If you’ve suffered a severe injury in an accident caused by another person or entity, you might be wondering when you should file a claim for catastrophic injury. You must know that an injury must meet certain qualifications to be considered catastrophic. Additionally, to file a claim, you’ll have to prove that your injury and losses were directly caused by another party.
It can be extremely difficult to determine if you’re eligible to file such a claim, making experienced legal counsel and representation critical. Fortunately, a Hartford catastrophic injury lawyer from Claggett, Sykes & Garza can review your case, determine if you should move forward with a claim, and fight for the financial remedies you deserve.
What Qualifies as a Catastrophic Injury in Connecticut?
When determining if you should file a claim for a catastrophic injury, it’s important to ask yourself what is a catastrophic injury? Simply put, a catastrophic injury is one that has such a pervasive impact on you that it restricts your ability to live your life as you did before your injury.
A catastrophic injury may also result in significant medical bills and make it impossible for you to earn a living. The following injuries are often considered catastrophic:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury
- Amputation
- Severe burns
- Multiple fractures
- Organ damage
- Paralysis
- Eye injury
- Disfigurement
- Crush injuries
- Neck and back injuries
If you’ve sustained one of these conditions in an accident you didn’t cause, you’ll likely be eligible to file a catastrophic injury claim for damages. An attorney can help you collect evidence for your claim and demand the damages you need to address your condition properly.
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When You Should File a Catastrophic Injury Claim
If you ask anyone with a background in personal injury law when you should file a catastrophic injury claim, they will urge you to get started on your claim ASAP. That’s because the state of Connecticut has a statute of limitations for these claims that all plaintiffs must follow.
If it becomes necessary for you to file a civil suit against the party responsible for your injuries and losses, you’ll have to do so within the statute of limitations described in Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584. According to the statute, you’ll have two years from the date of the accident you were injured in to file a lawsuit.
When pursuing compensation for a severe injury, your recovery and financial stability are on the line. To ensure you get the best outcome possible, you’ll want to comply with all the filing deadlines and requirements that apply to your case. That said, abiding by complicated legal statutes can be difficult, especially if you’re in pain and worrying about your future.
The good news is that a dedicated attorney can handle the entirety of your case for you. Having a legal representative handle your case will give you the time you need to focus on your recovery and dramatically increase your chances of receiving the compensation you need to cover your losses.
Damages You Could Receive by Filing a Catastrophic Injury Claim
A successful catastrophic injury claim can yield a variety of different forms of financial compensation. However, to get the monetary support you need to treat your injuries and cope with the other impacts of your condition, you’ll need to work with a skilled advocate.
An attorney can assess your unique circumstances and determine which damages you’re owed. Depending on your situation, you could receive any of the following forms of compensation from a winning claim or lawsuit:
- Medical expenses
- Cost of ambulance and hospital services
- Cost of future medical care
- Physical therapy expenses
- Cost of prescription medication and assistive medical devices
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Decreased earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages, if the offending party demonstrated gross negligence
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Steps a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Can Take to File a Strong Claim
If an attorney advises you to file a catastrophic injury claim, they’ll take a number of steps to ensure your case is as successful as possible. Here’s what a lawyer can do to obtain justice and maximum compensation on your behalf:
- Investigate the accident you were involved in
- Gather evidence, including accident reports, medical records, eyewitness statements, photos, footage, and other important documents
- Calculate your economic and non-economic losses
- Analyze evidence and prove fault
- File a claim with the offending party’s insurance company
- Negotiate a settlement that’s large enough to compensate for your losses
- File a civil suit on your behalf, if necessary
- Guide you through the claims process and make time to address your concerns
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Find Out When You Should File a Claim for a Catastrophic Injury
Knowing when you should file a claim for a catastrophic injury can be tricky. Luckily, a knowledgeable attorney from the team at Claggett, Sykes & Garza can determine if pursuing compensation is the right course of action for you. If we find you’re eligible to file a claim, we’ll work tirelessly to get the results you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Hartford catastrophic injury lawyer. They’ll meet with you to discuss your accident, injuries, losses, and path to financial recovery. We look forward to hearing from you soon and working alongside you throughout your case.
