Suffering personal injuries can disrupt your life and cause unexpected difficulties and complications, but when injuries are catastrophic, life as you know it is turned upside down for you and your family. The cost of medical care and necessary accommodations can be financially devastating, and this is why only a Lexington catastrophic injury lawyer who focuses on these injuries should be trusted to handle your claim.
If you or a loved one has suffered life-changing injuries in an accident caused by someone else’s wrongful conduct, contact a Lexington personal injury lawyer from The Law Offices of Gary C. Johnson P.S.C. to schedule a free personal injury consultation.
Why Choose Our Lexington Catastrophic Injury Lawyer?
- Our team of Lexington personal injury attorneys has spent more than 40 years recovering compensation for clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries. We have helped secure millions of dollars in settlements and trial awards for injured clients and their families.
- We understand the complications and impacts that these injuries have on families. We have built relationships with medical experts who will conduct medical examinations, review medical records, and provide testimony to help prove the true value of your injuries. The value of your injuries may include long-term injury effects and future medical needs and accommodations.
- Medical expenses for catastrophic injuries can be astounding, even when health insurance covers a significant portion of the expenses. Our law firm wants to help with your financial struggles and not add to them, so we advance all costs and fees related to your case. Our attorneys do not collect attorneys’ fees until they have helped you secure financial compensation for your case.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries in Lexington
Catastrophic injuries cause severe, long-lasting effects that often require extensive medical care and rehabilitation. Here is a list of some of the most common catastrophic injuries and their long-term costs:
- Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI). Trauma along the spinal column can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifetime assistance and accommodations, such as wheelchair-accessible homes and vehicles. Long-term costs may include physical therapy, specialized medical equipment, and potential loss of earning capacity.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). TBIs vary widely but often result in cognitive or physical impairments that need ongoing treatment. Individuals may need occupational therapy, home modifications, and possibly lifetime care, significantly impacting finances and lifestyle.
- Amputations. Losing a limb affects both physical capabilities and mental health. Costs extend beyond the initial prosthetics to include rehabilitation, future prosthetics, and adjustments for home and work environments to accommodate mobility.
- Severe Burns. Burns often require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and rehabilitation. Long-term costs include ongoing treatment to manage pain, emotional distress, and physical therapy to improve mobility and function.
- Loss of Vision or Hearing. Sensory loss can be catastrophic, particularly for those in roles that require full sensory capabilities. Additional costs may include specialized equipment, adaptations at home or work, and vocational training for alternative employment.
- Internal Organ Damage. Damage to internal organs often leads to chronic health conditions that require frequent medical visits, medication, and possible future surgeries. Costs extend to specialized care and a potential decrease in life expectancy, adding to the emotional toll.
- Fatal Injuries. In cases where catastrophic injuries are fatal, family members may face costs for end-of-life care, burial, and the financial strain of losing a loved one’s income.
These injuries frequently entail hidden costs, such as the need for caregivers, loss of enjoyment in life, and emotional distress, which compound over time.
Causes of Lexington Catastrophic Injuries
We have experience with many types of catastrophic injury claims and some that we most frequently handle involve the following:
Compensation For Injuries In Lexington
Compensation for injuries and damages are different for each case and depend on the severity of the injuries and long-term outlook. Financial recovery for injury victims may include all injury-related medical expenses and expected future medical expenses.
Lost income due to missed work is recoverable and so are damages for future lost earnings due to long-term injuries and disability. Injury victims may also recover for their pain and suffering and any property that was damaged in the accident. In some cases when the defendant’s wrongful conduct was egregious, punitive damages may also be awarded.
Compensation for Injuries in Lexington
Injury compensation is tailored to each case, with amounts influenced by the injury’s severity and its impact on the individual’s long-term well-being. Compensation typically includes:
- Medical Expenses. This encompasses immediate and future medical costs related to the injury, including surgeries, hospital stays, medications, rehabilitation, and necessary medical equipment.
- Lost Wages. Victims who cannot work during recovery may recover lost wages, providing financial stability while they focus on healing. This amount includes wages lost due to the initial injury and any future earnings affected by long-term impairment.
- Loss of Earning Capacity. For those with lasting injuries that prevent them from handling their usual job-related duties, compensation may account for reduced earning capacity. This helps address long-term financial gaps due to career changes or disabilities.
- Pain and Suffering. Beyond physical injuries, catastrophic events often bring significant emotional trauma. Pain and suffering compensation acknowledges the physical pain, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life.
- Property Damage. If property, such as a vehicle or personal belongings, was damaged in the incident, compensation may cover repair or replacement costs.
How Long Do You Have to File a Catastrophic Injury Claim in Lexington, KY?
In Kentucky, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including catastrophic injuries, is generally one year from the date the incident happened. This means that any legal action must be initiated within this timeframe to preserve the right to recover compensation.
Understanding How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help Your Case
Navigating a catastrophic injury claim without professional legal help can be overwhelming. An experienced personal injury lawyer can provide invaluable support by:
- Gathering Evidence. Lawyers collect critical documentation, such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements, to build a strong case.
- Calculating Damages. With expertise in personal injury law, an attorney can accurately assess the financial impact of the injury, ensuring that all current and future costs are accounted for.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. An attorney can handle these negotiations on your behalf, advocating for the full amount you are entitled to.
- Litigating if Necessary. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can represent you in court, presenting a compelling case to secure maximum compensation.
By managing the legal aspects, a personal injury attorney enables you to focus on recovery and adjust to life after a catastrophic injury.
Contact a Catastrophic Injury Attorney in Lexington Today
If you or a loved one has sustained catastrophic injuries caused by someone else’s negligent, reckless, or intentional conduct, contact a Lexington catastrophic injury attorney at Gary C. Johnson, P.S.C., to discuss your claims and injuries sustained.
Our compassionate and aggressive Lexington accident attorneys will work to see that you and your family secure the compensation that you deserve and that responsible parties are held accountable.
