A catastrophic injury is one that causes serious or irreparable trauma to the brain, skull, spine or spinal cord. These injuries can occur from nearly any type of accident but often are the result of car or truck accidents and require more than a few months of physical therapy and rounds of anti-inflammatory medication. The effects tend to be long-lasting and some are permanent.
Catastrophic injuries can cause disfigurement, permanent paralysis, loss of limb, or may even be fatal. Therefore, you may need the legal expertise of a Clarksville catastrophic injury lawyer.
A compassionate personal injury attorney could be on your side to negotiate with the insurance companies and the defendant’s attorney to make sure that your medical and personal needs are being met during this difficult time.
Injuries Considered to Be ‘Catastrophic’
Injuries come in many forms and severities. Many will heal with time, and cause little to no issues in the future. However, some will alter a person’s life. These are considered to be catastrophic injuries, and often encompass burns, spinal and neck injuries, and head injuries. Catastrophic injuries might not only directly impact, but also those closest to them. It is essential to find out if compensation is available by calling a Clarksville catastrophic injury lawyer.
Burn Injuries – Extreme heat, chemicals, or radiation burns can permanently damage muscles, nerves, ligaments, and bones. Scarring is also very common. Many people who’ve suffered a burn injury will be in extreme pain and require months, if not years, of treatment and rehabilitation. In general, a case involving severe burns that are the result of negligence should be reviewed by a catastrophic injury lawyer in Clarksville.
Brain Injuries – Any significant blow to the head that results in severe bruising, bleeding, or otherwise brain damage can have a devastating impact on a person’s life. Catastrophic brain injuries can lead to:
When someone died from a catastrophic brain injury, and their injury could have been prevented, a wrongful death and catastrophic injury lawyer Clarksville families trust should be consulted.
Spinal Cord Injuries – The spinal cord protects the central nervous system. If it becomes damaged in an accident, there is a high risk of full or partial paralysis. This kind of injury can be temporary, but usually is permanent. In general, a victim of a spinal cord injury will not be able to resume their pre-accident lifestyle. If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury, please call a Clarksville, TN catastrophic injury lawyer from The Higgins Firm.
Catastrophic Injury Claim Process
An accident that produces catastrophic injuries will require a lawyer who has a clear understanding of the steps required to successfully file a claim. A catastrophic injury attorney in Clarksville understands the type of evidence that should be submitted to the defense counsel and the insurance companies, to prove that the injuries occurred because of the negligence of another.
To establish negligence, an attorney must establish that the other party owes a duty of care. If someone is injured because of a motor vehicle accident, the defendant most likely owed them a duty to use reasonable care while on the road. The motorist’s breach of that duty must be the proximate cause of the injuries to be compensable. Once the defendant’s negligence is established, a Clarksville catastrophic injury lawyer may negotiate a settlement for medical and personal expenses either with the insurance companies or it can go to court.
Damages Available in Clarksville
Because catastrophic injuries are severe and may require long-term care, consulting a lawyer who understands what is involved in this type of claim can be important to ensure that the injured person can continue to receive the medical care they need to move on with their life. In Tennessee, some of the damages a plaintiff may recover are medical expenses, loss of income, and property loss due to the accident. In addition, emotional or psychological pain and suffering may be recovered.
Statute of Limitations
Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104, there are time limits for when someone can file a claim. The person generally has one year from the date of the injury to file a claim. If someone waits to file a claim after this period, they may risk the ability to have their case heard and/or may not be able to recover compensation.
Contact a Clarksville Catastrophic Injury Attorney Today
If your catastrophic injuries are due to the negligence of another, you may need help navigating the legal waters of getting your personal injury claim filed and recovering compensation. You do not have to handle this process alone, help is available. Call a Clarksville catastrophic injury lawyer today, they can help you with the legal process so that you can focus on your recovery.
The insurance company has a legal team. You should too.