Denver Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
Suffering any injury can have dramatic and unexpected consequences. However, some injuries can change your life so much that it can almost be unrecognizable. When a person has suffered catastrophic injuries, they may face some of the most severe physical, emotional, and financial consequences imaginable. While their road to medical recovery may be long and challenging, victims of serious injuries may be able to recover significant compensation by filing a catastrophic injury claim.
If you have suffered catastrophic injuries in Colorado, a Denver personal injury lawyer at The Wilhite Law Firm can help you fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. Our team has been standing up for the rights of injured individuals for decades. We are ready to use our experience and skills to pursue the results you deserve. Contact our team today for a free case review to learn more about how we can help you.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury results in permanent disability or completely alters a person’s life. These injuries are considered catastrophic because they often lead to significant physical limitations, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. Unlike a standard personal injury, catastrophic injuries typically require years of medical treatment and rehabilitation with no guarantee that the victim will fully recover.
What Are Examples of Catastrophic Injuries?
Some of the most common catastrophic injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries – Damage to the spinal cord often causes paralysis below the point of injury.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – A TBI can cause cognitive impairments, personality changes, and loss of motor function.
- Severe burns – Third-degree burns over large portions of the body require multiple skin grafts and surgeries.
- Internal organ damage – Harm to vital organs like the heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys often necessitates a transplant.
- Amputations – The traumatic loss of a limb may require prosthetics and therapy.
- Multiple fractures – Breaks to multiple bones throughout the body frequently need internal fixation devices.
- Vision or hearing loss – Permanent loss of sight or hearing can completely change the course of a person’s life.
What Types of Accidents Can Cause a Catastrophic Injury?
Catastrophic injuries can occur in a wide range of circumstances, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Premises liability cases
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Defective products
What Should I Do If I Have Been in a Personal Injury Accident?
Your actions following an accident can significantly affect the outcome of your personal injury claim. Be sure to take the following steps to maximize your chances of success:
- Follow your doctor’s orders – Many injury victims see reductions in their compensation when they ignore a medical professional’s advice. Insurance companies take this as evidence that your medical expenses were unnecessary.
- Save your medical records – Records of hospital visits, doctors’ notes, diagnostic tests, and medical bills will serve as evidence of your injuries, their connection to the accident, and the healthcare expenses you have incurred.
- Compile evidence of lost income – Keep pay stubs, tax paperwork, and correspondence with HR to prove how missed time at work has led to a loss of income.
- Avoid posting on social media – The at-fault party’s insurance company can use any public statements you make against you, however innocent they may seem.
- Consult with a Denver catastrophic injury attorney – An experienced legal professional can investigate the accident, calculate the value of your losses, negotiate with the insurer, and take the at-fault party to court if necessary.
How Do I Prove the Other Person Is Responsible for My Injuries?
In cases of severe injury, a successful compensation claim requires significant evidence that the other party is liable for your losses. An experienced personal injury attorney can build a solid case on your behalf by collecting evidence such as:
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- A police report, if your injuries resulted from a motor vehicle accident
- Interviews with eyewitnesses
- Reports from accident reconstruction and medical experts
- Physical evidence from the scene of the accident
Even in the face of overwhelming evidence to support your claim, the at-fault party’s insurance company may try to shift the blame onto you. Working with an attorney with extensive experience handling negotiations is essential to protect your claim from these dishonest tactics.
Can I Be Compensated for My Catastrophic Injuries?
People who have suffered catastrophic injuries due to another party’s negligence are often eligible for significant compensation. While the amount will depend on the nature of your injuries and their effects on your life, a skilled attorney may be able to help you seek compensation for losses such as:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, consultations with doctors, surgeries, assistive devices, medications, and physical therapy
- Lost income due to missed time at work
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job
- The cost of modifications to your home or vehicle
- Home assistance for support with chores and personal care
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other forms of mental anguish
- Loss of quality of life if you can no longer do everyday tasks or your favorite activities
Consulting with a Colorado attorney with experience handling catastrophic injury cases can help you understand how much compensation you may be eligible to pursue.
How Long Do I Have to File a Catastrophic Injury Claim in Colorado?
Colorado generally requires injury victims to file a lawsuit for damages within two years of an accident. When it involves an automobile, the statute of limitations is extended to three years. In either case, failing to file legal action before the deadline can cause you to lose your opportunity to recover the compensation you deserve. Speak with a Denver catastrophic injury lawyer as soon as possible to avoid missing this crucial statutory deadline.
Contact a Denver Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
Life can feel like an uphill battle after suffering a catastrophic injury. In addition to the pain, you may be facing forced time off work, a mountain of medical bills, and increasing financial upheaval. This challenging situation can often cause many personal injury victims to despair. However, it is essential to remember that you have legal options to set things right.
The Wilhite Law Firm has an excellent track record of successfully assisting injured individuals with accident claims. Our team has the skills and resources necessary to pursue the maximum compensation available in your case. Contact us today for a free case review to learn how we can stand up for your rights.
