Catastrophic injuries can result in life altering circumstances that severely impact the injured person and their loved ones. If you or a loved one has been in a serious accident that resulted in a catastrophic injury, you may be facing a long road to healing in the aftermath of the accident. But, if the incident leading up to the catastrophic injury was caused by a negligent party, you may be entitled to compensation

Working with an experienced catastrophic injury lawyer in Cleveland, OH is your best chance of getting what you deserve. A good attorney will fight on your behalf, and negotiate with outside parties like opposing lawyers, insurance companies, and investigators so that you can focus on your family’s healing. 

 

What is a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury is one that causes lifelong and potentially life-threatening effects on the person who has suffered it. Oftentimes, these injuries result from motor vehicle accidents, falls, acts of violence, and medical malpractice. Catastrophic injuries involve significant physical trauma to the head, spine, or other areas of the body.

Typically these injuries require extensive medical treatment as well as long-term physical rehabilitation and therapy which can be very expensive. Despite this, those impacted by catastrophic injuries can still lead meaningful lives with supportive care from family members, friends, and healthcare professionals.

Common Types of Traumatic Injuries

A catastrophic injury attorney can help in your personal injury claim if any of the following injuries were suffered:

Get in touch with a trusted attorney in Cleveland to find out if your injury qualifies for an injury claim.

Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries can have life-altering consequences for victims and their families, and it’s hard to predict a situation where a catastrophic injury may occur. Common causes of catastrophic injuries include:

  • Car accidents
  • Workplace accidents
  • Medical malpractice
  • Defective products
  • Violent situations

Car accidents frequently result in debilitating spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries due to the force of an impact. Workplace accidents and medical malpractice can cause severe inflammatory reactions or exposure to poisonous substances leading to tissue defects or organ failure. Defective products can cause explosions that lead to physical disfigurement and nerve damage. 

Lastly, physical assaults and weapons attacks can cause both superficial physical wounds as well as serious trauma to the spine, brain, hands and face. As these horrific events show, it is important to be aware of potential causes of catastrophic injuries so as to minimize their occurrence whenever possible.

Recoverable Damages from Catastrophic Injuries in Cleveland

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury like this, you may be entitled to a range of damages in the state of Ohio. These include both non-economic and economic damages.

It’s important to note that the specific damages that may be available in your case can vary depending on the specific facts and circumstances involved. Additionally, recovering damages for a catastrophic injury can be a complex and challenging process, requiring the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages relate to losses that are not directly financial, but could be entitled to compensation. Some non-economic damages include:

  • Pain and Suffering: This includes compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the injury.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life. This includes compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the injury, such as the inability to participate in hobbies or recreational activities.
  • Loss of Consortium. This includes compensation for the loss of companionship, support, and services of a spouse or family member.

Economic Damages

If the other party is found liable, your attorney may fight for economic damages such as:

  • Medical Expenses. This includes current and future medical expenses related to the injury, such as hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
  • Lost Wages: This includes current and future lost wages, as well as the loss of earning capacity resulting from the injury.
  • Punitive Damages. In cases where the injury was caused by egregious or intentional conduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar conduct in the future.

What is the Deadline for a Catastrophic Injury Claim?

It’s important to note that there is a deadline for filing a claim to seek compensation for your losses. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations, and it varies depending on the type of claim involved.

In Ohio, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those arising from catastrophic injuries, is generally two years from the date of the injury. This means that you must file a claim within two years of the date the injury occurred, or you may lose your right to seek compensation.

However, there are some important exceptions to this general rule that can affect the deadline for your catastrophic injury claim. For example:

  • If the injury was not immediately apparent, the deadline may be extended to two years from the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered with reasonable diligence.
  • If the injury was caused by medical malpractice, the deadline may be extended to one year from the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered with reasonable diligence, but no more than four years from the date the malpractice occurred.
  • If the injury was caused by the negligence of a government agency or employee, there may be special notice requirements and deadlines that apply.

It’s important to note that these exceptions can be complex and may require legal expertise to navigate. Additionally, waiting until the deadline is approaching to file your claim can be risky, as it may not leave enough time to properly investigate and build a strong case.

Work with a Cleveland Catastrophic Injury Attorney

At Paulozzi LPA, our Cleveland, Ohio personal injury attorneys have decades of experience helping clients recover compensation for catastrophic injuries. We understand the unique challenges and hardships that come with these types of injuries, and we’re committed to helping our clients get the justice and financial support they deserve.

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, don’t hesitate to contact our firm for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal rights and options. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

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