Severe accidents tend to cause catastrophic injuries, especially ones that may result in limitations or the permanent impairment of your daily life and everyday functions. In instances where negligence caused your catastrophic injury, a properly proven case may result in financial compensation for you and your affected family members. You have the right to get your case considered by an injury attorney knowledgeable in these legal actions.

A qualified Louisa County catastrophic injury lawyer is prepared to assist you in your case and help you understand your rights.

Consequences of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries can be incredibly damaging, both physically and psychologically. They also often correspond with high medical costs and lost income. Your life may be substantially or forever altered by a catastrophic injury, which makes it important to entrust your claim to a qualified attorney in Louisa County.

A local attorney could help you file a claim for injuries including, but not limited to:

  • Crush injuries and bone breaks
  • Severe burns
  • Organ or limb loss
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Paralysis and spinal cord injury
  • Death

All of these potential injuries, as well as many others, may qualify as catastrophic. When faced with these types of injuries, your life might feel irretrievably damaged. However, a successful claim could help repair much of the damage through financial compensation.

Contributory Negligence in Catastrophic Injury Lawsuits

Many defendants seek to cast blame elsewhere however they can. One tactic for doing so is to attempt to blame you for all or part of the responsibility for your injuries. When this occurs, the parties and the jury must consider the contributory negligence laws of the state.

Unlike most states, which use comparative negligence laws to allocate partial fault, Virginia law holds that even if a plaintiff is at least one percent at fault for the accident, he or she is not permitted to recover. This harsh rule is often used as an attempt by a defendant to avoid paying. In many cases, the plaintiff was not in any way at fault, despite the allegations. Having a qualified attorney submit proper evidence to Louisa County courts may ultimately prove that the defendant’s allegations regarding your catastrophic injury are untrue.

Last Clear Chance Doctrine

If you were partially at fault for the accident, an exception to the law may apply to save your claim. If the defendant was also negligent and had the last opportunity to avoid the harm, you still might qualify for damages.

This doctrine is difficult to handle for inexperienced attorneys or self-represented plaintiffs. Cases of contributory negligence should always be handled by experienced legal counsel.

Time Limitations for Filing Lawsuits in Louisa County

Virginia Code § 8.01-243 sets a two-year time limit on most forms of personal injury claims, including those that arise from catastrophic injuries. It is your obligation to file your claim within this period, or you could risk losing your chance at financial recovery. A court could dismiss the case even if the claim may otherwise have resulted in substantial monetary compensation.

To avoid this potential possibility, consider seeking counsel from an experienced attorney as early as possible.

Seek Compensation with the Help of a Louisa County Catastrophic Injury Attorney

Catastrophic injuries caused by a defendant’s wrongdoing should be handled with the skill and care of knowledgeable counsel. Your case deserves careful attention to detail and zealous representation to protect your rights.

Call The Warren Firm to speak with a Louisa County catastrophic injury lawyer today.