Paramedics rescuing victims from car accident who are severely injured.

Did you get hurt in an accident someone else caused? Is your injury considered catastrophic? If so, contact R. Alan Cleveland, LLC immediately to discuss your legal options.

A catastrophic injury is debilitating and disruptive to a person’s life. It can have long-term consequences, such as making a person dependent on someone else to perform basic tasks. Some require ongoing medical care to manage the pain and other systems. It can be overwhelming to deal with, especially while pursuing a claim.

At R. Alan Cleveland, LLC, we understand the devastation that comes from sustaining a catastrophic injury. Medical bills are expensive and often lead to massive debt. With our decades of experience, we can help you hold the negligent party liable for the harm they caused and work to demand the compensation you need. Call or contact us online today for a free consultation with an Athens catastrophic injury lawyer.

Why You Need R. Alan Cleveland, LLC After a Catastrophic Injury in Athens

Seeking compensation on your own should never be an option. Although you can file a claim or lawsuit without legal representation, hiring a lawyer is beneficial.

R. Alan Cleveland, LLC can take over and complete every stage of the legal process so you can focus on recovering. When you hire us, we will protect your rights and be the advocate you need to get justice. We can investigate the accident scene, preserve valuable evidence, and build a case against the at-fault party.

We will determine the available insurance coverage and file a claim with the insurance carrier. You don’t have to worry about communicating with the adjuster or negotiating a settlement. We aim to simplify the process, so your only responsibility is to treat your injury.

What Types of Injuries Are Considered Catastrophic?

A catastrophic injury differs significantly from other types of injuries. Even severe injuries don’t belong in the same category as catastrophic injuries. Catastrophic injuries are life-changing.

The most common types of catastrophic injuries include:

What Are Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries?

Catastrophic injuries can occur in numerous kinds of accidents. The most common include:

  • Workplace accidents – An accident can happen at any job. You can sustain a catastrophic injury even sitting at a desk all day. A fire can start if an office building isn’t up to code – or equipment might malfunction, severing the operator’s limb.
  • Motor vehicle collisions – Catastrophic injuries can occur whether you’re in a car or riding a motorcycle. Car accidents can lead to debilitating and life-threatening injuries. A driver or passenger could lose a limb after ejection from the vehicle. Flying debris might hit someone on the head, causing a traumatic brain injury.
  • Explosions and fires – Fires and explosions can cause severe burns and other injuries. The blast from an explosion can knock someone to the ground, resulting in a TBI or multiple severe bone fractures. If a building doesn’t have the proper safety equipment, a person could get trapped and suffer significant burns all over their body.
  • Construction site accidents – Although construction workers can use safety gear and take certain precautions to prevent accidents, injuries can occur. A worker can fall off unstable scaffolding or use faulty equipment that malfunctions.
  • Pedestrian accidents – Pedestrians are at the greatest risk of catastrophic injuries on the road. They can’t adequately protect themselves from the violent impact of a crash. They can get run over by a vehicle or launched hundreds of feet from the collision site. Permanent damage is common and can lead to paralysis or disability.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Catastrophic Injury?

The person or company you can hold liable for a catastrophic injury depends on the situation and the parties involved. For example, you can file a claim with a driver’s auto insurance company if they were at fault for a car accident that injured you. Or you might recover compensation from a business owner if your injury occurs on their dangerous property.

What Compensation Can Be Recovered for a Catastrophic Injury?

The compensation you receive for a catastrophic injury will depend on multiple factors, including the complications from the injury and the long-term consequences that result. Although the claims process seems straightforward, unforeseen circumstances can cause unnecessary delays or reduce your chance of maximum financial recovery. You should hire an Athens catastrophic injury lawyer from R. Alan Cleveland, LLC for help.

The money you recover in a catastrophic injury claim or lawsuit can compensate you for your:

  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Doctor’s visits, hospital stays, rehabilitation, assistive medical devices, and other medical costs
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Cost of paying for replacement services like household help
  • Emotional distress
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage

What If the Catastrophic Injury Happened at Work?

If you sustain a catastrophic injury while working, you can file a claim with your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer. Medical and disability benefits are available for on-the-job injuries.

You must report what happened to your employer within 30 days. You must also seek treatment from a provider they authorize. If you choose your own physician, their services won’t qualify for payment by workers’ compensation – forcing you to pay out of pocket.

State law prohibits employees from suing their employers for workplace accidents in most cases. However, you might be entitled to compensation from a third-party claim or lawsuit if someone else is at fault for your injury. For example, a maintenance worker might be liable if you sustained a burn injury because the maintenance worker didn’t properly fix faulty electrical wires.

Is There a Statute of Limitations for a Catastrophic Injury Claim?

Typically, the insurance policy will provide details about when you must file a claim. Often, the policy may say only that you should file your claim promptly or within a reasonable amount of time.

If you want to sue someone for a catastrophic injury, you must comply with the statute of limitations. The Georgia statute of limitations allows a two-year timeframe to begin a lawsuit. That means you have two years from the accident date to file your lawsuit against the at-fault party.

Contact an Athens Catastrophic Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation

A catastrophic injury can interfere with every aspect of your routine and significantly reduce your quality of life. Pursuing legal action can be complicated. That is why you should promptly consult R. Alan Cleveland, LLC after you’ve been injured in an accident someone else caused.

We will get to work on preparing your case and explore all available options for compensation. Call or contact us online for a free consultation with an experienced Athens catastrophic injury lawyer if you sustained a catastrophic injury in an accident due to someone else’s negligence.