The consequences of a catastrophic accident can be devastating for a victim and their family members. If you or a loved one was seriously injured because of someone else’s carelessness, contact a Des Moines catastrophic injury lawyer at our personal injury law firm to discuss your legal options. Our firm provides free case evaluations for Iowa residents.
In this Article
What Makes an Injury “Catastrophic?”
A catastrophic injury is a severe injury that is life-altering, results in a permanent disability, or changes a person’s quality of life, independence, or ability to work. These kinds of injuries frequently require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
What Are Common Catastrophic Injuries in Des Moines?
Examples of catastrophic injuries in Des Moines include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Amputations
- Multiple broken bones
- Severe burn injuries
- Partial or full paralysis
The Lifelong Impact of Catastrophic Accidents
A catastrophic injury impacts every aspect of an injury victim’s life, often leading to a permanent loss of income and overwhelming medical bills for lifelong care. These injuries can also cause chronic pain and a reduced quality of life for both victims and their families.
What Are Some Causes of Catastrophic Injuries?
Catastrophic injuries can be caused by:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Commercial truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Construction and workplace accidents
- Slips and falls from dangerous property conditions
- Defective products
- Medical malpractice (misdiagnosis or treatment errors)
- Birth injuries (like cerebral palsy)
How Does a Des Moines Personal Injury Attorney Prove I Have a Valid Personal Injury Case?
To establish a valid claim, your Iowa personal injury lawyer will need to demonstrate four key elements:
- A duty of care was owed to you by the defendant.
- The defendant breached this duty through negligence or a wrongful act.
- Your catastrophic injury was a direct result of this breach.
- You suffered significant damages due to your injuries.
Who Is Liable in a Catastrophic Injury Case?
Figuring out who is at fault in a catastrophic injury case can be challenging, as multiple parties might be involved. For example, if you were in a truck accident, an employer could be liable. In a drunk driving accident, the other driver may be at fault. In a medical malpractice case, a doctor, hospital, or nursing home might be responsible. For workplace injuries, an equipment manufacturer could be at fault. A property owner could owe you compensation if they ignored a hazard.
How Can a Personal Injury Law Firm Help Me?
A personal injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for your losses. We investigate the accident, preserve evidence, and interview witnesses to build a strong case. Our team gathers medical records to project your future care needs and handles all negotiations with the insurance company. If the defendant refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are ready to hold negligent parties accountable in court.
What Compensation May Be Available for Catastrophic Injuries?
Accident victims may also be able to recover costs for ongoing medical expenses, physical therapy, medical devices, property damage, lost wages, and modifications to your home or vehicle. You may be entitled to damages for pain and suffering, and in some cases punitive damages.
How Much Is My Catastrophic Injury Case Worth?
No two cases are the same. A Des Moines personal injury lawyer can evaluate the value of your case based on factors like the seriousness of your injuries, who was at fault, your lost income, and the pain and suffering (or emotional distress) you have experienced. Catastrophic injury settlements can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.
How Long Will It Take to Recover Compensation for Serious Injuries?
The time it takes to resolve a catastrophic injury claim varies. It depends on how severe your physical injuries are, how long your treatment lasts, and the complexity of your case. Some claims can settle in months, but others might take years.
What If I Was Partially to Blame for My Car Accident?
If you were partially at fault for a catastrophic accident in Des Moines, you might still be able to get compensation. Under Iowa’s comparative fault rule, your fair compensation is adjusted based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your damages.
How Long Do I Have to File in Des Moines, IA?
According to Iowa statute of limitations, injured Iowans generally have two years to file a personal injury claim. After that, they lose the right to sue. There are some circumstances where the deadline might be shorter, so it’s important to discuss your case with a lawyer.
Contact a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer in Des Moines Today
If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury, contact our law office for a free consultation. A lawyer will review your case, explain your options for compensation, and answer your questions about legal counsel. Our experienced team has a proven track record and works on a contingency fee basis, so clients pay nothing unless we win.
(312) 223-1700