Catastrophic accidents can be overwhelming. If you or a loved one is dealing with physical pain and medical expenses from life-altering injuries caused by someone else’s negligence, contact a St. Louis catastrophic injury lawyer at our personal injury law firm. Call today for a free initial consultation.
In this Article
What Makes an Injury “Catastrophic?”
A catastrophic injury is a severe injury that leads to long-term or permanent disability, changing a person’s quality of life, independence, or ability to work. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and ongoing care.
What Are Common Catastrophic Injuries in St. Louis?
Catastrophic injuries in St. Louis can include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries/spinal cord damage
- Amputations
- Multiple broken bones
- Severe burn injuries
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Wrongful death
The Lifelong Impact of Catastrophic Accidents in St. Louis
A catastrophic injury affects every part of a victim’s life, from their ability to work to their financial stability. The high cost of medical bills and lost income can be overwhelming. These injuries often result in chronic pain and a reduced quality of life for both victims and their families.
What Are Some Causes of Catastrophic Injuries?
Some common causes of catastrophic injuries include:
- Car accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Commercial truck accidents
- Motorcycle crashes
- 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 St. Louis Personal Injury Attorney Prove I Have a Valid Case?
To prove your case, a Missouri personal injury attorney will need to prove:
- The other party had a responsibility to ensure your safety (a duty of care).
- They failed to meet that responsibility through negligent actions.
- Their failure to act responsibly directly caused your catastrophic injuries.
- You suffered significant losses as a result of your injuries.
Who Is Liable in a Catastrophic Injury Case?
Multiple parties might be at fault in a catastrophic injury personal injury case. For example, a driver or their employer could be liable in a motor vehicle accident, a doctor or hospital in a medical malpractice case, or a manufacturer of heavy equipment in a workplace injury. A property owner could also 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 and handle the entire claims process. We conduct a thorough investigation, preserve critical evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with accident reconstruction professionals and life care planners. Our team gathers medical records to project your future care needs. Most personal injury claims settle in negotiations, but if the insurance company refuses to offer fair financial recovery, we can represent your case in the local court system.
What Compensation May Be Available for Catastrophic Injuries?
When a catastrophic injury is caused by someone else’s negligence, the law allows personal injury victims to seek full compensation for their losses. This can include immediate medical bills, future treatment costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and reduced future earning capacity. You may also be able to recover costs for physical therapy, medical devices, and modifications to your home or vehicle. In some cases, punitive damages may be possible.
How Much Is My Catastrophic St. Louis Injury Case Worth?
The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the amount of lost income, the pain and suffering and emotional distress you’ve endured. A St. Louis personal injury lawyer will examine these details to determine a fair value for your St. Louis catastrophic injury claim. Settlements can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.
What If I Was Partially to Blame for My Car Accident?
Missouri law follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means you may recover damages even if you’re more than 50% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you’re 20% at fault and awarded $10,000, your compensation will be reduced by $2,000.
How Long Will It Take to Recover Compensation for Serious Injuries?
While no one can guarantee future outcomes, the time it takes to resolve a case depends on the severity of the injury, duration of medical attention needed, and complexity of the case. Some claims settle in months, while complex personal injury cases can take years. An attorney can pursue the fair settlement you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File in St. Louis, MO?
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in St. Louis is generally five years from the date of the catastrophic accident. However, this time limit can vary depending on the type of case and the age of the plaintiff.
Contact a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer in St. Louis Today
If you or a family member has suffered catastrophic harm, and the injury occurred in the St. Louis area, contact our law office. A lawyer will review your case and explain that this is just the beginning of the legal process. Our legal team helps injured clients win maximum compensation. Call for a free consultation.