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What to Do After a Catastrophic Injury Caused by Negligence

While any injury can affect your life, a catastrophic one could change it forever. Whether you were a victim of a traffic accident, a fall on someone else’s property, or medical malpractice, you may be facing disability, long-term medical care, and loss of employment. 

While most people don’t want to file a lawsuit, it may be the only way to seek fair compensation for your injuries. Below, a Missouri catastrophic injury attorney goes over the first steps you should take after suffering a severe injury. Following these steps can help you build a strong case should you decide to file a personal injury claim.

1. Seek Medical Care

Catastrophic injuries go way beyond cuts, bruises, and broken bones. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord damage, and serious burns may require long-term hospital stays and rehabilitation. Other injuries may not require extensive treatment but are permanent, such as disfigurement, loss of vision, or neurological damage.

No matter what type of injury you sustained, seeking medical attention is the first step to preserving your health and building evidence for your case. Even if you feel fine after the accident, visit a doctor as soon as possible. The full extent of some injuries, such as TBIs, may not appear until hours, days, or even weeks after your initial injury.

If you don’t seek medical care right away, you may later find it difficult to prove that the accident caused your injuries. 

2. Collect Evidence

Gathering evidence to support your claim begins in the moments after the accident and continues until you have received a settlement or have your day in court. The more proof you and your Missouri catastrophic injury attorney’s legal team can gather, the better your chances when seeking fair compensation for your injuries.

Evidence can include the following:

• Police reports after the accident
• Medical bills, doctor’s notes, and other treatment paperwork
• Invoices for medications, medical devices, or other in-home needs
• Paystubs or other employment documents showing missed time at work
• Photos and videos of the accident scene and your injuries
• Statements from witnesses 
• Notes documenting your recovery, emotional state, and pain levels

3. Hire an Attorney

Seeking fair compensation isn’t as simple as proving you have an injury. You must also know the legal rules affecting your case, file the proper paperwork, and defend yourself against any counter-claims. This is where competent legal representation enters the picture. 

A Missouri catastrophic injury attorney can help you do the following:

• Gather evidence: A legal professional can investigate your case, including interviewing witnesses and locating surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses.
• Prove all elements of your case: To win a personal injury claim, you must prove your accident was due to someone else’s negligence. You must also prove the accident caused your injuries, among other elements.
• Defend against comparative fault claims: If the other side proves you are equally at fault for an accident, you may only qualify for half the damages.
• Guide you through the legal process: Your lawyer will file paperwork, keep track of deadlines, and be by your side throughout your case.
• Represent your interests: An attorney can help you negotiate a settlement with insurance companies and represent you at trial if needed.

Need Help? Contact Kevin J. Roach, LLC Today

If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury, you need competent legal support on your side. Contact The Law Offices of Kevin J. Roach, LLC at (636) 238-5848 for a free consultation with a Missouri catastrophic injury attorney. Because we work on a contingency basis, you won’t pay for our services unless you are compensated.