Catastrophic Injury Attorneys in Little Rock
Statistics show that unintentional injuries are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Each year, well over 100,000 Americans die because of an unintentional injury. Millions more are treated for serious and catastrophic injuries due to accidents. Victims who survive these types of injuries have a long recovery process, and in many cases, they end up with a debilitating condition. This can put a major financial strain on the household, especially if the injured party was the primary breadwinner.
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, you may be entitled to compensation. Before accepting any type of settlement offer from an insurance company, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney, so you understand your rights, options, and what your case may be worth. For over 30 years, the Paul Byrd Law Firm has represented clients seriously injured in all types of accidents. Our lawyers have experience with complex cases, and we go up against well-funded adversaries, such as large corporations and their insurance companies.
Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries
Accidents happen every day, and some of them are minor. Some, however, cause severe and debilitating injuries. Accidents that can result in catastrophic injuries include:
Motor Vehicle Crashes: The impact of a motor vehicle crash can leave those involved with serious injuries. There are certain types of motor vehicle accidents that increase the likelihood of severe injuries and fatalities; such as motorcycle accidents, commercial trucking accidents, bus accidents, multi-vehicle crashes, and vehicles that crash into bicyclists and pedestrians.
Premises Liability Accidents: Injuries can happen when an individual is an invited guest on the property of another party. Property owners and caretakers owe a duty of care to take reasonable measures to ensure that their property is safe and/or that visitors are properly warned about known safety hazards. When they fail in this duty, catastrophic accidents can happen. Examples may include slips, trips, and falls, animal attacks, swimming pool accidents, elevator and escalator accidents, fires and explosions, and assaults due to negligent security.
Workplace Accidents: Many workers are exposed to daily hazards on the job. Examples include slippery floors and other surfaces, reckless use of heavy equipment and machinery, being struck by debris and loose objects, being struck by vehicles, being exposed to toxic substances, being caught in-between or compressed by machinery or structures, fires and explosions, and electrocution. Some of the most dangerous industries to work in include manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, power line/utility work, and transportation.
Nursing Home Abuse: Nursing home neglect and abuse is a growing problem in Arkansas and nationwide. Aging demographics, tighter labor markets, industry consolidation, and other factors have resulted in staffing shortages in many nursing facilities. This has led to more instances of neglect and elder abuse. Seniors are among the most vulnerable in our society, and they are far more susceptible to catastrophic injuries and fatalities from what may seem like minor incidents.
Injuries from catastrophic accidents can be debilitating and life-changing. Oftentimes, injury victims experience a severely diminished quality of life that prevents them from working and doing the things they enjoy. These types of injuries have a major impact on those who are close to the victim as well. Loved ones are frequently forced to step into the role of caregiver, putting major stress on everyone in the household.
Some of the most common injuries that may be classified as “catastrophic” include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Bed sores/pressure ulcers/decubitus ulcers
- Paralysis
- Loss of Limb/Amputation
- Severe Fractures
- Severe Burn Injuries
- Blindness and Deafness
- Severe Internal Injuries
- Wrongful Death
Obtaining Fair Compensation for Catastrophic Injuries
A serious and catastrophic injury is costly to victims and their families in numerous ways. Following the accident, victims often incur large hospital bills and expenses for treatment and rehabilitation in order to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). During this time, they are also usually out of work and not able to earn an income. Once a victim reaches MMI, their condition is often permanent and debilitating, forcing them to take a lower paying job or stop working altogether.
Catastrophic injuries that occur in the workplace may be covered by workers’ compensation, which pays for medical costs, two-thirds of gross weekly wages, and some other expenses if the claim is accepted. If an injury at work is caused by a party other than your employer, or if the injury occurs outside of work, you may be able to bring a personal injury action against the responsible party. Damages available in catastrophic injury cases may include compensation for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Loss of Future Earning Capacity
- Physical Pain and Suffering
- Psychological Distress
- Diminished Quality of Life
- Loss of Consortium
- Funeral and Burial Costs (in wrongful death cases)
In some cases, in which catastrophic injuries and/or fatalities occurred, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter them (and others) from similarly egregious behavior in the future.
Speak with an Arkansas Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or someone close to you suffered a severe and catastrophic injury, you deserve to be compensated. At the Paul Byrd Law Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial pain injury victims and their families are forced to endure, and we fight to recover damages for victims, and to ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable. For a free consultation with one of our attorneys, contact us today at 1-501-420-3050 or send us a secure and confidential message through our online contact form.