Catastrophic injuries are often permanent, severe, and disabling. If you suffered a catastrophic injury, you might benefit from the advice and counsel of an Augusta catastrophic injury lawyer.
Pursuing a case for traumatic injuries could involve complicated processes and legal procedures. Getting assistance from an injury attorney could help you form an action plan moving forward and allow you to focus on your physical recovery.
Severe injuries could deeply impact the health of the injured plaintiff, as well as damages sought in court.
A catastrophic injury is one that causes permanent damage and impairment. The long-term disabilities often cause those injured to be unable to return to work, pursue other means of employment, or resume their normal day-to-day activities. Common examples of these injuries include:
While intentional acts such as a battery or attempted murder are known to cause catastrophic injuries, the leading causes involve accidents. When an accident occurs, and civil remedies are sought, the courts apply the law of torts.
Tort law holds defendants liable for causing an injury as a result of committing a wrongful act. When someone commits a tort unintentionally, that person is negligent. To prove negligence in a catastrophic injury lawsuit, an Augusta attorney must demonstrate four elements to the court.
First, the plaintiff must show that the defendant owed them a duty of care. Second, the defendant must have breached their duty of care. Third, this breach of duty caused the plaintiff’s injuries. Fourth, the plaintiff must have suffered actual harm that may be compensated for in damages.
Plaintiffs are required to file their injury case within two years from the date of suffering their injury under Georgia Code §9-3-33. A catastrophic injury lawyer in Augusta must present evidence supporting the amount of damages being sought at trial. Plaintiffs suffering from catastrophic injuries may seek four types of damages:
If any of the plaintiff’s property was damaged in the course of the accident or incident that caused their injury, they might seek restitution for the value of that property. Plaintiffs may also seek damages for economic losses such as medical expenses and lost wages.
A jury determines non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, based on the impact the accident had on the victim’s life. The severity of an injury impacts the amount of damages a victim may be awarded.
Following a catastrophic injury, a victim may require extensive medical care and follow-ups. Without compensation for their injuries, victims and their families might be facing serious financial issues.
An Augusta catastrophic injury lawyer could investigate the facts, the relevant law, and help you fight your case for legal relief. To find out your options for legal recovery, call today.