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A catastrophic injury is one that is considered to be more severe than most other types of injuries. They often lead to short- or long-term disabilities and medical care. Most injuries that occur after an accident will heal with rest and recovery, but with catastrophic injuries, the trauma will cause significant disfigurement, disabilities, and potentially even death. With such high stakes, it is a good idea to call a reliable personal injury attorney.
This type of severe injury may require surgical treatment or some other form of long-term medical care, and they are most frequently the result of car crashes, truck collisions, or other situations involving a hard impact or potential combustion. If you believe that someone else’s negligence was the cause, contact a Cook County catastrophic injury lawyer to learn about your options.
Financial compensation cannot make up for the pain that a person suffers after a catastrophic injury – which can include everything from spinal cord damage and paralysis, to traumatic brain damage and severe burns. However, a significant settlement could help them pay the medical costs, get caught up on bills, and get their life back on track. An injured person might be eligible to collect compensation for the following:
When a person’s careless actions cause severe injuries to another person, they should pay for the damages they cause. A Cook County catastrophic accident attorney is ready to help make that a reality.
Proving legal responsibility after a life-changing injury can be complex and the case will rest on proving the other party was negligent in their actions. To establish this, the plaintiff will need to show that the person owed them a duty of care. For example, a driver has a duty to obey the rules of the road and avoid doing things that might harm others. Then the plaintiff will need to prove that the driver failed to provide that duty, causing injury as a result. A catastrophic injury lawyer in Cook County could assist with an investigation, evidence review, and collection of pertinent documentation. If done correctly, they could properly establish negligence in civil court.
Every state establishes a civil court statute of limitations. The regulation sets a time limit that the plaintiff has to file the lawsuit in personal injury cases. Per the Illinois Statutes Chapter 735 Civil Procedure §-202, the plaintiff has two years to file the lawsuit in the civil court. The time begins running on the date of the accident.
However, if the plaintiff does not immediately realize that they have sustained injuries, the court may grant an exception under the discovery rule. In that case, the time would begin running on the date the plaintiff discovered their injuries. The court would also grant an exception if the person is under 18 years of age at the time of the injury, or is mentally incompetent. In those cases, the time would begin running when the injured party turns 18 or the mental disability ends.
An accident that leaves you disabled, disfigured, or in constant pain can change your entire life. In addition to the physical ailments, you might go into medical debt and/or have lasting psychological issues. From a legal standpoint, you might feel completely alone and unsure of where to begin.
When someone’s negligent actions caused your injuries, you should not have to foot the bill. Contact a Cook County catastrophic injury lawyer to begin working on your claim if you are dealing with the hardships associated with a devastating injury. Time is of the essence when filing a claim, so do not delay any further.