The consequences of a catastrophic accident can be devastating for accident victims and their families. If you or a loved one was seriously injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact an Indianapolis catastrophic injury lawyer at our personal injury law firm for legal representation. Our legal team offers free consultations.
In this Article
What Makes an Injury “Catastrophic?”
A catastrophic injury is a severe, life-altering injury or permanent disability that changes a person’s quality of life, independence, or ability to work. These injuries often require extensive medical attention and rehabilitation.
What Are Common Catastrophic Injuries in Indianapolis?
Our lawyers have seen personal injury claims occur due to devastating accidents with:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and brain trauma
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and spinal cord damage
- Amputations
- Multiple broken bones
- Severe burn injuries
- Partial or full paralysis
- Internal injuries
- Wrongful death
The Lifelong Impact of Catastrophic Accidents
A catastrophic injury can affect every part of your life, from your ability to work to your quality of life. The medical bills for surgeries, ongoing care, and medication can quickly become overwhelming. And the chronic pain and suffering from severe injuries can take a toll on you and your family.
What Are Some Causes of Catastrophic Injuries?
Victims may be able to seek financial recovery if they’ve been injured due to liable parties in:
- 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 an Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorney Prove I Have a Valid Case?
Your Indiana personal injury attorney must prove the following:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care.
- They breached that duty through negligence or wrongdoing.
- This breach directly caused your catastrophic injury.
- Your injuries resulted in significant damages.
Who Is Liable in a Catastrophic Injury Case?
Determining who is at fault in a catastrophic injury case can be complicated, as several parties may be responsible. For instance, in a car accident, the other driver or their employer could be liable. In a medical malpractice case, the responsible party could be a medical professional or hospital. For workplace injuries, an equipment manufacturer might be at fault. A property owner could be liable if they neglected a known hazard.
How Can a Personal Injury Law Firm Help Me?
A personal injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for your losses. We build a strong case by investigating the accident, preserving evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with life care planners and accident reconstruction professionals. Our team gathers medical records to project your future care needs and handles all negotiations with the insurance company. If they refuse to offer a fair settlement, our trial lawyers are prepared to take your case to court.
What Compensation May Be Available for Catastrophic Injuries?
If someone else’s negligence caused your catastrophic injury, you may be entitled to seek full and fair compensation for your losses. Financial compensation can include:
- Medical treatment (including future medical expenses, physical therapy, and medical devices)
- Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
- Modifications to your home or vehicle
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Punitive damages (in some cases)
How Much Is My Catastrophic Injury Case Worth?
Every case is unique. An Indianapolis personal injury lawyer will assess your case’s value based on the severity of your injuries, who is at fault, your lost income, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured. Settlements for catastrophic injuries can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.
How Long Will It Take to Recover Compensation for Serious Injuries?
How long a catastrophic injury claim takes to resolve depends on the severity of the injury, the duration of treatment, and the complexity of the case. Some claims settle in months. Others may take years.
What If I Was Partially to Blame for the Accident?
Under Indiana law’s modified comparative fault rule (Indiana Code § 34‑51‑2), your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault and awarded $10,000, your payout is reduced by $2,000. However, if your share of the blame is 51% or more (greater than 50%), you won’t be able to pursue damages in a personal injury lawsuit.
How Long Do I Have to File in Indianapolis, Indiana?
Under Indiana law, the statute of limitations for a personal injury case is typically two years from the date of the catastrophic accident; however, there may be some exceptions to this time limit. Be sure to consult an experienced personal injury attorney promptly to protect your rights.
Contact an Indianapolis Catastrophic Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in Marion County, contact our law office for a free consultation. A lawyer will review your case, explain your options for compensation, outline the legal process, and answer your questions. Our injury lawyers in Indianapolis will help an injured person pursue maximum compensation. Call today to see if we’re the best lawyer for you.
(312) 223-1700