Sunset Hills Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one is facing a severe injury, it can completely change your life. In addition to high medical bills, you may be unable to work again. You might also require accessibility aids or at-home care following the accident.

If your injuries were caused by a negligent person or company, you may be able to hold them responsible for your losses. A Sunset Hills catastrophic injury lawyer could answer your legal questions and help you determine whether you have a claim. Once you decide to take legal action, a dedicated accident attorney could help you fight for the financial compensation you need.

What is a Catastrophic Injury?

Legal professionals use the term catastrophic injury to describe any severe or life-altering injury. Some of the most common types of severe injury cases involve:

Brain or head trauma
Spinal cord injuries
Severe burns
Permanent disfigurement
Loss of limbs
Organ failure or damage
Neurological damage

No matter the type of injury, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately then seek legal counsel.

Proving Negligence in a Severe Injury Lawsuit in Sunset Hills

Catastrophic injuries are often caused by the negligence of others. They may occur in a number of accidents, including motor vehicle crashes, workplace accidents, and medical malpractice. To establish that negligence played a role in a particular accident, the injured party must demonstrate the following:

The at-fault party owed the injured person a duty of care
The at-fault party neglected that duty
Their neglect or recklessness caused the accident
The accident caused the other party’s injuries and damages

Medical malpractice claims are slightly more complex. In a lawsuit claiming medical negligence, the injured party must show that the health care professional did not meet the standard of care when treating them.

Types of Damages After a Catastrophic Injury

Depending on the situation, catastrophic injury cases can result in significant damages. After successfully proving negligence, an injured party may collect compensation for economic damages such as:

All past and future medical expenses
Cost of transportation to and from medical appointments
Cost of home accessibility modifications
Lost past and future wages
Diminished earning capacity

A catastrophic injury may take a severe emotional or psychological toll on the person who was hurt, as well as their family. Consequently, injured parties may also seek compensation for non-economic damages such as emotional trauma, physical pain, suffering, disability, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life. Spouses of injured parties may even work with a lawyer to seek compensation for the negative impact the catastrophic accident has had on their relationship.

How Filing Deadlines May Impact Compensation

It is crucial to be aware of the statutes of limitations, which is the legal deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits. Under Missouri Revised Statute § 516.120, most claims must be filed within five years of the incident. Injured parties who miss the deadline may not be eligible to claim compensation.

A Sunset Hills Catastrophic Injury Attorney Could Help You

Dealing with the aftermath of a severe or life-threatening accident is a huge challenge, but you do not have to face the financial and emotional burden alone. Having a Sunset Hills catastrophic injury lawyer on your side may give you peace of mind during negotiation settlements with insurance companies or civil hearings. Reach out to our firm soon to schedule an initial consultation.