When a physical injury has life-altering consequences, it is considered catastrophic. Recovering from a catastrophic injury often means learning a new way to handle daily tasks and activities such as walking and bathing. Additionally, these types of severe conditions usually require costly medical treatment, rehabilitation, and even home alterations to adjust to a new disability.
If you recently suffered devastating physical harm because of another person’s negligence, contact a Marietta catastrophic injury lawyer. Any personal injury caused by another person or entity, whether intentional or accidental, calls for legal assistance. While you take on the challenges of recovery, allow a seasoned attorney to fight tirelessly on your behalf and handle the legal aspects of your case.
What are Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries?
There are many kinds of severe, life-altering injuries that could be categorized as catastrophic. Some of the most common conditions in traumatic injury claims include:
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Traumatic head and brain injuries, such as cerebral hematomas
- Third and fourth degree burns
- Amputations
- Severe scarring/disfigurement
- Blindness or deafness
- Internal organ damage
These severe injuries can also lead to secondary health complications, including:
- Bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunctions
- Bedsores
- Respiratory problems
- Memory loss and confusion
- Insomnia
- Speech impediments
- Cognitive and social disorders
- Depression
Causes of Traumatic Physical Harm
Although a catastrophic injury can result from a variety of scenarios, there are several incidents that commonly cause severe physical harm. These include:
- Workplace accidents
- Vehicular collisions
- Motorcycle and bicycle crashes
- Sports accidents
- Chemical explosions
- Electrocutions
- Falling from great heights
- Accidents due to hazardous premises
Determining Fault in Marietta Catastrophic Injury Cases
To establish fault in catastrophic injury claims, Georgia courts use modified comparative negligence rules. Modified comparative negligence allows a plaintiff to collect damages if they are 50 percent or less to blame for their injuries. However, their damages award will be reduced by a percentage that reflects their share of the blame for the accident.
For example, say a warehouse worker sustains spinal cord damage from a falling heavy object. Their injuries resulted from improperly secured equipment, but the worker did not heed the warnings for hazardous conditions. A Georgia court might find them 45 percent to blame for their injuries because they ignored the warning signs, so their damages would be reduced by 45 percent.
Conversely, say a pedestrian walked down a city sidewalk and paid attention to all traffic signals. If they suffered head trauma from a drunk driver who drove up on the sidewalk, the driver would likely be found fully responsible for the accident. In this scenario, the victim could work with a local attorney to recover the full value of damages, including emergency medical care, ongoing medical expenses, physical therapy, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment, mental anguish, and emotional distress.
Reach Out to a Marietta Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Today
If you suffered a life-altering injury caused by another person’s negligent or reckless behavior, speak with a skilled attorney about recovering the compensation you are entitled to. A Marietta catastrophic injury lawyer could thoroughly review your case and help create an effective strategy to get financial restitution for all your losses.
It is important to reach out to legal counsel as soon as possible, as there may be limited time to file a civil claim. Call our office today for a free case review and to get started with the legal process.