Recovering from accidental injuries can be difficult at the best of times, but when you or a loved one suffers catastrophic harm, you may never get back to the life you led before. You could be saddled with astronomical medical bills and face an uncertain future. If someone else is to blame, you have the right to seek compensation to cover all your costs and losses.
The Texas Law Dog is ready to put an experienced Plano catastrophic injury lawyer to work finding out who is to blame and holding them accountable for every penny you deserve. We do not back down from a fight and are committed to maximizing what you are owed. Contact us to meet with a Plano personal injury lawyer who will answer your questions today.
Catastrophic Injuries Happen in Many Ways
There are many situations where you could be so badly injured that your life is altered drastically. Even a momentary loss of balance in a grocery store with a hard concrete floor could leave you with a traumatic brain injury. Other ways you could suffer a catastrophic injury include:
- Assault or other crimes
- Boat accidents
- Construction accidents
- Defective products or medications
- Dog bites or other animal attacks
- Domestic violence
- Hunting accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Pedestrian, bicycle, or e-scooter collisions
- Vehicle accidents, such as in cars, with trucks, or on motorcycles
In the most tragic cases, you or your loved one could die from their injuries. Even though the person is gone, the family is left with medical bills, grief, and questions. A skilled Plano wrongful death lawyer can help them recover financial relief that pays for those medical costs, as well as funeral and other expenses.
For a free legal consultation, call (817) 775-5364
Texas Law Recognizes Serious Bodily Injuries, Also Known as Catastrophic Injuries
When you are hurt so badly that your life is at risk or your injuries will have a substantial impact on your ability to work and care for yourself, the state of Texas has special laws addressing your case. In Texas Penal Code Chapter 1, serious bodily injury is defined as any condition that “creates a substantial risk of death or that causes death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.”
The severity and impact of your injuries will determine if they qualify under this law. Your Plano catastrophic injury attorney will help you gather as much evidence as needed to show how the at-fault party was negligent and how serious your injuries are. The following conditions often qualify as catastrophic:
- Second- or third-degree burns over a large part of your body
- Loss of both hands or arms, both feet or legs, or one of each
- Neck, back, or spinal cord injuries that cause partial or complete paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries that affect your physical or cognitive function
- Loss of organ function in your heart, lungs, reproductive, or other major systems
If the person who hurt you was intoxicated or intentionally injured you, they may suffer criminal charges under Texas Penal Code Chapter 49.07 and Texas Penal Code Chapter 22. While the state can hold a trial to determine if they are guilty, this proceeding does nothing to help you with your losses. You must file a personal injury lawsuit with the help of an experienced law firm to recover the compensation you deserve.
Plano Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Damages You Could Recover in a Plano Catastrophic Injury Case
While you may have the option to file a claim against the at-fault party’s auto, homeowner, or business insurance policy, these often do not have a high enough limit to cover the losses associated with serious harm. Your catastrophic injury lawyer in Plano, TX, will likely advise you to file a personal injury lawsuit to more effectively pursue the full value of your losses, which can include:
- All your doctor, ICU, ER, surgical, and specialist medical bills
- Medications, mobility devices, and other equipment for your recovery
- Therapy and rehabilitation fees
- Renovations to your home to accommodate disability
- Lost income, including your future earning capacity
- Loss of retirement benefits, insurance coverage, and other financial benefits
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish, emotional trauma, and depression
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
You can seek economic damages, which are those with a measurable value, and non–economic damages, which are more subjective. In catastrophic injury cases, you may also be eligible for exemplary damages, which are meant to punish the defendant harshly for their grossly negligent, intentional, or fraudulent actions. Your attorney must present clear and convincing evidence of those actions for the court to consider a punitive award.
Click to contact our Plano Personal Injury Lawyers today
Texas Laws That Could Affect Your Plano Catastrophic Injury Case
Untangling the details of a catastrophic injury case can be challenging, especially if you are trying to heal and move forward with your life. To have the best chance of success, you must partner with a seasoned and highly skilled catastrophic injury lawyer in Plano, TX. At The Texas Law Dog, we will conduct a thorough investigation, holding all liable parties accountable for their actions, and ensure you are aware of laws that could impact your case.
For example, if you played any part in the accident that hurt you, you may see a decrease in your settlement or jury award. That is because Texas Civil Practice & Remedy Code § 33.003 describes comparative negligence for personal injury cases. If you are found to be 25% at fault, your settlement will be 25% less than what you requested, but your personal injury lawyer can reduce this percentage.
Another critical law mandates how long you have to file your personal injury lawsuit. Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003, you have only two years to take legal action, or you could lose your right to seek compensation.
Because complicated cases like these can take several months to assess and create, it is important that you speak with your lawyer as soon as possible. There may be exceptions to the statute of limitations that give you more time, but you will not know until you contact The Texas Law Dog for a free consultation.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Do Not Wait to Call a Plano Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
At The Texas Law Dog, we understand that your first concern after a catastrophic injury is to focus on getting better and preparing for your dramatically changed future.
However, we also know that time is not on your side when it comes to bringing wrongdoers to justice. Take action to secure maximum compensation with the help of a Plano catastrophic injury lawyer by arranging a free consultation with our team today.
Call (817) 775-5364 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form