There are injuries, and there are injuries. Personal injury law covers a number of these, from car crashes to industrial accidents and anything else unexpected that can hurt you. But catastrophic injuries are a different and more complex class of injury altogether, frequently involving irreparable harm.
“Catastrophic” means that your injuries are more than just broken bones or something that will eventually heal. Catastrophic injuries are ones that are “permanent and substantial,” need extensive medical treatments and completely change your life, possibly forever. These are the types of injuries that you may never recover from, and may include:
- Back/neck injuries
- Blindness in one or both eyes
- Loss of one or more limbs (amputation)
- Spinal cord paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Burn injuries
- Hearing loss (i.e., explosion)
- Other serious physical impairments or occupational injury
Going forward, you may need special accommodations at home (and at work, if you can continue working.) You may not be able to work again (or at least, in your present occupation.) You may need round-the-clock medical care, at least for a while, and help with day-to-day tasks that you used to do on your own.
Long Recovery Or A Lifetime of Care
Depending on the type, catastrophic injuries may also require constant personal care, additional surgeries (including reconstructive surgery), therapy (physical, occupational, speech, language), medical transportation and other supportive accoutrements.
Who takes care of it? Without the funds to take care of yourself or your loved one, your condition can deteriorate considerably. But if you’re unable to work, how will you pay for everything?
A personal injury attorney will fight for the best settlement for you. He or she will be an advocate, helping you through each step of the process, and ensure that your case is handled properly, so you receive the settlement you need to take care of yourself (or a loved one.)
You Have Two Years
On any personal injury case, you have a two-year window (called the “statute of limitations”) to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for your injuries. While a settlement may take some time, you must file within two years of the date of the injury in order to be eligible for a settlement.
West Virginia divides compensation into two groups: economic (medical expenses, lost wages, etc.) and non-economic (“pain and suffering.”) The limit on non-economic damages for catastrophic injury is $500,000. A personal injury attorney will review your case and advise you on what kinds of compensation you should expect to receive.
You Can’t Do This Yourself
Don’t let an bullying insurance company coerce you into taking their first settlement offer. You may not have enough money to cover your medical bills, lost wages, or other related expenses. An attorney who has experience with catastrophic injuries can not only help you win your case, but ensure that you are fairly compensated and can get the specific medical care you will need for the rest of your life. The Love Law Firm has represented Charleston victims of personal injury for over 18 years. Contact us today for a free consultation—by phone at (304) 344-5683, email or by filling out our online form.