Catastrophic injuries are bad. They are defined as severe and/or life-altering traumas that result in significant—often permanent—disability or loss of function. There are a number of different types of injuries that may be classified as “catastrophic.” They all require immediate medical attention and the proper ongoing care. At Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, we have the professional skills and proven legal experience to handle even the most serious of accidents. Within this article, our Georgia catastrophic injury lawyer provides an overview of the most common types of serious injuries.
Five of the Most Common Catastrophic Injuries
Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
A severe TBI occurs when a significant external force—like a car accident, a fall from height, or recreational sports injury—causes the brain to collide with the skull. TBIs can vary dramatically in their severity. Unfortunately, in some cases, these injuries can be extremely serious. They may even result in permanent physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments. Immediate medical attention and the proper rehabilitative care is an absolute must for TBIs in Georgia. Notably, the physical and emotional recovery process can be long. Victims and families need all available resources.
Spinal Cord Damage
The spinal cord can play an important role in running in the human body. Even a seemingly very small amount of spinal cord damage can radically and permanently disrupt the flow of signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Unfortunately, paralysis and other forms of sensory loss is a serious threat. Indeed, depending on the location and severity of the injury, the victim may experience partial or complete paralysis of their limbs. If you or your loved one suffered spinal cord damage in a serious accident, you need a Georgia catastrophic injury lawyer.
Third Degree Burn
A third-degree burn destroys both the outer and deeper layers of skin, sometimes affecting underlying tissues like fat, muscle, and even bone. These burns often appear white, charred, and/or leathery. They can be caused by prolonged exposure to flames, chemicals, or electrical currents. While burn injuries are notoriously painful, somewhat counterintuitively, the most severe burns may actually be so destructive that the victim feels less pain in the immediate aftermath of the accident. However, the pain can be extreme and wholly debilitating during the recovery process.
Amputation (Loss of Limb)
Amputation refers to the surgical or traumatic removal of a body part. The most common parts of the body to undergo amputation are arms and legs. Of course, these are extraordinarily catastrophic injuries. The sudden loss of a limb dramatically impacts mobility, independence, and emotional well-being. Modern prosthetics, physical therapy, and pain management can all help victims regain function and adapt to daily life. It is imperative that injured victims have access to all resources.
Internal Organ Damage
Internal injuries are a serious threat. Internal organ damage happens when a significant force, penetrating object, or severe impact harms vital structures. Any damage to an organ—whether the liver, kidneys, lungs, or heart—can be catastrophic or even life-threatening. Some of the warning signs of internal organ damage may actually be subtle at first. These are always serious medical emergencies. Prompt diagnosis through imaging and laboratory tests is an absolute must to prevent complications or death. A Georgia catastrophic injury lawyer with experience handling internal organ damage cases can help you and your family get justice and the maximum compensation.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation for a Catastrophic Injury in Georgia
In Georgia, catastrophically injured victims have the right to seek financial compensation for the full value of their damages—including future medical costs and non-economic losses. Unfortunately, you cannot rely on an insurance company to look out for your rights or your interests after a very serious accident. Our Georgia catastrophic injury lawyer fights hard for justice. Along with other damages, we help injured victims seek financial compensation for:
- Property damage, such as vehicle repairs;
- Emergency medical treatment and related damages;
- Hospital bills and other medical expenses;
- Prescription medications and medical equipment;
- Physical therapy and long-term medical needs;
- Loss of wages and diminished future earnings;
- Pain and suffering & mental distress;
- Long-term disability and physical scarring;
- Reduced quality of life; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Know the Deadline: Two Year Statute of Limitations
You only have a limited amount of time to file a catastrophic injury lawsuit. There is a two-year statute of limitations in Georgia (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). With very limited exceptions, a lawsuit for a catastrophic accident must be filed within two years of the date of an accident. If a claim is not initiated in a timely manner, the case could be dismissed without a hearing on the merits. Do not fall behind in the claims process: Consult with a Georgia catastrophic injury lawyer right away.
How Our Attorneys Can Help With a Georgia Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit
Catastrophic injury lawsuits are complex, challenging legal cases. It is normal to be filled with questions about your rights and your legal options. At Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, we are here to help to take the pressure off of you and your family. Our team has a proven record of successful verdicts and settlements across a wide range of catastrophic accident claims. You do not have to go up against a negligent defendant or a large insurance company alone. Whether you or a loved one suffered a severe TBI, spinal cord trauma, loss of limb, or any other type of catastrophic harm, we are here to help you fight for justice.
Contact Our Georgia Catastrophic Injury Attorney Today
At Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, our Georgia catastrophic injury lawyers are strong and experienced advocates for injured victims. If you have any questions about a catastrophic injury case, we are more than ready to help. Insurers must be held accountable. Contact us now for your no cost, no strings attached case evaluation. We represent victims and families in catastrophic injury claims throughout Georgia, including in Atlanta, Augusta, and Lawrenceville.