Personal Injury Claims for Catastrophic Injuries

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A catastrophic injury occurs when a person is permanently disabled or debilitated due to an accident. That person can no longer work and may lose daily function, which can impact them for the rest of their life. If you’ve suffered from an accident that has left you scarred for life, you may be able to seek compensation for your current and future losses through a personal injury claim. Here is a rundown of types of catastrophic injuries, who can be held liable and what to fight for after an accident.

Types of Catastrophic Injuries 

Many serious injuries can leave lasting damage on any individual. The most common types include brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, organ damage, severe burns, paralysis, and amputations. Injuries may be physical, cognitive or nerve-related in nature, with lasting impacts on a patient’s physical abilities or mental capacities.

Liability 

Who is liable for paying for your injuries depends on a number of situational factors. If you were at work, your employer may be held liable for injuries you received on the job. On the road, another driver can be held liable for causing a car crash. Manufacturers who have created a faulty product that malfunctions, thus causing an accident and injury, can be sued, and medical personnel who acted negligently can be held accountable.

Statute of Limitations

There is a statute of limitations on every personal injury claim. How long you have to file a claim depends on your state laws. Some states allow up to six years to file, while others give you as little as one year. The average time is usually two years after the accident has occurred. While you should wait to take into account all of your injuries, waiting too long can mean missing your opportunity altogether.

Things You Can Be Compensated For

Though you may never recover from your injuries, you can obtain compensation to make up for your pain and suffering and other losses. Medical costs like ambulance rides, emergency room visits, surgery, exams, physical therapy and future doctor visits can all be accounted for in a claim. Wages you no longer earn from work, loss of enjoyment and wrongful death damages can also be claimed.

It can be difficult to assess what needs to be included in your claim. Talking to an experienced personal injury lawyer in Washington, DC, like from Cohen & Cohen, about your situation can ensure that everything is accounted for and that you are getting the most out of a terrible event.