Careful investigation, evaluation of damages in catastrophic auto accidents
Legal counsel can properly evaluate all medical ramifications of the accident and consult experts to assess short- and long-term monetary needs stemming from the crash.
One day, a healthy person is vibrantly living an active, full life. In the blink of an eye, someone’s negligent or reckless driving decision causes a catastrophic accident and the innocent victim will never have that life again.
North Carolina law allows the injured party to sue for damages and compensation for resulting injuries and other losses, but the claim must be carefully and thoroughly developed so that the compensation is adequate to cover costs of care and other needs potentially for the rest of the victim’s life. Uncovering the extent of catastrophic injuries and other ramifications of the accident can be time consuming and complicated, but necessary to see that the injured party can concentrate on healing and even adjusting to the quality of life with permanent disability without worrying about money to cover the explosion in costs of living resulting from the accident.
Examples of catastrophic injuries such a victim could face after a serious collision involving a car, SUV, pickup, motorcycle or semi-truck include:
- Broken bones
- Disfigurement
- Paralysis, quadriplegia and paraplegia
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head trauma and traumatic brain injury
- Neck and back injuries
- Amputations
- Chronic pain syndrome
- Persistent vegetative state or coma
- Nerve damage
- Burns and scarring
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Hearing or vision problems or loss
- Migraines
- Sleep problems
It is crucially important that the victim undergo comprehensive medical evaluation by specialists to understand the nature of all injures, including symptoms, limitations and prognoses. Medical assessment should include evaluation of resulting mental health problems like depression, cognitive impairment, memory problems and similar issues.
An experienced personal injury lawyer will know what to investigate and the kinds of damages to evaluate. Legal counsel may consult with medical and economic experts to understand the expenses of a victim with long-term or permanent injury. Compensatory damages may include those for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Reconstructive and plastic surgery
- Medical equipment and devices
- Pain management
- Adaptations to home and vehicle
- Loss of past and future wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Housekeeping and personal assistant costs
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Long-term care
The attorney will also analyze all potentially responsible parties such as the driver, involved insurers, negligent providers of vehicle maintenance, manufacturers of faulty vehicles or parts and government officials responsible for road design and maintenance.
The attorneys at Britton Law, in Fayetteville represent clients in Fayetteville and the surrounding North Carolina counties hurt in motor vehicle accidents, as well as surviving loved ones of victims who passed away in such crashes.