Life-changing injuries can occur in an instant. Sometimes, a simple fall can change a person’s life. Car accidents can drastically change a person’s hopes for the future. Fires, medical malpractice injuries, diving accidents, and so many other incidents can happen without warning, leaving you suffering both physically and financially.
Catastrophic injuries like brain trauma, spinal cord injuries, and severe burns are a tragic reality for too many Georgians.
As you focus on your healing, the last thing you should have to worry about is building a legal case. However, if your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve a chance to get financial relief and justice.
A catastrophic injury is one that will impact your quality of life for the rest of your life. It also affects your ability to earn a living. People who act negligently can be held responsible for the damages they caused through their actions—if the victim files a catastrophic injury lawsuit.
The Scott Pryor Law Group is proud to represent Georgia’s catastrophic injury victims in their pursuit of justice. No matter where your accident occurred in Georgia, our team of experienced catastrophic injury attorneys is ready to help you.
Types of compensation available after a Georgia catastrophic injury
Victims of catastrophic injury accidents seek compensation for several important reasons, including:
- Alleviating financial strain from expensive medical bills and lost income
- Seeking justice and accountability from responsible parties
- Achieving long-term financial security for themselves and their families
- Preventing similar accidents from happening to others by holding others responsible
- Getting compensation for dramatic quality-of-life changes
- Getting closure and moving forward with their physical and psychological recovery
- Supporting family members who must become full-time caregivers
There are two types of compensation that help people accomplish these goals: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include anything that is financially measurable, such as medical bills, lost wages, and the cost of a caregiver.
Non-economic damages may not have an inherent financial value, but they still represent personal costs like pain, suffering, and loss of consortium.
Throughout your catastrophic injury case, your attorney will make a strong case that explains all of the damages you have suffered because of your injuries. In fact, one of the main roles of a personal injury attorney is to identify the damages that may be available, and then make a strong case for why you deserve them.
Types of economic damages
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and income
- Lost employment benefits
- Loss of earning capacity
- Cost of medical equipment and devices
- Medications and pharmaceutical expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Home modifications for accessibility
- Vehicle modifications for accessibility
- Transportation costs to medical appointments
- In-home care and assistance expenses
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Property damage related to the incident
- Household services that must now be hired out
- Medical supplies and disposable materials
- Prosthetics and orthotics
- Specialized computer or communication equipment
- Mental health treatment expenses
- Cost of medical travel and lodging
- Educational retraining for new employment
Types of non-economic damages
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of intimacy and consortium
- Depression and anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Disability or physical impairment
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of ability to participate in hobbies and activities
- Diminished quality of life
- Embarrassment and humiliation
- Sleep disorders and disturbances
- Loss of independence
- Stress on family relationships
- Loss of life experiences and opportunities
- Grief and emotional trauma
- Reduced social interaction capabilities
- Loss of reputation
- Fear and anxiety about the future
One bad moment can change your life. We're here to make it right.
Statute of Limitations (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33): Two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. Fault-Based System (O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6): Georgia follows an at-fault system—whoever caused the crash is liable. Comparative Negligence Rule (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33): If you’re less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault).
What is a catastrophic injury?
The best way to understand what sets catastrophic injuries apart from other injuries is severity. Catastrophic injuries require lifelong care and almost always leave the victim with permanent disability.
Catastrophic injuries include:
- Spine and spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Amputations and deglovings
- Severe burns
- Crush injuries
- Organ failure due to severe physical trauma
How to determine eligibility for a catastrophic injury case
The legal definitions of different types of injuries can be confusing, but you don’t have to wonder if your serious injuries are considered catastrophic or not. Instead of feeling uncertain, speak with a Georgia personal injury attorney to get answers to your questions.
Contact The Scott Pryor Law Group for a free consultation
Common causes of catastrophic injuries
Accidents occur in Georgia every day. Catastrophic injuries are tragic, but they can occur anywhere, including in our state’s cities, towns, rural areas, and natural environments, including state parks, wilderness areas, forests, and recreational spaces.
Common causes of catastrophic accidents in Georgia include:
- Motor vehicle accidents (including car crashes, 18-wheeler collisions, and motorcycle wrecks)
- Construction site accidents
- Industrial workplace accidents
- Slip and fall accidents on hazardous premises
- Defective product accidents
- Recreational vehicle accidents (including ATVs and boats)
- Swimming pool and diving accidents
- Sports and recreational activity accidents
- Acts of violence and negligent security incidents
- Chemical exposure and toxic substance accidents
- Equipment malfunction accidents
- Electrical accidents
- Fire and explosion incidents
- Agricultural and farming accidents
- Medical malpractice injuries
This list is not comprehensive, so even if your accident type is not listed here, you can still contact The Scott Pryor Law Group to discuss your injuries.
Even if you don’t see your particular accident listed above, we encourage you to contact The Scott Pryor Law Group. Our Atlanta catastrophic injury lawyers know what a significant impact your injuries and ongoing medical treatment have on your life.
We realize that this may be the most difficult thing you’ve ever gone through. We want to offer sound legal guidance, support, and empathy while we help you fight to obtain the compensation you need to start living your life again.
Our 6-Step Litigation Process
Summons & Complaint
Services of Process
Defendant’s Answer
Client Involvement
Elements to Prove (First Party No-Fault, MedPay/PIP, Third Party Auto)
Negligence (Treatment)
Interrogatories
Request to Produce
Subpoena Medical Records
Motions
Depositions
Experts
Meet with Doctors
Witness List
Attempt Settlement
Prepare for Trial
NOTE: A case can settle at any time during this process. Very few cases go all the way to trial.
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Georgia’s top catastrophic injury attorneys can be found at The Scott Pryor Law Group
Living with a catastrophic injury creates immense physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Medical expenses can quickly become overwhelming, and lost wages add to the stress. You have probably already realized that the impact extends beyond the injury itself, affecting your entire family’s well-being and future.
Don’t wait to seek help after a catastrophic injury. Our experienced team is ready to evaluate your case through a free consultation. We’ll fight to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your legal options.
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Learn about Scott Pryor Law Group and Our Commitment to Justice
The Scott Pryor Law Group is a firm that fights for you, your family, friends, and loved ones.
We fight for you even if you do not have health insurance or the ability to pay out-of-pocket for medical or other specialized treatment. We can help. You do not pay us out-of-pocket, and we only get paid if we win!
If you are interested in achieving the best possible results in your legal matter, The Scott Pryor Law Group will bring a wealth of skill and experience to your case. Our abilities have allowed us to achieve a notable record of success, inclluding the nation’s highest honor for trial attorneys, the Litigator Awards, recognizing us as the top 1% of trial attorneys in the nation.
