Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries
Many different types of injuries may be considered catastrophic. In general, these are injuries that will have a significant and long-lasting impact on the victim's life. They often require extensive medical treatment and ongoing care.
Some of the most commonly seen catastrophic injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Severe burns
- Paralysis
- Fatal injuries
Catastrophic injuries can be caused by a variety of accidents, including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, premises liability incidents, defective products, medical malpractice, and nursing home abuse/negligence.
How Do Catastrophic Injuries Differ from Other Personal Injuries?
Catastrophic injuries are not just more severe versions of other personal injuries. They are a special category of injuries that are often life-altering and may require extensive ongoing care.
Some of how catastrophic injuries differ from other personal injuries include:
- They are typically more severe and more likely to result in long-term or permanent disabilities
- They often require extensive medical treatment and ongoing care
- They may result in significant disfigurement
- They may require the victim to have to relearn basic life skills, such as talking, walking, and eating
- They may result in the victim being unable to return to work or perform the same job duties as before
- They may result in the victim having to rely on assistive devices, such as a wheelchair, prosthetic limbs, etc.
What Damages Are Available in Catastrophic Injury Cases?
As in other personal injury cases, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your damages if you were injured due to the negligence of another person, business, or entity. However, because catastrophic injuries are often so severe, the damages available in these cases are typically much higher than in other types of injury cases.
Victims of catastrophic injuries may be able to recover compensation for the following economic and non-economic damages:
- Medical expenses (past, current, and future)
- Lost wages/income (past, current, and future)
- Lost or reduced earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress/mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and/or disability
- Property damage (e.g. car damage in a motor vehicle accident)
- Loss of consortium/companionship
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
Additionally, in some cases, the victim may be awarded punitive damages. Punitive damages are not meant to compensate the victim for their losses but rather to punish the at-fault party. These damages are only awarded in cases in which the at-fault party was grossly negligent, reckless, or intentionally harmful.
Why You Need a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
After suffering a catastrophic injury, you may be dealing with severe pain and suffering, mounting medical bills, and the inability to work. While you focus on your recovery, our team can handle the rest. We understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial challenges you are facing, and we are committed to helping you fight for the full, fair recovery you are owed.
When you choose our firm to represent you, you can expect the following and more:
- Compassionate counsel and personalized attention from start to finish
- Open and honest communication, including prompt responses to your calls and emails
- Aggressive advocacy both in and out of the courtroom
- Strategic, results-driven representation tailored to your unique needs and goals
- Proven experience and a track record of success, both in and out of the courtroom
- No fees unless/until we recover compensation for you
At Morrison & Hughes, we genuinely care about our clients, and we are passionate about fighting for their rights. We have recovered millions of dollars for the injured and the wronged, and we are prepared to put our extensive experience and resources to work for you.
Call our office at (404) 238-7028 or fill out an online request form to request your free consultation with our Georgia catastrophic injury attorneys today.
Our FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 404-238-7028 today!
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How Much Is My Catastrophic Injury Case Worth?
There is no way of knowing the accurate value of your catastrophic injury case without a thorough investigation. We can help you tabulate both the expenses you have already incurred as well as estimate the costs of future care. Our team is also prepared to quantify the more intangible non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, that you have endured and will continue to deal with. After a careful review of your circumstances, we will walk you through what you can expect to recover.
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How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim for Catastrophic Injuries in Georgia?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is generally two years, meaning you have two years from the date you were injured to start the legal process. You cannot recover any damages if you miss this deadline. If you were injured at work, you should report the incident and injuries to your employer, in writing, as soon as possible. Then, you will usually have up to one year from the date of injury to file a formal workers’ compensation claim.
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