Were you or your loved one involved in a catastrophic accident in Georgia? It is imperative that you take immediate action to protect your rights, interests, and future. Personal injury claims are complicated—and catastrophic injury cases are even more challenging. It is normal to have a ton of questions about what comes next for you and your family.
At Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, we have extensive experience handling catastrophic injury cases. It is our mission to help injured victims secure every penny of financial compensation that is available under state law. In this article, our Georgia catastrophic injury attorney highlights six key things that make catastrophic injury claims different in Georgia.
1. Immediate Emergency Care, Follow-Up Care, and Ongoing Medical Support is Required
Catastrophic injury claims stand out right from the beginning of the accident. While all injuries should be carefully evaluated by a qualified doctor, with a catastrophic injury, the need for emergency medical support is urgent. Indeed, the severe injuries—from spinal cord damage to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) to loss of limb—demand immediate care to stabilize the medical complications. Beyond that, extensive follow-up treatments are also required. Unfortunately, the journey through the recovery process can be long and daunting. It may include surgery, physical therapy, mental health support, and many other types of treatment. Unlike more minor injuries, catastrophic injuries often necessitate a continued, even lifelong need for medical support.
2. Family Members are Often Involved in the Personal Injury Claims Process
Any person who has suffered a catastrophic injury in Georgia may need additional guidance and support from a loved one when they are navigating the personal injury claims process. Indeed, in catastrophic injury cases, the role of family members becomes crucial. They are often involved more directly in all aspects of the claims process. A person who sustained a terrible injury may struggle to manage their own financial, legal, or medical affairs soon after a bad accident.
For example, family members may need to make medical decisions on behalf of the victim if they are incapacitated. They also provide essential support and care, which can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. In some cases, a trusted family member—spouse, parent, adult child, etc—may be the best person to work with a catastrophic injury lawyer. Your attorney can help you support your vulnerable family member.
3. Victims Have Long-term Medical Needs
How long does it take to heal from an accident? With a minor or moderate injury, it may take a few weeks or few months. By the time a personal injury settlement is issued, the victim’s injuries may be fully healed. They may be back to living a normal life. Unfortunately, it is often not the case for those who have been involved in a serious, catastrophic accident.
The nature of catastrophic injuries means that the victims often face long-term—if not permanent, medical challenges. These needs can range from ongoing surgeries and therapy to the requirement for home modifications and specialized medical equipment. Such extensive medical requirements not only increase the immediate costs but also add to long-term financial burdens.
Personal Injury Claims Tip: You must determine the cost of long-term medical needs. That should be addressed in a catastrophic injury settlement or verdict.
4. Victims May Not Be Able to Return to Work
A bad accident in Georgia can keep you out of work. How long will it be before you can reasonably return to making a living? The answer depends entirely on your specific circumstances. Sadly, with some catastrophic accidents, you may not be able to return to your previous position. Even more distressing, you may not be able to return to work at all. A defining aspect of catastrophic injuries is their impact on a victim’s ability to work. Many victims face a significant reduction in their earning capacity, and some may never be able to return to any form of employment. This loss of income, coupled with a potentially diminished quality of life, requires careful legal consideration. Compensation claims must account for current and future lost wages. A top-tier Georgia catastrophic accident can help you determine the full and fair value of your case.
5. Non-Economic Damages Must Be Considered
Any person who sustained a catastrophic injury will be left dealing with an immense amount of non-economic trauma. Along with other things, this includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent disability, and loss of lifestyle enjoyment of life. These damages, though non-quantifiable in monetary terms, are profound and life-altering.
Unfortunately, defendants and insurance companies try to undervalue these damages. They fight hard to pay out as little as possible in personal injury settlements—even in catastrophic injury claims. Our Georgia catastrophic injury attorney can help you document your non-economic damages and take action to pursue the absolute maximum financial compensation.
6. Punitive Damages May Be Awarded in Some Cases
Under Georgia law (OCGA § 51-12-5.1), it is possible to recover compensation for punitive damages. Unlike compensatory damages that aim to restore the victim’s financial and emotional state, punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. They are only awarded in cases in which the defendant’s conduct was deemed especially egregious or reckless. Punitive damages are only awarded in a limited share of personal injury claims in Georgia. With that being said, they are more likely in catastrophic injury claims. If you have any specific questions about recovering compensation for punitive damages after a catastrophic accident, please do not hesitate to contact our Atlanta, GA personal injury attorney for help.
Contact Our Georgia Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Today
At Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, our Atlanta personal injury law firm takes on the most serious of accidents. It is our mission to help victims and families secure every penny of financial compensation. If you or your family member suffered a devastating, catastrophic injury in an accident, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free, no obligation initial case review. We handle catastrophic injury claims in Atlanta and throughout the wider region in Georgia.