Catastrophic Injury Attorney In Hattiesburg
When an accident results in a life-altering injury, the legal issues are not just a simple matter of injury law. Injuries that change a person’s ability to work, provide self-care, and live independently are complex. A Hattiesburg catastrophic injury lawyer is often crucial when injuries have long-term and permanent effects.
About WaideLaw
The values that are the bedrock of WaideLaw’s practice were shaped on a Mississippi farm, including hard work, accountability, and keeping your word. Inspired by the Bible’s Isaiah 1:17 command to seek justice and rescue the oppressed, the firm’s mission is to stand up for those injured by the negligence of others.
The work does not stop at the office. The attorneys at WaideLaw are active in the community, including local youth sports leagues, instilling in the next generation values like character, discipline, and teamwork.
What Is Considered a Catastrophic Injury?
Catastrophic injuries are those that cause permanent or long-term disability, disfigurement, or impairment. Catastrophic injuries can result from a one-time accident or illness. They are different from soft tissue injuries, broken bones, or even organ damage because they do not heal. Catastrophic injuries usually involve a long-term effect on a person’s quality of life.
They may prevent a person from returning to their former occupation or their normal daily activities. Catastrophic injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- Burns
- Fractures
- Additional injuries and disfigurement
Catastrophic injuries result in secondary medical issues, such as ongoing pain, infections, and psychological trauma, which become part of the main condition. According to the CDC, the following injuries were reported in a given year, some of them catastrophic:
- There were 24.8 million physician visits for unintentional injuries.
- There were 26.2 million emergency room visits for unintentional injuries.
- There were 222,698 deaths that resulted from unintentional injury.
Catastrophic Injury Laws in Mississippi
Mississippi’s catastrophic injury laws are similar to those for other types of personal injury claims. The injured person must prove that another party’s negligence caused the injury. The victim must also show that the other person had a duty to prevent the harm, that there was a breach of that duty, and that the breach directly caused the injury or death. These cases are generally seen at the Forrest County Courthouse at 641 N. Main Street in Hattiesburg.
Defendants can include drivers, employers, property owners, manufacturers, and other people or entities who were negligent and caused a catastrophic injury.
Mississippi is a comparative fault state. This means that a victim who is partly at fault for an accident can recover compensation, as long as they were not more than 50% responsible. The compensation is reduced by the victim’s share of the fault.
Additionally, a three-year statute of limitations applies to filing a catastrophic injury claim in Mississippi. Knowing how these laws apply in a particular case is an important part of protecting the right to recover compensation.
Damages Available in a Catastrophic Injury Claim
Catastrophic injury cases often involve large amounts of compensation. This is because of the permanent nature of the injuries and the long-term and future costs associated with the harm. Damages that can be recovered in a catastrophic injury claim can include:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation
- Long-term disability
- Home modifications, such as ramps or widened doorways
- Lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
Non-economic damages are another important part of a catastrophic injury claim. A victim’s pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of independence are factored into determining a fair settlement. Family members may also have related claims, such as loss of consortium or companionship. A Hattiesburg catastrophic injury lawyer can help you file your claim.
Hire a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
Making the decision to hire a catastrophic injury lawyer can be an important step when faced with life-altering injuries. Catastrophic injury cases are usually more complex and involve a long recovery. They require extensive investigation, coordination with medical and financial professionals, and a clear explanation of how the injury impacts not only current but also future quality of life.
Insurance companies and larger defendants often try to minimize catastrophic injury claims by denying liability or underestimating future needs. A lawyer can help you fight for your rights and future.
FAQs
What Is Considered a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury is one that results in a permanent or long-term disability that drastically alters the victim’s ability to perform day-to-day tasks, including working. Catastrophic injuries are typically those that result in a permanent physical, cognitive, or emotional impairment that requires long-term medical care and treatment. Examples of such injuries include severe brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, amputation, and major burns.
What Does Catastrophic Coverage Not Cover?
Catastrophic coverage will not pay for all of the costs that you incur because of an injury. It might not cover certain costs of long-term care, or any non-medical costs, lost income, or pain and suffering. Your benefits may also be limited by your policy’s coverage limits, exclusions, and eligibility requirements. Injured victims may need to file a legal claim in order to fully recover from their losses.
What Is a Reasonable Amount to Ask for Pain and Suffering?
The appropriate amount for pain and suffering varies based on how the injury impacts daily activities, emotional well-being, and long-term independence. More significant or permanent injuries often warrant higher compensation due to ongoing discomfort, mental anguish, and reduced enjoyment of life. The strength of medical evidence and the lasting impact of the injury are crucial factors in determining value.
What Is Catastrophic Injury Law?
Catastrophic injury law is a legal area that deals with cases involving severe and life-altering injuries. These injuries are typically the result of someone else’s negligence or wrongful conduct. The law covers incidents that lead to permanent disability, long-term medical care, and loss of earning capacity. The primary focus is on future damages, ongoing care, and the overall impact on a person’s life rather than short-term recovery.
Contact WaideLaw Today
If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury, you can hold the responsible party accountable and seek compensation. WaideLaw can help. Contact us today for more information.
