Catastrophic injuries can lead to life-changing situations that deeply affect both the injured person and their loved ones. If you or someone you care about has been involved in a serious accident resulting in a catastrophic injury, the recovery journey may be long and challenging. However, if a negligent party caused the injury, you may be eligible for compensation.
Working with an experienced catastrophic injury lawyer in Ohio is essential for securing the compensation you deserve. A skilled attorney will advocate on your behalf, negotiating with opposing lawyers, insurance companies, and investigators, allowing you to focus on recovery.
A catastrophic injury causes long-term, often life-threatening effects on the person affected. These injuries frequently result from motor vehicle accidents, falls, violent acts, or medical malpractice. They usually involve severe physical trauma to the head, spine, or other body parts.
Such injuries often require extensive medical care, along with prolonged physical rehabilitation and therapy, which can be costly. Despite these challenges, with the support of family, friends, and healthcare professionals, those impacted can still lead meaningful lives.
A catastrophic injury attorney can assist with your personal injury claim if you have experienced any of the following:
Reach out to a trusted Ohio attorney to determine if your injury qualifies for a claim.
Catastrophic injuries can have life-altering impacts on victims and their families. It’s difficult to predict when such an injury might occur. Common causes include:
Car accidents can cause spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries due to the impact force. Workplace accidents and medical malpractice might lead to severe reactions or exposure to harmful substances, resulting in tissue damage or organ failure. Defective products may cause explosions, leading to physical disfigurement and nerve damage. Violent attacks can result in significant trauma to the spine, brain, or other body parts.
If you or a loved one has sustained such an injury, you may be entitled to various types of damages in Ohio. These include both economic and non-economic damages.
It’s essential to understand that the specific damages available in your case may differ based on the facts and circumstances. Recovering damages for a catastrophic injury can be a complex process that requires the expertise of a personal injury attorney.
Non-economic damages cover losses that are not purely financial but are compensable. These may include:
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for losing the ability to engage in hobbies or recreational activities.
Loss of Consortium: Compensation for losing companionship, support, and services from a spouse or family member.
If the other party is found liable, your attorney may seek economic damages, such as:
Medical Expenses: Compensation for current and future medical costs related to the injury, including hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages: Compensation for current and future lost wages, as well as diminished earning capacity resulting from the injury.
Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious or intentional conduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and prevent similar actions in the future.
It’s important to know that there is a deadline, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a claim to seek compensation for your losses. In Ohio, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those from catastrophic injuries, is generally two years from the injury date. This means you must file your claim within two years, or you may lose your right to seek compensation.
However, there are exceptions to this general rule, such as:
If the injury was not immediately apparent, the deadline might be extended to two years from when the injury was discovered or should have been discovered.
If medical malpractice caused the injury, the deadline might be extended to one year from when the injury was discovered or should have been discovered, but no more than four years from the malpractice date.
If a government agency or employee’s negligence caused the injury, special notice requirements and deadlines may apply.
These exceptions can be complicated and may require legal expertise to understand fully. Additionally, waiting too long to file your claim can be risky, as it may leave insufficient time to investigate and build a strong case.
At Paulozzi LPA, our Ohio personal injury attorneys have decades of experience helping clients recover compensation for catastrophic injuries. We understand the unique challenges and hardships associated with these injuries, and we are committed to securing the justice and financial support our clients deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, contact us today for a free consultation. We will review your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal rights and options. Reach out to us to schedule your consultation.