Ponchatoula Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
Catastrophic injuries are life-altering afflictions that may leave a person with a permanent physical or mental disability and may even result in shortened life expectancies. These severe injuries come with significant financial costs and often involve pricey medical bills, ongoing treatment, and loss of employment of life. Ponchatoula personal injury attorneys have extensive experience helping Louisiana personal injury victims seek compensation caused by other people’s negligence.
Understanding Catastrophic Injuries in Ponchatoula
Catastrophic injuries can occur as a result of any incident but are commonly associated with car and motorcycle crashes. Other common causes include assaults, work-related injuries, medical malpractice, and defective consumer products. While Louisiana does not explicitly define catastrophic injuries, the common identifying factor is that the damage permanently inhibits mental or physical functioning, and the victim is unlikely to ever fully recover.
Common catastrophic injuries include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and paralysis. Spinal cord injuries may result in temporary or permanent loss of spinal function, potentially creating permanent mobility issues. Traumatic brain injuries occur when a sudden force or jolt causes torn tissues, bruising, and bleeding in the brain. Paralysis injuries are typically caused by trauma, often to the spinal cord, head, or neck and may affect one or multiple limbs. A Ponchatoula catastrophic injury attorney can help determine if a victim’s injury qualifies as catastrophic and eligible for greater compensation to cover future complications.
How Is Compensation Determined in Catastrophic Injury Cases?
The impact of catastrophic injuries is not only on the victim but also the victim’s family. In addition to the financial expenses that can quickly add up, taking care of someone with mobility or cognitive limitations is financially and emotionally taxing. When a catastrophic injury is the result of someone else’s negligence, the victim may recover the costs of the damage.
The extent of the victim’s injury determines the damages obtained in a personal injury claim. A victim may be eligible for past and future medical expenses as a result of the injury in addition to pain and suffering. Ponchatoula personal injury attorneys have expertise handling a wide range of catastrophic injury claims.
How Does Louisiana Law Affect a Plaintiff’s Eligibility to Recover Damages?
Louisiana’s comparative fault rule reduces an injured person’s damages by an amount equal to the share of fault assigned to that person. This means that if the victim is partially responsible for the accident, they may not get as much compensation, but they will not be barred from recovering what they can. Plaintiffs may be entitled to economic damages including medical bills and lost wages and noneconomic damages like pain and suffering.
Louisiana laws also set a statute of limitations on the amount of time a plaintiff has to file a personal injury lawsuit. Victims only have one year after the date of their accident to file a claim or they could lose their right to file at all.
Let a Ponchatoula Catastrophic Injury Attorney Help Today
If you or a loved one is a victim of a catastrophic injury due to the fault of another party, you deserve help seeking justice. Oftentimes, the more serious the injury, the more expensive the medical bills and emotional stress are. Your catastrophic injury case should be handled by a personal injury lawyer who is compassionate and knows how to get results. Schedule a consultation today to evaluate your case and discuss what is possible in your situation.