Salisbury Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Experienced Catastrophic Injury Attorney in Salisbury

A Salisbury catastrophic injury lawyer can help accident victims learn more about their legal rights after suffering life-altering injuries due to someone else’s negligence. Catastrophic injuries can require long-term medical care, special rehabilitation services, and lifestyle changes. If you suffered an accident on U.S. Highway 601, or were injured in a slip and fall accident in a downtown Salisbury business, The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C. can help.

About Us

The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C. serves injury victims across Mooresville, Statesville, Salisbury, and nearby communities. William T. Corbett, Jr. has been practicing law in North Carolina since 1989, and he has tried more than 200 jury trials throughout his career. Our legal team understands how complex personal injury claims can become and works with clients to provide experienced representation during negotiations and litigation if it becomes necessary.

What Is Considered a Catastrophic Injury?

In personal injury law, a catastrophic injury refers to harm that permanently affects your ability to work, live on your own, or perform daily tasks. For example, someone who breaks a wrist in a slip-and-fall accident may suffer a personal injury but not a catastrophic injury. Their broken bone is likely to heal, but this type of injury is not permanent. On the contrary, if someone falls and suffers complete paralysis, this is more likely to be considered catastrophic.

According to the CDC, in a recent year, there were 26.2 million emergency room visits for unintentional injuries, including catastrophic injuries. Catastrophic injuries can occur due to a number of accidents, including:

• Motor vehicle accidents 
• Pedestrian accidents
• Workplace accidents
• Construction accidents
• Nursing home abuse

Treatment for catastrophic injuries may last for years, requiring surgery, prescription medication, lifelong therapies, or around-the-clock care. For this reason, these injuries can also lead to catastrophic financial losses.

Common Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries are a broad term for a number of injuries that can occur almost anywhere in the body. Common catastrophic injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Amputations
• Fractures
• Nerve damage
• Burns
• Loss of vision or hearing

Catastrophic injuries can differ in nature for each victim and often require the care of numerous medical professionals.

Compensation in a Catastrophic Injury Case

Every catastrophic injury claim is valued differently based on the injuries suffered, availability of evidence, and other factors. However, since catastrophic injuries often require lifetime expenses, many damages extend beyond initial medical bills and lost earnings. Types of compensation in a catastrophic injury claim may include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning potential
• Future lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation
• Long-term needs

In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including catastrophic injuries, is three years, as outlined in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52. This means that a victim or their family has three years from the date of the accident to file a claim against the party that they believe was at fault. Failing to file a claim within three years may bar the victim from recovering compensation from the at-fault party.

Living With Catastrophic Injuries

Many catastrophic injuries require surgery and rehabilitation, home renovations and wheelchair accessibility, special medical equipment, personal nursing care, or caregiving from family members. They may also cause financial damages if the injured party is unable to return to work.

Considering the permanent limitations often stemming from catastrophic injuries, it is essential to evaluate future medical expenses and reduced earning capacity when calculating damages.

Why Hire a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer?

When you decide to hire a catastrophic injury lawyer, you can rest assured that your legal rights are going to be enforced while you concentrate on seeking medical treatment. An experienced lawyer who understands catastrophic injury laws can help you every step of the way through the process of pursuing compensation. They can negotiate with insurance companies in the pursuit of a settlement that covers all of your losses. A Salisbury catastrophic injury attorney from our firm can evaluate the full value of your claim and advocate for you at trial if necessary.

FAQs

What Makes a Catastrophic Injury Case Different From a Personal Injury Case?

Catastrophic injury cases differ from personal injury cases in that they often involve permanent disabilities that require significant medical treatment now and in the future. For this reason, catastrophic injury claims typically involve extensive proof of future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, life care plans, and more. Some cases may require testimony from medical professionals.

How Much Is My Catastrophic Injury Claim Worth?

The value of every catastrophic injury claim is different. Various factors determine potential compensation, including the nature and severity of your injuries, future medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and the impact your injuries have on your quality of life.

Since every case is unique, there is no typical formula or average settlement value for catastrophic injury claims. Rather, your compensation is based on the available evidence specific to your injury.

Does a Catastrophic Injury Impact My Ability to Work in the Future?

Some catastrophic injuries permanently impact your ability to lift things, perform manual labor, return to your former occupation, or work at all. Vocational professionals can often provide insight into how injuries may impact your ability to gain meaningful employment in the future. Vocational reports can help quantify financial losses that you may suffer years after the injury.

Can More Than One Person Be at Fault for a Catastrophic Injury?

Yes, there may be multiple negligent parties responsible for your injuries depending on the facts surrounding the accident. For instance, a catastrophic injury suffered in a commercial vehicle accident could involve the driver, their employer, and/or another third party. It is important to identify every party that may be responsible for your injuries, as there may be multiple insurance policies available to provide compensation.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury, The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr. P.L.L.C. can help you pursue financial compensation for your injuries. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.