While any physical injury takes a toll on a person’s life, a catastrophic injury fundamentally alters their future because a full recovery is generally not possible. Severe physical pain, extensive treatments, and emotional trauma on the part of the injured person and their loved ones often accompany these injuries. While a knowledgeable personal injury attorney at Telaré Law cannot undo what happened, they are ready to go the extra mile to help you recover financial compensation so medical bills do not become a burden.
When you sustain a catastrophic injury, you may be in a dark place, but you do not have to face this struggle alone. A Kennewick catastrophic injury lawyer can secure a substantial recovery, lightening your load as you get on with your life.
The distinguishing features of a catastrophic injury are severity and duration of harm. Some injuries, though severe, heal fully with time. Others, while permanent, are not severe, like a minor laceration that leaves a scar. Catastrophic injuries, on the other hand, are severe enough to substantially affect a person’s life permanently. Common examples of catastrophic injuries include:
People who sustain a catastrophic injury often undergo intensive short-term treatments followed by years or a lifetime of follow-up treatments and maintenance. Often, it is difficult or impossible to return to gainful employment. Activities they once enjoyed might be out of reach, and relationships may suffer. These changes often lead to depression on top of the trauma and anxiety caused by the event of injury.
A Kennewick catastrophic injury attorney can collect evidence and medical records to show the type and extent of the injuries when seeking compensation.
When a person is found liable for another’s catastrophic injury, the injured person can collect compensatory damages.
The first type of compensatory damages is economic damages, which cover the financial costs of the injury. These include past and future medical expenses, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and other out-of-pocket costs, as well as lost wages and lost earning capacity. Because a catastrophic injury is life-altering, economic damages may also include remodeling a home to accommodate a wheelchair.
The second type, noneconomic damages, compensates an injured party for intangible harms, including pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment in life, and mental anguish. Both types of damages seek to compensate the injured party for past and future losses. Due to the severity of catastrophic injuries and their permanent nature, the calculation of damages should include an estimate of damages for many years to come.
Awards in catastrophic injury cases can be very large in states that do not impose a cap on general damages. Because so much money is at stake, the party accused of causing the accident will oppose damage calculations in any way they can. A Kennewick attorney experienced in catastrophic injury cases can argue against the opposition for a fair payment.
The statute of limitations provides a strict deadline by which a case must be filed. Per Revised Code of Washington 4.16.080, the injured person usually has three years from the date of the injury to bring a claim against the responsible party. Certain exceptions apply, so someone who worries the statute of limitations has run out could still benefit from speaking to a catastrophic injury lawyer in Kennewick. However, exceptions are rare, and the safest bet is to speak to an attorney without delay.
When you sustain a catastrophic injury, you might struggle to see the path ahead. Such a life-altering event can throw your goals, plans, and your priorities into question. You may also feel overwhelmed at the prospect of taking legal action.
A Kennewick catastrophic injury lawyer can review your case and develop a plan to win for you, allowing you to focus on healing and moving forward. Call today for an initial consultation. Someone is available to take your call 24/7.