When you need an experienced lawyer, you can count on The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani for high-quality representation. We can help recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and loss of consortium as well as other losses. Some injury claims involve more significant and costly losses than others. For the most serious accidents, you’ll need a catastrophic injury lawyer who’s a skilled litigator and negotiator.
Definition of a Catastrophic Personal Injury
The term “catastrophic personal injury” doesn’t have a specific legal definition. However, it generally refers to an injury resulting in permanent or long-term disability or disfigurement. A skilled attorney and credentialed experts are needed to build a strong case when a plaintiff has sustained such injuries.
Examples of when a catastrophic injury lawyer may be needed include paralysis, significant scarring, disfigurement, or a traumatic brain injury.
The ongoing care related to these injuries can include:
- Multiple surgeries and medical treatments
- Live-in or ongoing caregiver assistance
- Reliance on medical devices and equipment
- Home adaptations for individuals with limited mobility
Catastrophe Defined from an Insurance Perspective
A victim, a lawyer, and an insurance company often have different opinions on what a catastrophic event is. In the insurance industry, a catastrophe is an event that causes insured losses that exceed established monetary amounts. An event may be catastrophic to an individual or group regardless of the cost of their losses or if the event meets the insurance company’s criteria.
Catastrophic events can involve a vehicular crash, toxic chemical exposure, or construction accident. They can also include major property damage. Natural events, such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and earthquakes, can cause catastrophic losses. These cost insurance companies billions of dollars every year.
How Much Can I Get from a Catastrophic Personal Injury Claim?
Many states have laws capping the amount of damages that can be awarded. In California, the cap only applies to non-economic damages related to medical malpractice claims. But the economic damages in a catastrophic injury case can be exorbitant, so the defendant wouldn’t benefit from caps on damage awards anyway. Economic damages aren’t usually subject to statutory limitations, so recoverable damages can be quite high.
Don’t Wait to Hire a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
Catastrophic injury cases can take a long time and may require months or longer to file. The reasons for a delay in filing a case can include:
- The plaintiff hasn’t recovered enough to seek legal advice.
- The victim requires ongoing medical care.
- An attorney hasn’t determined the full extent of the client’s injuries.
These situations can suspend or toll any statute of limitations that ordinarily applies. Waiting to file a claim may be beneficial if the full recovery costs, treatment, extended care, etc., aren’t yet known. Your attorney will file the claim when they can estimate the value of the case and how much to demand from the defendant(s).
We recommend retaining an attorney right away. Otherwise, evidence may be lost, contacting witnesses can become more difficult, and accounts of events may be less credible. Your lawyer will assess the impact of a catastrophic injury on your life, income, and earning ability. They’ll also gather and preserve evidence, obtain witness accounts, and consult with medical experts and others who can provide information that strengthens the case.
Contact The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani
We have recovered millions of dollars in damages for clients and their loved ones who’ve suffered catastrophic injuries. Our representatives fight for your rights and take on insurance companies using every legal tool available. We can even set up a free case evaluation in your home or office. If you need a catastrophic injury lawyer, call Jacob at (888) 952-2952 today.