When you are in an accident that causes you to suffer a life-changing injury, you likely know that money can only do so much to fix your immense physical and personal losses. That said, holding the person who caused your injury financially responsible for your losses could still be vital to maximizing your quality of life after your accident.
Guidance from a personal injury attorney with experience handling cases of this magnitude could be key to achieving the best possible result from settlement negotiations or a trial in civil court. From start to finish of your legal proceedings, your dedicated San Marcos catastrophic injury lawyer could provide the diligent and compassionate support you need to obtain the restitution you deserve.
UNDERSTANDING CATASTROPHIC INJURY CLAIMS
Legal professionals and court authorities use the term “catastrophic” to refer to an injury that causes a significant loss of physical or cognitive function and is expected to last for the rest of a person’s life. Injuries often categorized as catastrophic include:
- High-degree burns
- Crushing injuries
- Amputation injuries
- Blindness or deafness
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic brain damage
- Spinal cord trauma resulting in paralysis
However, state law does not establish a formal definition of “catastrophic” harm or require distinct legal procedures for lawsuits built around injuries this severe. Instead, catastrophic injury cases generally follow the same rules as other personal injury claims. For example, catastrophic injury plaintiffs are still responsible for proving negligence, meaning a plaintiff must demonstrate that a named defendant directly caused injuries by recklessly or carelessly violating a duty of care.
The same restrictions that apply to less severe personal injury claims also apply to catastrophic injuries. Depending on the nature of the accident that resulted in severe harm, there are strict deadlines on when a potential plaintiff must start the litigation process relative to when their injury occurred. A seasoned San Marcos catastrophic injury attorney understands these rules and regulations and could provide irreplaceable assistance in building an effective and comprehensive compensation claim.
SEEKING FAIR RECOVERY FOR CATASTROPHIC HARM
The most unique element of catastrophic injury litigation is the scope and severity of compensable losses for which a plaintiff could seek compensation. By colloquially agreed-upon definition, catastrophic injuries are permanent injuries that will fundamentally alter a victim’s professional and personal life. In these cases, it is essential for a civil claim to account for immediately obvious losses and also for losses the plaintiff will continue to struggle with for years to come.
Depending on the circumstances, a plaintiff could seek restitution for future medical expenses, lost income or earning ability, physical pain and suffering, psychological trauma, and lost overall quality of life. A San Marcos attorney could provide key assistance in identifying and valuating all recoverable damages to get a catastrophic injury survivor the payments they need to move forward.
A SAN MARCOS CATASTROPHIC INJURY ATTORNEY COULD HELP
Catastrophic accidents are devastating and life-changing experiences that happen every day. If you suffered permanent or debilitating harm because of another person’s misconduct, that person—not you—should be the one who pays for the short-term and long-term losses related to your injury.
Determined representation from a San Marcos catastrophic injury lawyer could make a world of difference in your pursuit of fair financial recovery. Learn more about how we could help by calling today.