A catastrophic injury is a physical injury or illness that is extreme or particularly serious. Such damages substantially impact the victim and require significant medical treatment. Some catastrophic injuries are permanent, while others heal after months or years of treatment. Serious injuries can also take an emotional toll on the injured party and their families.
When you have suffered a catastrophic injury, you have the right to pursue financial compensation from those responsible. A successful personal injury lawsuit could reimburse you for medical care, lost wages or earning potential, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering or emotional trauma. Call today to discuss your claim with an experienced McAllen catastrophic injury lawyer.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries
A range of accidents could lead to a catastrophic injury; the cause of the injury does not determine if an injury is considered catastrophic. Some examples of accidents that cause catastrophic injuries include car accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bus accidents, defective products, medical malpractice, or injuries from fire or other natural disasters.
Some of the most common catastrophic injuries include:
- Severe burn injuries;
- Amputation or loss of limbs;
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Spinal cord injuries.
An injury is considered catastrophic when it carries permanent or life-altering consequences for the victim. Our McAllen attorneys have extensive experience handling a wide range of catastrophic injury cases. They could advocate for a settlement or damage award that adequately compensates a victim for their injuries.
Proving Liability in a Catastrophic Injury Case
Determining who bears responsibility for a catastrophic injury is crucial before filing a lawsuit. When a person or entity is reckless and causes harm to another person, the negligent party can be held responsible for the consequences.
When evaluating who is responsible for a particular injury, a qualified McAllen catastrophic injury attorney will examine the case’s specific facts. Multiple parties may be found liable depending on the nature of the injury and the cause of the accident. For example, if a defective drug or product causes a catastrophic injury, anyone in the distribution line, including the manufacturer and retailer, could be held strictly liable. Other responsible parties in a catastrophic injury case could include another motorist, a medical professional, or an employer. Reach out to an attorney who can assist with investigating the case and identifying the appropriate parties to sue.
Filing a Lawsuit for Catastrophic Injuries
Those who suffered catastrophic injuries due to the negligence of another may be awarded damages for their harm. The amount of compensation varies from case to case based on the specific facts, the severity and cause of the injury, and the parties involved.
Typically, injured parties in personal injury cases can recover the cost of their past and future medical care, lost income (if their injuries prevent them from working), and loss of quality of life. In a catastrophic injury case, the court will also consider the victim’s emotional trauma, and pain and suffering. In Texas, the judge or jury may also award punitive damages to victims if they can demonstrate clearly and convincingly that their harm was caused by gross negligence, malice, or fraud.
Get Help From a McAllen Catastrophic Injury Attorney
You should not have to shoulder the financial burdens of an accident that was not your fault. When someone else’s carelessness has caused your catastrophic injury, you may be able to recover compensation that addresses your related losses. In this situation, consider contacting an attorney to evaluate your legal options. An experienced McAllen catastrophic injury lawyer could negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf or file a lawsuit for compensation. Do not delay; victims in personal injury cases typically have two years from the event causing injury to file a claim, so it is crucial to call us as soon as possible.