Suffering any kind of injury can be a painful and traumatic experience. However, some accidents permanently alter a victim’s life, leaving them permanently disabled or disfigured. If you sustained a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation for the harm they caused you.
An experienced personal injury lawyer could help you or your family member take legal action in the wake of a devastating accident. A successful civil claim could recover compensation to relieve the burden of your medical expenses, time off of work, and emotional suffering. Speak with a Roswell catastrophic injury lawyer today to learn more about effectively pursuing this type of case.
What is Considered to be a "Catastrophic" Injury?
Under federal law (i.e., the United States Code [U.S.C.]), a "catastrophic injury" is an injury that prevents a person from being able to work. This definition can be found under 34 U.S.C. § 10284(1). The state of Georgia has adopted a similar definition for a catastrophic injury under § 34-9-200.1(g)(6) of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) and lists specific examples under O.C.G.A. § 34-9-200.1(g)(1)-(5) as well.
Some of the injuries Georgia considers to be a "catastrophic " include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI's)
- Traumatic spinal cord injuries
- Second or third-degree burns
- Injuries requiring amputation of a limb
- Injuries that cause total or industrial blindness
However, under O.C.G.A. § 34-9-200.1(g)(6), a catastrophic injury could be any injury of a particular nature or severity that prevents a person from holding employment they would otherwise be qualified to have. Victims of severe accidents in Roswell should consult a skilled attorney on whether their injuries qualify as “catastrophic” under Georgia law.
Statute of Limitations for Catastrophic Injury Claims in Roswell
A statute of limitations is the law that states the amount of time an injured person has to file a civil claim for damages. In Georgia, the deadline for filing a traumatic injury suit is two years from the date of the accident that caused the injury, as provided under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.
However, if an injury causes a person to suffer loss of consortium (i.e., they are unable to maintain a familial or romantic relationship due to their condition), they will have four years to file a civil claim. An injured victim should consult a knowledgeable local attorney on the applicable deadlines to ensure that they maintain their right to pursue compensation.
Get in Contact with a Roswell Catastrophic Injury Attorney
A catastrophic injury can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. In addition to the cost of medical treatment and long-term care, a victim may be left unable to work due to a lasting disability. If you or a loved one is in this position, speak with a compassionate attorney about your legal options for recovering damages and holding the at-fault party accountable.
However, it is crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible after an accident to ensure that your potential claim can be filed on time. For more information, reach out to a Roswell catastrophic injury lawyer today. A quick call could help you better understand your legal rights and put you on the path to recovery.