Frequently Asked Questions About Catastrophic Injuries
Have you or someone in your family been involved in a catastrophic accident? Was the accident a direct result of someone else’s disregard or negligent behavior? If so, and depending on the injuries sustained, you maybe be entitled to compensation in a court of law. Board Certified Attorney in Personal Injury Law Laura Brown is committed to victim’s rights and has built a lasting reputation defending those who need it most. If you, or a loved one, have any questions concerning a recent catastrophic accident, do not hesitate. Contact a Waco, TX catastrophic injury lawyer at Brown Trial Firm, PLLC today for your free and confidential consultation, at (866) 393-2611.
Most Common Questions
What does it mean if someone has been in a catastrophic accident?
What typical kinds of injury are associated with catastrophic accidents?
What sort of compensation should I seek if I’ve been involved in a catastrophic accident?
How long do I have to file?
Should I speak with an insurance company?
Q: What does it mean if someone has been in a catastrophic accident?
A: As the name indicates, a catastrophic accident is one in which the injuries sustained have created unavoidable and potentially permanent hardships in a victim’s day-to-day life. Such injuries usually involve extensive amounts of medical treatment, long term rehabilitation, and sometimes, life-long pain. Victims of catastrophic accidents, more often than not, require immediate medical care. If an individual dies as a result of their injuries following a catastrophic accident, the family may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Q: What typical kinds of injury are associated with catastrophic accidents?
A: Because catastrophic accidents can occur just about anywhere, the injuries sustained are as varied as the ways it can happen. In general, motor vehicles, industrial machinery, high speeds, and dangerous environmental conditions tend to play a role. Some of the types of physical and mental injuries we have encountered over the years include:
- Sensory loss (eye and ear)
- Severe brain damage
- Spinal trauma and paralysis
- Limb amputation
- Organ rupture or failure
- Extensive skin burns
- Post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD)
- Depression, anxiety and phobias
Q: What sort of compensation should I seek if I’ve been involved in a catastrophic accident?
A: Medical bills for some of the aforementioned injuries can rack up in a matter of days. Long term care, therapy, and on-going treatments can be financially overwhelming. Depending on the severity of your injuries, and whether or not someone’s negligence was the cause, you may be entitled to significant compensation in the form of compensatory or punitive damages. Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party can help alleviate some of the accumulated bills and offset future expenses. If you are considering taking legal action due to catastrophic injuries sustained in an accident not of your own doing, we encourage you to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Q: How long do I have to file?
A: Generally, anyone injured in a catastrophic injury, or family representative of the victim, has two years from the time of the accident in which to file their claim. While the statute affords you and your family plenty of time to weigh out options, it is recommended that you act quickly. Physical evidence, witness testimony and documentation should be collected as soon after the accident as possible – thereby creating a solid foundation for your case to rest upon.
Q: Should I speak with an insurance company?
A: At some point, usually within hours of the accident, insurance companies from both sides begin their initial investigation. While it is necessary to actively participate with these agencies, it is in your best interest to let an experienced personal injury attorney do so on your behalf. Insurance adjustors and their ilk have one goal in mind – make the company a profit by minimizing your claim.
Over the years we’ve witnessed many of the underhanded techniques and dubious tactics that agencies employ to coax or bully victims into signing off on a less than fair claim. The Board Certified, Texas personal injury attorneys at Brown Trial Firm, PLLC will make sure that not only do you receive the full and fair compensation for your pain, but those responsible are held accountable for their actions in a court of law. For more information, contact our office at (254) 269-6700 or (866) 393-2611.