While any injury caused by another party’s negligence can have severe and lasting consequences, certain types of harm will invariably change every aspect of your life. Catastrophic injuries result in immense losses, so it is important to hold the at-fault party accountable to make them pay in these situations.
Given the high stakes of these cases, you should prioritize seeking help from an aggressive personal injury attorney who has the experience and tenacity necessary to pursue recovery on your behalf. For example, Jon Ostroff and his team at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers won a settlement of $10 million for John P., a seriously injured client that was slammed in rear on the interstate. In another case for our client Stacy C., who was injured by a negligent truck driver on a local rural highway, we won a $3.8 million arbitration award, after she sustained a brain injury in a severe truck wreck. Our Allentown catastrophic injury lawyers, Jon Ostroff, Rich Godshall, and Christine Clarke, can provide the assistance you need and deserve throughout every stage of your case.
What Makes a “Catastrophic Injury” Unique?
In terms of the legal procedures, “catastrophic” injury claims do not differ substantially from other types of personal injury cases. Most injured parties seeking recovery for the effects of a catastrophic accident must prove that the at-fault parties caused their injuries through breaching the required duty of care.
Catastrophic injury cases differ in how much the accident victim can recover for their injuries. By definition, catastrophic injuries have permanent and debilitating consequences for those who sustain them, so the injured party’s attorney must take long-term losses into account when demanding payment from the negligent parties. Common types of compensation include:
- Costs of emergency medical care, including surgical intervention
- Future medical expenses for things like rehabilitative care, specialized medical equipment, and prescription medications
- Home and/or vehicle modifications to maximize mobility
- Lost future earning capacity and income
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional and psychological anguish
- Lost consortium for the injured party’s spouse
- Loss of life’s pleasures, such as hobbies, sports, exercise, and activities that the injured party can no longer enjoy due to their injuries or limitations
It is also worth noting that catastrophic injuries are generally serious enough to override the restrictions on recovery for non-economic harm that would otherwise apply under many “limited tort” car insurance policies. A knowledgeable attorney in Allentown can explain what damages an injured person could recover after a life-threatening accident.
Filing Deadlines for Catastrophic Injury Claims in Allentown
Like all other personal injury claims, there is a filing deadline for catastrophic accident cases. 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes §5524 states that injured parties have just two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.
While there are some exceptions to this rule, it is always best to act quickly to avoid missing the opportunity to recover compensation. A winning lawyer can manage all the important deadlines in a particular catastrophic injury claim.
Talk to an Allentown Catastrophic Injury Attorney About Legal Options
The prospect of seeking payment for the effects of a permanent disability can be complex. Fortunately, our catastrophic injury team at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers knows all that is required to navigate the process and win your case. Our Allentown catastrophic injury lawyers will help you fight for payment of all your current and future losses resulting from the accident.
A successful claim is key to moving on after a life-changing incident. Working with our firm can improve your chances of a favorable outcome to your case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started.
