A catastrophic injury can leave a victim with a lifetime of injuries. An accident that results in catastrophic injuries can be severe and leave the victim with a lot of questions and considerable debt. Before you begin your compensation claim for your injuries, here are some answers to your early questions:
What is a catastrophic injury?
A catastrophic injury is a form of injury that has life-changing and often permanent consequences. Common examples of these injuries include:
- Severe scars or burns
- Traumatic brain damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Severe muscular damage and loss of limb or bodily function
What kind of compensation can I get?
The settlement you receive from your injuries should reflect the current future economic and non-economic consequences of the accident. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, lost earning potential, and physical and emotional therapy costs. Non-economic costs are the emotional damages your injuries inflict on you, such as loss of life enjoyment, denied experience opportunities, and pain and suffering.
Should I accept the first offer that an insurance company gives me?
The first compensation offer you receive rarely reflects the total costs of your injury that you will experience. It is possible to negotiate for a better compensation offer, but it is not something you should try by yourself. It can be hard to recognize a fair value for your injuries if you have not done something like this before, which is why you should have an experienced attorney assist you.
Do I need a personal injury attorney for my claim?
A skilled personal injury attorney can be the difference between receiving a settlement that will quickly run out and receiving one that you can count on for years to come. Your lawyer can act on your behalf to negotiate for fair and full compensation and allow you to focus on your health after your accident.
The sooner you reach out to an attorney after a catastrophic injury, the better. Ensure that you reach out to a skilled personal injury attorney for the guidance you need in your compensation claim.