If you or your loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, it is likely that your life will never be the same as you once knew it. A catastrophic injury is often life-changing, resulting in serious medical expenses, lost time at work, chronic pain and suffering, and countless changes to your general lifestyle and standard of living. It can cause its victim to suffer severe, life-altering personal injuries which now may mean being unable to engage in the same work, leisure, or other activities that the victim enjoyed before their accident.

If your catastrophic injury was the result of another person’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for your out-of-pocket costs and general damages. But doing so may be an uphill battle — particularly if you’re going up against large insurance companies with significant resources, where the balance of power may be skewed in the insurer’s favor. Your best bet is to hire a knowledgeable and experienced catastrophic injury lawyer, who can help level the playing field; this is just one of many reasons why having a catastrophic injury lawyer is important.

What Are Catastrophic Injuries?

According to the American Medical Association, a catastrophic injury is one that causes severe injury to the spine or the brain. However, it’s important to note that a legal definition of a catastrophic injury can be much broader, encompassing various severe personal injuries. Some examples of catastrophic injuries include traumatic brain injuries, back and spinal injuries, paralysis, severe burns, the loss of limbs or amputations, and serious internal injuries. Whether due to a car accident, workplace accident, or another party’s negligent behavior, a catastrophic injury can leave you sidelined and significantly impact your life.

Why Hire a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer?

An experienced catastrophic injury lawyer can be invaluable to your case. They can help assess the true value of your damages, which in a catastrophic injury claim can be staggering. Your damages will include out-of-pocket costs, such as hospital and medical bills, and lost wages if you cannot work; they will also include your pain and suffering and other general damages to compensate you for the likely significant decline in your quality of life after such a severe injury. In order to negotiate successfully with the other side, it is important to understand the full value of your damages.

Hiring an attorney will mean you have someone by your side to champion your case and negotiate on your behalf with the other party and their insurance company. Negotiations are important in a catastrophic injury case, and they are often skewed in the favor of the insurance company, which has significant legal help and access to resources. Your attorney will handle communications with the other side, witnesses, and others who play a part in your case, and they will handle negotiations toward a fair and reasonable settlement and resolution. They will file your claim in the appropriate venue and draft the necessary pleadings to get your case started.

A knowledgeable attorney will work with you to try to piece together a strong case, based on the evidence, to present during negotiations or, if necessary, in court. They will investigate the facts of your injury and gather important evidence and witness statements. They will gather documentation, including reports, medical documents, and proof of the expenses you’ve had to incur as a result of your accident. They will research the laws that apply to your claim, particularly those dealing with the issue of proving liability, many of which can be quite complex in a catastrophic injury claim. If negotiations don’t yield a favorable resolution and settlement, they will present your case in court, arguing on your behalf for a winning resolution.

Perhaps most importantly, an experienced and knowledgeable attorney can help give you peace of mind. They can advise you regarding your legal rights, your options, and possible next steps. They can focus on your legal claims while you focus on getting better, getting the medical care you need, and getting your life back on track after your serious injuries.

How Can Johnson Garcia Help with Your Catastrophic Injury Case?

With over 35 years of combined experience, we have helped many clients with catastrophic injuries recover compensation. Our reviews from our clients and our track record speak for themselves. We negotiate on your behalf towards a favorable settlement so that you can focus on getting better after a catastrophic injury.

Even when the other party or their insurer are not negotiating fairly, the personal injury attorneys at Johnson Garcia can help, and we will file a lawsuit on your behalf and take your case to trial if needed. If you have suffered a serious injury, do not hesitate to contact Johnson Garcia for a free consultation.