Charlotte Catastrophic Injury Attorney

What Are Catastrophic Injuries?

Catastrophic injuries are ones that are so severe that the victim may never return to his or her previous life. These injuries lead to extensive, costly medical treatment and ongoing care. Victims may be unable to return to their jobs—or unable to work altogether. Often, both victims and their families will suffer an immense amount of trauma and grief as a result of these injuries.

If you or your loved one was catastrophically injured in a car accident, while at work, after receiving negligent medical care, or in any other preventable accident, reach out to the lawyers at Charles G. Monnett III & Associates. We can help you seek fair and just compensation from the at-fault person or their insurance company.

We understand the devastating nature of these types of injuries; our catastrophic injury lawyers in Charlotte are here to provide you with the compassionate support and dedicated advocacy you need. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Types of Catastrophic Injuries

Generally speaking, these injuries are those that are life-altering in nature; in other words, the victim is not able to return to his/her “normal,” pre-injury life.

Some examples of catastrophic injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Amputation
• Hearing/vision loss
• Severe burns
• Spinal cord injuries, including those leading to paralysis

Note that any injury has the potential to be catastrophic. Broken bones and fractures could be catastrophic if they are particularly severe in nature, as can lacerations and wounds, internal organ/soft tissue damage, and other types of injuries.

What Causes Catastrophic Injuries?

Catastrophic injuries become more likely as the circumstances of an accident become more violent. For example, a higher-speed auto accident is much more likely to result in a catastrophic or life-changing injury than a low-speed collision. However, this is not a certainty. Insurance companies sometimes try to argue that a claimant’s injuries cannot be catastrophic because they were not in a “violent” accident, but medical records show otherwise.

Common causes of catastrophic injuries include:

• Car accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Truck accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Construction accidents
• Boating accidents

A catastrophic injury can also occur when there is no accident per se. Medical malpractice caused by a negligent doctor can change the life of a patient forever and for the worse. Dangerous products can also result in severe injuries in an instant.

How to Build a Strong Case

Insurance companies hate paying catastrophic injuries claims because they can be some of the costliest claims filed. It would be surprising if the insurer did not do everything that they could to deny your claim or shrink its value, which is why it is so important to be ready to build a strong case from the start.

When you work with the Charlotte catastrophic injury attorneys of Charles G. Monnett III & Associates, you can rest a little easier in knowing that a professional team is on your side. We will be focused on holding the liable party accountable by putting pressure on their insurers to give you a fair settlement. If it looks like they want to unjustly fight your claim, then we can return with strong, convincing evidence.

Evidence that often helps make the most of a catastrophic injury case include:

• Eyewitness testimonies
• Police reports
• Medical records
• Photographs
• Dash or security cam footage
• Property or vehicle repair bills

Five Dos & Don’ts of Catastrophic Injury Claims

Every step you take in a catastrophic injury case is important, as are the steps you do not take. We can help you understand the right things to do and the things you should probably try to avoid.

The “dos” of a catastrophic injury case are:

• Follow your doctor’s orders and treatment plan as closely as you can.
• Write down a detailed explanation of your accident sooner than later.
• Catalog how much work you have missed because of your injury.
• Create a daily journal to note your pain levels, recovery complications, and more.
• Seek legal help within 72 hours of your accident or sooner.

The “don’ts” of a catastrophic injury case are:

• Don’t admit liability or even say that you are “sorry.”
• Don’t sign anything from an insurance company without letting your attorney review it.
• Don’t give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster.
• Don’t overshare details to anyone, including not on your social media apps.
• Don’t push for a settlement until you reach your maximum medical improvement (MMI).

Catastrophic Injury Settlements

What makes these types of personal injury cases unique is the extent of damages most victims suffer. Catastrophic injuries require ongoing treatment and even life-long care. Victims may be wheelchair-bound or bed-ridden. They may need to make alterations to their home in order to get around, or they may need fulltime in-home assistance. In some cases, victims will not be able to return to work as a result of their injuries; some may never work again.

For both victims and their families, the cost of a catastrophic injury can easily reach millions of dollars over the course of the victim’s lifetime. In addition to the financial strain, there are the physical and emotional consequences to deal with as well.

At Charles G. Monnett III & Associates, we evaluate the full lifetime costs of your or your loved one’s injuries. We look at your current costs and your future expected costs—such as ongoing rehabilitation therapy, medical and psychological treatment, and future lost earnings—as well. From there, our Charlotte catastrophic injury lawyers are able to build a case on your behalf that seeks to recover the maximum compensation you are owed.

Contact us online or call (704) 859-2003 today to request a free, no-obligation consultation with experienced Charlotte catastrophic injury attorneys who will fight for the justice you deserve.

Catastrophic Injury FAQ

Suggested Further Reading:

• Is a Broken Arm Considered a Catastrophic Injury?