Catastrophic injuries are those that lead to long-lasting or permanent disabilities. As a result, they cause more serious physical, financial, and emotional losses. Facing these challenges because of someone else’s negligence is difficult, but obtaining fair compensation can help bolster your recovery.
To achieve the best possible outcome, it is crucial to consult with an experienced Hyattsville catastrophic injury lawyer. The skilled attorneys at Price Benowitz can support and guide you throughout the legal process.
First Steps To Take After a Catastrophic Injury
While every catastrophic injury claim is unique, there are several important steps that every claimant should take. The first is to seek immediate medical care. The adrenaline rush claimants experience post-accident can mask the signs of serious injuries. As early diagnosis and treatment often lead to improved health outcomes, it is not worth delaying this step.
As soon as you are able, the next step is to seek legal counsel. Retaining a skilled attorney from the start can have a significant impact on the outcome of your Hyattsville catastrophic injury case.
The Role of the Insurance Company
It is important for claimants to understand that the insurance company handling their claim is focused on its own bottom line. As catastrophic injury claims often involve higher settlements and court awards, insurance companies put considerable effort into minimizing compensation.
In many cases, the insurer uses the victim’s own statements to weaken the claim. This can involve taking the claimant’s words out of context and twisting their meaning to the company’s advantage. To prevent this situation, it is highly recommended that claimants refrain from providing insurance reps with official statements. In addition, they should stay off social media while their claims are pending. A Hyattsville lawyer experienced in handling the aftermath of a devastating injury can represent claimants in any communications with the insurance company.
What Injuries Are Considered Catastrophic?
When an injury significantly impacts the victim’s life, such as by interfering with their career or by preventing them from working at all, it is likely to be considered catastrophic. The irreversible nature of these injuries makes them much more serious. Claimants often suffer immense losses that affect their day-to-day lives, their futures, and their relationships.
Injuries that tend to qualify as catastrophic include:
- Blindness
- Permanent hearing loss
- Disfigurement, such as scarring on or near the face
- Moderate and severe traumatic brain injuries
- Injuries that require amputation
- Severe spinal cord injuries, such as paralysis
- Organ damage
- Severe burns
- Complicated bone fractures
A Hyattsville resident who has suffered this type of injury should discuss the unique circumstances of their case with a dedicated catastrophic injury attorney.
Making a Catastrophic Injury Claim
To bring a catastrophic injury claim, the injured party must have owed a duty of care by the at-fault party. An example of duty of care is the responsibility a driver accepts when they get behind the wheel.
In addition, all the following criteria must apply:
- The at-fault party engaged in some form of negligence that breached the duty of care they owed to the claimant
- The at-fault party’s negligence directly caused the involved accident
- The claimant suffered losses as a result of the accident, and those losses are covered under the law
The experienced legal team at Price Benowitz can fully assess the circumstances of a Hyattsville accident to build a strong catastrophic injury claim.
Assessing Legal Damages
Catastrophic injury claims generally involve significantly higher damages than other types of personal injury cases. While every claimant’s losses are specific to their situation, these losses typically fall into three categories: medical expenses, lost earnings, and physical and emotional pain and suffering.
Following a catastrophic injury in Hyattsville, it is important to have the support of an experienced lawyer who can work to recover damages for your current and future losses.
Speak With an Experienced Hyattsville Attorney About Your Devastating Injury
Following a life-altering injury, your future depends on the outcome of your legal case. A focused Hyattsville catastrophic injury lawyer at Price Benowitz understands what is at stake and is committed to fiercely advocating for the compensation you deserve. They are ready to help, so do not delay your next step. Contact us online or call to schedule a free case evaluation today.
