Every event that results in a personal injury is a serious matter. Even so, most situations result in a person making a full recovery and being able to return their lives. Sadly, this is not always the case.
A small group of personal injuries are considered catastrophic. This means that they will never fully heal and will impact a person’s life for the foreseeable future. Despite this fact, the extent of a person’s injuries is never proof of fault for an incident. You will still need to show that another party was responsible for the incident that resulted in an injury.
A South Bend catastrophic injury lawyer may be able to help you to demonstrate this concept. Our talented attorneys are prepared to take the lead in investigating the incident and proving that another person or company was responsible. We could also evaluate how the event has changed your life in the past, present, and future to increase your chances of receiving the compensation that you deserve.
Understanding Catastrophic Injuries
A catastrophic personal injury describes a loss that will have a permanent impact on a person’s life. These are injuries that, despite quick medical intervention, surgery, and extensive rehabilitation, will permanently impact a person’s physical health and emotional well-being. Common examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Extensive third-degree burns
- Brain damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Amputations
In each of these examples, medical science may only be able to stabilize a person’s health. They may require follow-up treatment to regain a portion of their previous quality of life.
Even more concerning is the fact that a catastrophic injury can occur at almost any time. They can be the product of car accidents, slips and falls, defective products, medical malpractice, or even intentional acts of violence. A personal injury attorney in South Bend, IN could provide more information about the concept of these incidents and explain a person’s legal rights after a catastrophic injury.
When is Another Party Liable for Catastrophic Harm?
As damaging as a catastrophic injury will be, the extent of an individual’s losses is never proof of fault for an incident. The law always requires an injured person to prove that another party’s actions or lack of protection led to their losses. A talented lawyer could take the lead in demonstrating these concepts during settlement talks or in court.
Most catastrophic injuries are the product of negligence. This means that a defendant did not intend to cause harm, but their actions were directly responsible for a catastrophic injury. For example, a driver may have been texting while behind the wheel leading to a debilitating car accident. Similar concepts apply to premises liability cases or injuries that result from defective products. Hiring an attorney in South Bend to pursue a case allows them to gather the evidence needed to prove another’s fault for a catastrophic injury and place that information within the framework of the law.
Potential Sources of Compensation Following a Permanent Injury
After being traumatically injured, a plaintiff could seek compensation for their past and future medical bills. This can include ER treatment, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and any necessary prosthetics or medical devices.
However, catastrophic injuries impact more than just a person’s physical health. They will also result in a significant loss of quality of life and will likely reduce a person’s ability to support themselves and their families. A South Bend catastrophic injury attorney could help to pursue a case for its full value.
They could also ensure they pursue a case on time. Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4 states that most people have two years from the date of an incident to demand compensation for their losses.
Contact a South Bend Catastrophic Injury Attorney Now
Catastrophic injuries are traumatic events that will impact every part of your life. This includes severe physical injuries, debilitating pain, reductions in your emotional well-being, and lost income due to being unable to work. Whether your harm was the product of a truck crash, a slip and fall, or any other accident, you have the right to prove that another party’s actions caused your losses.
A South Bend catastrophic injury lawyer could gather evidence about the incident, determine how that incident has changed your life, and hold at-fault parties liable for their actions. Reach out to our office now to schedule a consultation.
