St. Louis Catastrophic Injury Lawyer | Permanent Harm | The Law Offices of Kevin Roach, LLC.
phone (636) 519-0085
100% Free Consultations

Catastrophic injuries are, unfortunately, a potential outcome of many accidents. When you sustain a life-altering injury due to another individual’s negligence, you might be eligible for compensation that protects you financially and addresses your needs. A St. Louis catastrophic injury lawyer could take the burden off your shoulders and manage the case while you recover. You deserve individualized care from a compassionate personal injury attorney who is looking out for your best interests.

What is a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury goes above and beyond what a traditional personal injury would be. Generally, this involves long-lasting or permanent bodily harm, such as spinal cord damage, disfigurement, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, severe burns, and paralysis.

Almost any type of accident can lead to one of those conditions. However, they are more common in high-contact sports or major car accidents. While the symptoms might abate over time, it is not uncommon for these injuries to be permanent.

Can You File a Lawsuit After the Accident?

The injured individual might be eligible to file a lawsuit after a catastrophic injury if a negligent party was involved.

If it is unclear who or what is responsible for the accident, a catastrophic accident lawyer in St. Louis could begin an investigation to determine liability. This can take some time, but plaintiffs have five years from the date of the accident with which to file a lawsuit, so they cannot delay for too long. If the injured person passes away due to the harm they suffered, the family may file a wrongful death lawsuit to compensate for the loss.

Collecting information is one of the most important aspects of a legal claim. There might be video or photographic evidence of the accident, either from the plaintiff, the defendant, or through some third party. A local catastrophic injury attorney could also use their prior experience to further investigate if the defendant violated their duty of care, whether it was a motorist who was distracted by their cell phone or a property owner who failed to remedy a hazard that they were made aware of. Eyewitness testimony and police accident reports can also be used as evidence.

Compensable Damages After a Catastrophic Injury

Compensatory damages after any injury can include all the plaintiff’s losses. The most common damages in personal injury cases include medical expenses, including emergency room treatment, surgeries, or necessary medical equipment. If they require prolonged physical therapy or mental health counseling, that can also be included. If the injured party had to take time off work, or if they are no longer able to perform their job due to disability, they can request compensation for their lost earnings. This also includes income that might have gotten in the future.

In addition to these damages that have specific monetary value, there are the non-economic damages that have a more subjective value. An injured person could be compensated for the pain and suffering they felt after the accident, the emotional distress that comes with a catastrophic injury, and other psychological or social losses. Punitive damages are possible but only if the defendant acted purposely or egregiously in causing the accident.

Contact a St. Louis Catastrophic Injury Attorney for a Consultation

When you are suddenly forced to endure a life-altering injury, you should find an advocate in a St. Louis catastrophic injury lawyer. We are happy to consult with you and determine the merits of your case before proceeding. You should not have to pay for the harm that came to you and you could hold the negligent party to account with a lawsuit for monetary compensation.