A catastrophic accident is among the worst events a person can experience. Catastrophic accidents often entail life-long disability, disfigurement, or lasting health problems. In the end, you may be unable to work or could need surgery and extensive rehabilitation. In either event, a catastrophic accident will permanently change your life. To make the best of a bad situation, you’ll need to hire the best catastrophic accident lawyer Greenville, NC, can offer. That way, you can mount a lawsuit to get the compensation you need.
What Are Catastrophic Accidents?
Catastrophic injuries are severe and life-altering, often requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term care. These injuries can drastically affect an individual’s quality of life and ability to work. Forbes’ list of catastrophic injuries includes:
- Brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Severe burns
- Amputations
- Organ damage
In the best-case scenario, recovering from any of these accidents requires extensive treatment and a lengthy recovery period. However, few people can find the money to pay for treatment or take so much time off work. The compensation you can earn in a catastrophic accident lawsuit is the answer.
Compensation Available in Catastrophic Accident Lawsuits
Victims of catastrophic injuries can seek various types of compensation to cover the extensive costs associated with their injuries, including economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages. We will discuss each of these in more detail below.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the tangible, quantifiable losses that the victim incurs due to their injury. These include current and future medical expenses such as surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation. But beyond direct expenses, economic damages also cover your lost income.
You can claim lost wages due to temporary downtime or lost earning capacity due to long-term injury. Home modifications or in-home care to accommodate accident-related disability can also fall under the scope of economic damages. The most common types of economic damages are:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Home modifications
- Personal care attendants
- Assistive devices
- Transportation for medical visits
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic or pain and suffering damages are more subjective. These categories cover a wide range of emotional costs that the courts recognize. Physical and emotional hardship, the loss of sources of joy in life, and damage to relationships fall under this umbrella. Specific types of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Inconvenience
- Impact on social life and reputation
Punitive Damages
The courts award punitive damages when the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. Additionally, punitive damages are unique in that they aren’t tied to the victim’s losses. Instead, they serve as additional punishment when the court considers other damages inadequate.
The Importance of Hiring a Catastrophic Lawyer in Greenville, NC
Hiring a catastrophic lawyer in Greenville, NC, is essential when dealing with the aftermath of a severe accident. These specialized attorneys understand the intricate legal standards and state laws, crucial for maximizing compensation in cases involving substantial medical costs and long-term care. They are adept at handling complex negotiations with insurance companies and opposing legal teams, ensuring your case is presented strongly.
Key advantages of hiring a catastrophic lawyer include:
- Expert knowledge of local legal nuances and maximum compensation strategies
- Skill in managing negotiations and litigations against well-represented defendants
- Capability to gather crucial evidence, including medical records and expert testimonies
- Emotional support and understanding of the trauma associated with catastrophic injuries
- Accessibility and familiarity with the Greenville legal community for efficient case management
If you or a loved one has been in a catastrophic accident, securing a specialized lawyer in Greenville, NC, can be the decisive factor in navigating the legal challenges and securing the justice and compensation you deserve.
Irons and Irons: Your Catastrophic Injury Lawyer - Greenville, NC
Victims of catastrophic injuries need a dedicated legal team to handle their case. The stakes are high, and exploring every avenue for damages can help prevent future retraumatizing hardship. Furthermore, a skilled and experienced catastrophic injury lawyer will improve your chances of winning the case.
At Irons and Irons P.A., we understand the severe impact a catastrophic injury can have on your life and the lives of your loved ones. As the catastrophic injury lawyer Greenville, NC residents trust, we are committed to providing the support and expertise you need. Call us today at (252) 215-3000 or schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards recovery.