When a person suffers a severe injury that inhibits their ability to perform everyday functions, the wound is considered catastrophic. These frightening accidents should not be overlooked and always deserve the attention of a seasoned personal injury attorney. If another individual’s reckless actions caused the life-changing wounds, the plaintiff could collect substantial monetary damages.
If you were involved in an accident that left you with significant physical setbacks, a Georgetown catastrophic injury lawyer could protect your rights and help you recover.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
Catastrophic injuries refer to wounds that limit or completely reduce a person’s ability to live normally. Communicating the full extent of an injury and the impact it has one one’s life can become problematic, but diligent legal representation could implement the right evidence.
Common examples of injuries that a court would consider catastrophic include but are not limited to:
- Severe burns
- Fractured or broken bones
- Spinal cord damage and whiplash
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Loss of limbs or organs
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
A knowledgeable attorney in Georgetown could help a plaintiff determine whether their injury is catastrophic in nature.
Common Accidents that Cause Catastrophic Wounds
Any number of factors could cause a catastrophic injury. A negligent driver could strike another vehicle on a busy street. A defective product could unexpectedly harm an innocent consumer. Other common accidents that could severely wound an innocent plaintiff include:
- Workplace accidents
- Slips and falls
- Medical malpractice
- Pedestrian or bicycle crashes
- Boating collisions
- Truck crashes
- Dog bites or other animal attacks
Following any of these severe accidents, a diligent lawyer in Georgetown could demonstrate that a defendant’s negligence entitles their client to compensation through a catastrophic injury claim.
Does Comparative Fault Apply to Catastrophic Injury Cases?
In certain situations, a defendant may allege that the plaintiff caused their own severe wounds. These accusations, usually manipulative, could severely impact the integrity of a claim. For example, Texas Statutes § 33.001 establish that the amount of compensation a plaintiff collects in an injury case depends on their level of involvement in the accident.
If a judge determines that a claimant is at least 51 percent responsible for accident in question, the individual cannot collect any compensation for their catastrophic injury. A wounded person can only acquire monetary damages if they are less than 51 percent to blame for the situation.
To What Extent Does a Court Reduce Damages?
A judge might reduce a plaintiff’s compensation if the individual is less than 51 percent responsible for the accident but still faces some liability. In these situations, the decrease in damages directly corresponds with the plaintiff’s level of involvement. For example, if a court concludes that the claimant is 30 percent responsible for their own wounds, their total compensation will be reduced by 30 percent.
Allegations of comparative negligence can become stressful for an unrepresented plaintiff, but a seasoned attorney in Georgetown could fight to maintain the innocence of anyone suffering from a catastrophic injury.
Speak with a Georgetown Catastrophic Injury Attorney Today
Critical injuries tend to impact people’s lives indefinitely, but anyone suffering after a severe accident can act to begin the recovery process. If you find yourself without clear next steps, a Georgetown catastrophic injury lawyer could help you determine the best course of action. A skilled legal team member could analyze the specifics of the accident, assemble a compelling claim, and help resolve any complications that arise during the filing process. Contact the office today to schedule an initial appointment