injuries impairing sexual function
- Significant facial injuries, including permanent scarring or disfigurement
What Are the Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries?
Sudden, life-changing events are typically the cause of catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common causes of catastrophic injuries are:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Dog attacks
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Defective product injuries
How Compensation Is Determined for a Catastrophic Injury
Estimating compensation for catastrophic injuries is challenging. Due to the traumatic nature of these injuries, most catastrophic injury claims deserve a higher level of compensation than other types of personal injury claims. A person who suffers a catastrophic injury may require lifelong medical treatment and be incapable of returning to the workforce to generate an income.
The overall value of a catastrophic injury claim rests on the situation’s unique circumstances, the cause of the accident, and the severity of the person’s injuries. In general, most catastrophic accident victims can pursue compensation for the following:
- Current and future medical expenses, including hospital stays, doctor’s appointments, diagnostic tests, surgeries, medication, mobility equipment, and physical therapy
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost income if the person must take time off work to heal from their injuries
- Loss of future earning capacity if the person cannot return to their job or be gainfully employed
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental distress and anguish
- Physical pain and suffering
Steps to Take Following a Catastrophic Injury in Lincolnton, NC
Most people have a basic understanding of what to do following an accident. You contact the authorities, document the scene, and exchange information with other individuals involved. However, suffering a catastrophic injury means you may be unable to follow through with these steps. If so, have a family member or friend help you take the following steps in the days and weeks after your injury:
- Call an attorney. One of the first calls you need to make when you are capable is to an attorney. Our experienced Lincolnton catastrophic injury attorneys can help you prepare for what’s to come. We can review your situation, gather vital evidence to support your claim, communicate with the insurer on your behalf, and negotiate for maximum compensation. The last thing on your mind should be your accident claim. Our attorneys can focus on seeking compensation while you take care of your health.
- Keep all paperwork. Keep all your documentation related to the accident and your injury, including medical bills, repair receipts, and out-of-pocket expenses. You should also hang on to paystubs and other financial documents. The combination of this information can help your attorney calculate the value of your catastrophic injury claim.
- Stay off social media. Do not discuss or post about the accident or your condition online. Insurance adjusters and opposing attorneys can find this information and potentially use it to diminish the value of your claim.
- Stick to your treatment plan. Recovering from a catastrophic incident is hard work. However, for your health, it is imperative that you stay the course, keep all appointments, stick to your treatment plan, and follow through with rehabilitation. Medical documentation is also critical in a catastrophic injury claim.
- Keep a journal. A journal may help you cope with the aftermath of a traumatic accident. Keep a diary where you record your thoughts and daily struggles. Documenting your challenges may also help support your compensation claim.
Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit Statute of Limitations in North Carolina
It can take tremendous time to rebuild your life following a catastrophic accident. Unfortunately, North Carolina law does not give catastrophic accident victims unlimited time to file a personal injury case seeking compensation from a careless party. There are important time deadlines associated with bringing catastrophic injury claims in North Carolina. It is imperative that you speak with an experienced catastrophic injury lawyer immediately in an effort to make sure your claim is asserted in a timely manner.
Contact a Lincolnton Catastrophic Injury Attorney
Are you suffering from a catastrophic injury caused by someone else’s careless actions in Lincolnton? You deserve justice and meaningful compensation for your losses.
Contact an experienced Lincolnton catastrophic injury attorney with Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, P.L.L.C., today. Our legal team can review your situation and offer valuable legal advice about your options for recovering compensation. Set up a no-obligation, free consultation today.
