Columbia Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Severe injury accidents have the potential to impact every facet of the injured person’s life. Their independence, ability to work or pursue higher education, and even their desire to continue living may all suffer. Justice requires that those who inflict these injuries on others through careless behavior should address the harm their thoughtless actions cause.

A Columbia catastrophic injury lawyer may be successful in helping you and your loved ones obtain a just resolution after a severe injury accident. If you incurred expenses or financial losses because of your injuries, the person responsible for your injuries might be required to pay damages to you. To learn more, reach out to an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

Receiving Monetary Damages Following a Catastrophic Accident

People who suffer severe injuries may be interested in pursuing a claim of compensation if their injuries are the result of another’s negligence. A successful suit must prove that specific facts exist, though. The injured plaintiff is responsible for presenting evidence and witness testimony that can establish three factual propositions.

First, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the named defendant or defendants acted carelessly or recklessly. The plaintiff accomplishes this by showing that the defendant’s behavior was so unreasonable that any other person facing a similar circumstance would have acted differently. Proving this element may be a matter of simple common sense. Other times, showing the defendant violated the law or did not follow regulations or safety protocols may be necessary to meet this element.

Next, the plaintiff must connect the negligent behavior to the accident and to the plaintiff’s injuries. This causal connection may be a matter of simple logic (i.e. a drunk driver who causes a severe wreck may be the cause of an involved driver’s injuries). Other times, such as when multiple careless acts occurred within a short period, proving causation may be more difficult.

Finally, the plaintiff must establish how much compensation the plaintiff needs to compensate them for their injuries. Plaintiffs’ injuries may be tangible or intangible. Not only this, but a plaintiff may be entitled to recover compensation for expenses they have already incurred as well as expenses they might incur in the future.

Resolving a Catastrophic Injury Claim in Columbia

Injury victims will likely receive compensation if they settle their claim with the defendant or if the plaintiff prevails at trial. Compensation awards obtained after a trial may be higher than those obtained through a settlement. However, it may take months before a case is ready for trial. Not only this, a defendant who loses at trial may have a right to appeal some or all of the court’s findings, effectively lengthening the amount of time it takes for the plaintiff to receive compensation even more.

Settlements generally result in the plaintiff receiving compensation much sooner than they might otherwise. Also, the parties to a settlement agreement will usually give up any appeal rights they might otherwise have, lending some finality to the deal. There is a tradeoff in settlements, though, as the amount received through a settlement is generally less than the amount the plaintiff might receive at trial.

It is for the plaintiff to decide whether to accept a settlement offer, propose a settlement offer of their own, or insist on taking their case to trial. Knowledgeable legal counsel may be able to help plaintiffs understand the risks and benefits of each option and make an informed decision.

Talk with a Columbia Catastrophic Injury Attorney Today

After you or a loved one have sustained the loss of a limb, a traumatic brain injury, or other devastating harm in an accident, reach out and speak with a Columbia catastrophic injury lawyer. Your attorney may help you understand any right to compensation you may have and what steps to take to protect such a right. Your attorney may also guide you through the recovery process and help you pursue a just resolution. To get started on you case, be sure to schedule a consultation today.