Catastrophic injuries: What counts as a catastrophic injury?

Catastrophic injuries are physical injuries that are serious or extreme, have a considerable impact on the victim’s life, and require a significant amount of medical care. They don’t have to be permanent, but they often are. At Pendergrass Law, we can help. 

Banner media
traumatic brain injury media

Types of catastrophic injuries

There are a variety of injuries that can be deemed catastrophic. Traumatic brain injuries fit into this category. They occur when an external force damages the brain. Concussions, brain hemorrhages, and other trauma can cause long-term damage. Spinal cord injuries are also considered catastrophic because they can result in a loss of function or paralysis. Other types of catastrophic injuries are those that cause disfigurement, limb amputation, severe organ damage, and more. 

What you need to prove after a catastrophic injury in Stone Mountain, GA

If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury and want to file a personal injury claim, ask yourself: was someone’s negligence responsible for the accident that led to the injury? If the answer is yes, it’s up to you to prove the party was negligent in their behavior. That means meeting a few minimum requirements. You have to show that the other party had a duty of care and that they breached it. The next step is to draw a direct line between the other person’s negligence and your injuries. After that, you have to prove that you can be compensated for the losses you’ve suffered. Because none of this is simple to prove and Georgia has a modified comparative negligence law, the best thing you can do is reach out to a lawyer for help 

Background media

What’s modified comparative negligence in Georgia?

Modified comparative negligence means that even if you’re partly at fault for an accident, you can still get compensation. There’s a significant catch, however: if you have a percentage of fault greater than the other party, you can’t get compensation. That’s a serious issue when you’re dealing with catastrophic injuries that require ongoing care. If the other party puts the majority of the blame on you, you could be faced with serious medical bills and no way of paying them. Georgia’s modified comparative negligence laws are the most important reason to turn to a catastrophic injury lawyer in Stone Mountain, GA. A lawyer will fight to prove that you were not the party most at fault so that you can get fair compensation. 

What possible compensation can you receive?

If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury, you can receive economic and non-economic compensation. Economic compensation includes medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. These are damages that are quantifiable. 

Damages that are more subjective are those in the non-economic category. These refer to the pain and suffering you’ve dealt with as a result of the accident, as well as loss of enjoyment of life and loss of companionship. 

Punitive damages are also available in the case of catastrophic injuries resulting from malicious actions or other egregious behavior. These strive to punish the defendant and prevent others from committing the same actions. 

How a catastrophic injury attorney in Stone Mountain, GA, can help

When you turn to lawyers at Pendergrass Law, you can get a careful and thorough assessment of your claim. Not everyone with a catastrophic injury has a claim, so this is an important first step. Once we establish this, we begin by gathering evidence. Evidence can include medical records as well as eyewitness testimony. One of the ways that an attorney can help is by reaching out to expert witnesses who can recreate accidents. With all of that evidence, we can start negotiating with insurance companies. Insurers will always try to find a way to pay you as little as possible. By having experienced lawyers helping you, you have a better chance of getting a fair deal. If insurers refuse to cooperate, we’re ready to file a lawsuit and take the case to court. 

Banner media

What sets Pendergrass Law apart in Stone Mountain, GA?

Dealing with the life-altering consequences of a catastrophic injury can take a significant toll on your mental and physical well-being — not to mention the financial strain it can cause. You need to turn to a catastrophic injury lawyer in Stonemountain ready to guide you through the claims process. At Pendergrass Law, we offer compassionate and dedicated services to those who are suffering because of someone else’s negligence. Our bilingual team is ready to help clients in the English and Spanish-speaking communities in the area get support. You need help if you’re dealing with severe injuries. Reach out to The Pendergrass Law Firm to learn more about our services. 

Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 770 341-2040.