State law defines a catastrophic injury as severe harm that inflicts a significant long-term impact on someone’s ability to live a normal life. In many cases, a catastrophic injury can even be fatal.
If you believe you may be entitled to financial compensation from the negligent party who caused your traumatic injury, do not hesitate to speak with a Parker catastrophic injury lawyer. A knowledgeable injury attorney understands the tremendous ramifications of a devastating loss and could make every effort to get you the compensation you deserve.
In the aftermath of a catastrophic injury, getting the proper treatment is of the utmost importance. If a critical injury is the product of someone else’s negligence, it is crucial to get in touch with a local attorney as soon as possible. This is partially because Texas law places severe limitations on how long someone has to file a lawsuit after they suffer a personal injury at the hands of another.
Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003 asserts that the deadline to file a lawsuit after an injury is two years from the date on which the harm was sustained. However, there are certain exceptions to this two-year filing deadline. For instance, if a child sustains a catastrophic injury, the law states that the two-year deadline does not begin until the claimant turns 18. Furthermore, if a catastrophic injury results in someone’s wrongful death, the family members have two years from the day of their passing to file a civil action.
Catastrophic injuries encompass a wide array of losses, including spinal cord damage, severe burns, paralysis, and loss of limbs. Other significant impairments such as loss of vision or hearing and brain damage are also considered devastating injuries. While some of these injuries may improve with time, some people are left permanently disabled.
Treatment for catastrophic injuries can be expensive, incurring substantial medical bills and often requiring a patient to leave work temporarily or even permanently. In addition to monetary losses, people suffering from traumatic harm also experience severe pain, suffering, disfigurement, or decreased quality of life.
An experienced lawyer in Parker could seek financial recourse on behalf of the catastrophically injured claimant. This could include economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Economic damages can include:
In addition to compensation associated with someone’s out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident, a person may also recover considerable non-economic losses. These non-economic forms of compensation could cover losses such as the individual’s future lost earning potential, loss of consortium, emotional anguish, and diminished the quality of life.
The third and final category of potential compensation, punitive damages, is not available in all cases. Punitive damages may be awarded if the defendant acted maliciously or egregiously. These awards aim to punish the defendant.
If you wish to file a civil suit for damages, the first thing to do is to talk with an experienced attorney. A Parker catastrophic injury lawyer could offer clear direction for your potential case and guide you through the legal process. To learn more, contact us today to schedule your free case review.
McCraw Law Group