Dealing with the impact of a catastrophic injury can be challenging. Accessing the compensation you are entitled to could make your recovery a little easier.
Get help bringing the at-fault party to justice when you contact an experienced Fairburn catastrophic injuries attorney at John Foy & Associates. Schedule a free consultation with our firm today to learn more about what your next steps should be.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries in Fairburn
Fairburn catastrophic injuries can take many forms and happen in a variety of ways. However, there are many misconceptions regarding when an injury will be considered catastrophic and when an injury will be considered minor.
An injury that may seem minor to one person could be catastrophic or another. What matters is the impact your injuries have had on your life. With that in mind, there are some types of injury seen more often in catastrophic injury claims than others. Some of these injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries such as quadriplegia, paraplegia, loss of limbs, back injuries, and herniated discs
- Traumatic brain injuries such as contusions, abrasions, hematomas, diffuse axonal injuries, edema, coma, and concussion
- Emotional trauma such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other emotional injuries
- Soft tissue injuries such as whiplash, internal injuries, organ puncture, organ failure, and broken or fractured bones
If you are unsure whether your injuries may be considered catastrophic, reach out to a Fairburn catastrophic injuries attorney to find out what legal options may be available to you.
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Legal Options After a Fairburn Catastrophic Injury
After a catastrophic injury in Fairburn, you may be wondering how you are going to make the asphalt party pay and get the most out of your claim. There are multiple ways in which victims of catastrophic injuries can recover compensation for their suffering. However, some of the more common options include:
- Filing a catastrophic injury claim with your own insurance company
- Filing a catastrophic injury claim with the liable party’s insurance company
- Filing a civil lawsuit for your catastrophic injuries in Fairburn civil courts
Generally, Georgia is a false state for insurance purposes. For example, when you were involved in a car accident caused by someone else, that party’s insurance company may be compelled to compensate you for certain types and amounts of damages. However, if the defendant is uninsured or lacks sufficient coverage, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurer if you opted into no-fault coverage as part of your own insurance policy.
You might also have the opportunity to file a civil lawsuit for your catastrophic injuries against the liable party. If the defendant does not have adequate coverage or lacks insurance coverage altogether, filing a civil claim may be the only way to ensure you are compensated fairly for your damages. You could find out which options may be available to you when you discuss the specific details of your case with your attorney.
Damages You Could Recover In Your Claim
There are specific types of damages you may be eligible to recover as part of your catastrophic injuries claim. First, if you were filing a claim with the insurance company, The damages and the amounts of compensation you can recover are limited by the policyholder’s coverage.
For instance, Georgia law only requires drivers to purchase $25,000 per person in bodily injury liability coverage. This covers your medical bills in the event of an accident. However, if your medical bills exceed $25,000, the insurance company will not cover any remaining losses. Insurance companies will also typically cover the cost of your vehicle repairs or property damages and, in some cases, loss of income.
Filing a Civil Lawsuit
Your other economic damages and non-economic damages will need to be recovered through a civil lawsuit for your catastrophic injuries. Fortunately, in court, there is no limit to the types of damages you could recover. You have the right to be made whole.
Some of the different losses sought after and catastrophic injury claims could include:
- Prescription medication costs
- Medical equipment fees, including wheelchair ramps, hospital beds, prosthetic limbs, and other equipment
- Costs of mental health counseling, group therapy, and physical or occupational therapies
- Embarrassment and shame due to disfiguring catastrophic injuries or skin scarring
- Inconvenience and reputational damages
- Reduced earning potential and loss of income
- Loss of consortium and diminished quality of life
In catastrophic injury claims, if the court system finds the defendant’s conduct grossly negligent, intolerable, reprehensible, intentional, or egregious, they may opt to award punitive damages in your case.
These are not a loss you are entitled to recover in your catastrophic injury claim. The losses you are entitled to are known as compensable damages. Punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant and send a message to the community that the courts are taking misconduct seriously.
How a Catastrophic Injuries Lawyer in Fairburn Could Help You
A catastrophic injuries attorney in Fairburn may be able to help you navigate the legal process while you heal from your injuries. Some of our most important tasks and responsibilities might include:
- Thoroughly investigating the cause of your catastrophic injuries and accidents
- Interviewing witnesses, working with accidental constructionists, obtaining police reports, and gathering other compelling evidence to prove liability in your case
- Take an inventory of your damages to account for every loss when calculating the value of your catastrophic injury lawsuit
- Preparation of insurance documents and litigation forms
- Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf for a reasonable settlement
- Bringing your case to trial to recover your damages in full
Contact a Fairburn Catastrophic Injuries Lawyer for Help
After suffering a catastrophic injury in Fairburn, you may be unsure of what to do next. Fortunately, when you have a dedicated attorney on your side, you can get the legal guidance and support you need to recover maximum compensation for your damages.
Schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation with an experienced Fairburn catastrophic injury lawyer at John Foy & Associates today. Take advantage of this opportunity by calling our office or completing our quick contact form to get started on your case.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form