Albany Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
Some physical injuries are so serious that they cause permanent disabilities, life-long pain, and major changes in the way people live their day-to-day lives. These injuries are known as catastrophic injuries and often happen suddenly and unexpectedly and can result in major, ongoing medical bills and overwhelming stress and pain.
If you or someone you love has sustained serious, long-term injuries because of someone else’s actions or negligence, an Albany catastrophic injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve to cover your medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and other losses. Call today to schedule a free case review with a compassionate personal injury attorney.
What is a Catastrophic Injury?
According to Georgia law, an injury may be considered catastrophic if it prevents someone from performing the same type of work he or she did prior to their accident, or any other gainful work. In short, if an injury is so severe that victims are no longer able to work and financially support himself or herself, it may be considered a catastrophic injury.
However, it is always best to speak with a qualified Albany catastrophic injury lawyer to determine what specific injuries qualify as catastrophic.
Examples of Injuries that May Qualify
Catastrophic injuries have an enormous impact on individuals who suffer from them, causing life-long disabilities. But what exactly are catastrophic injuries? According to O.C.G.A. 34-9-200.1(g), injuries that are considered catastrophic include:
- Spinal cord injuries that result in paralysis of the arms, legs, or trunk
- Hand, foot, leg, or arm amputation
- Severe brain or head injuries that cause neurological disorders, nerve damage or sensory, motion, or communication problems
- Second and third-degree burns covering over 25 percent of the body, or third-degree burns covering over five percent of the face or hands
- Loss of vision
Since every injury involves unique circumstances, other injuries not included in the above list may also be considered catastrophic injuries. Speak with a knowledgeable attorney to learn what other types of injuries qualify as catastrophic.
What Accidents Cause Catastrophic Injuries?
Catastrophic injuries are often caused by another person’s negligence, recklessness, or malicious intent. For example, motor vehicle accidents – which often happen as a result of negligence – are a common cause of catastrophic injuries such as brain injuries and spinal cord damage.
Other accidents that commonly cause these types of serious, life-threatening and debilitating injuries include construction site falls, medical malpractice, slip and fall hazards, violent acts, pedestrian accidents, and industrial accidents.
Available Damages in Albany
In catastrophic injury cases, damages may exceed most insurance benefits. That is why contacting an Albany catastrophic injury attorney may be a beneficial step to take when trying to figure out a way to cover growing life-long expenses. In Albany, individuals who suffered from catastrophic accidents could potentially recover compensation for:
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Rehabilitation costs
- Medical equipment, like wheelchairs, etc.
- Lost work wages and future earnings
If the actions of the party responsible for the injury were especially egregious, the court may also award punitive damages. These are extremely rare but are meant to punish particularly malicious behavior.
How an Albany Catastrophic Injury Attorney Can Help
Whether you or someone you love suffered from a serious burn injury, traumatic brain injury, amputation, or any other severe disability, a team of knowledgeable attorneys could help you seek compensation to relieve some of the stress of living with a permanent injury.
An Albany catastrophic injury lawyer could assist you in proving your claim and getting fully compensated so that you do not have to worry about the financial aspects of your injury. An accomplished law firm will also have an in-house doctor who could provide medical insight for your injury. Call today to learn more about how an attorney can fight for you.
