Have you suffered a severe and life-changing injury in Savannah, GA? You may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party. You deserve fair compensation to get the medical care you need and replace your lost earnings if you cannot return to work.
Sadly, recovering the money you deserve can be challenging without legal representation. Insurance companies invest significant assets and effort into fighting catastrophic injury claims. A personal injury lawyer can help you build your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
You do not need to face the insurance company alone. Since 2012, Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers has fought for accident victims and their families. Contact our law offices in Savannah to schedule a free case review with a Savannah catastrophic injury lawyer to discuss your options and get the help you need.
How Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers Can Help You After A Catastrophic Accident In Savannah, Georgia
The goal of the insurance company is to settle your claim for as little money as possible. Insurance companies may invest more money and effort than usual when fighting high-value catastrophic injury cases. This makes it crucial to seek an experienced Savannah personal injury lawyer who will defend you against insurance company tactics and fight for what you deserve.
Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers has represented injury victims and families in Savannah, Georgia since 2012. We have more than a decade of experience handling complex catastrophic injury cases, and top legal organizations like Avvo and FindLaw have recognized our success.
In 2018, we recovered $18 million for a client who suffered catastrophic injuries. This was the largest injury verdict ever in Chatham County.
When you hire our law firm to represent you, we will:
- Provide compassionate guidance and legal advice
- Conduct an independent investigation into your accident
- Identify all parties who may be liable
- Gather evidence to prove liability and your damages
- Collaborate with experts to document damages and strengthen your claim
- Handle all communications and monitor deadlines
- Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf
- File a lawsuit and present your case before a jury if a fair settlement agreement cannot be reached
Contact Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with a Savannah catastrophic injury attorney. We will listen to your story and discuss how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
What Are Catastrophic Injuries?
A catastrophic injury can be defined in many ways. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), catastrophic injuries affect the spinal cord, spine, or brain. The National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research has a broad definition: any injury that is fatal or causes temporary or permanent disability.
In personal injury law, catastrophic injuries are usually any injuries that result in long-term impairment or disability with a significant impact on your life.
As the name implies, a catastrophic injury is devastating. These injuries often result in permanent impairment or disability. Many victims require long-term medical care and supportive services. A catastrophic injury can alter the course of your life and affect everything from relationships and independence to quality of life.
What Are Common Types Of Catastrophic Injuries In Savannah, Georgia?
At Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers, we represent victims who have suffered all types of catastrophic injuries. We understand the devastating impact of a severe injury on virtually every aspect of your life. We are diligent in preparing a case that demonstrates the full effect of your injury to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Our law firm accepts personal injury cases involving all types of injuries. Common types of catastrophic injury cases we accept include:
- Amputation or loss of limb
- Severe burn injuries
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Vision and hearing loss
- Serious back injuries
- Crush injuries
- Complex fractures or broken bones such as comminuted and compound fractures
- Organ damage
- Nerve damage
We understand the importance of a fair financial recovery to your long-term health and quality of life. Our legal team is prepared to fight tirelessly for the money you deserve to move forward.
What Causes Catastrophic Injuries In Georgia?
Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of catastrophic injuries in Savannah that our attorneys help file claims for. Car accidents are the most common type of traffic accident, but truck accidents and pedestrian accidents are more likely to result in severe injuries.
Falls are another leading cause of life-changing injuries. About one out of every four spinal cord injuries occur in a fall. Slip and fall accidents that occur on the same level are usually minor, but older adults are at an increased risk of serious injury. 350,000 hip fractures happen every year.
Falls are also one of the most common injuries in a workplace accident. A fall from a height is a common cause of fatal and severe work-related injury. It’s also one of the most common types of construction accidents. Accidents involving heavy machinery, vehicles, tools, electricity, and exposure to hazardous or toxic materials are also common in industries like construction, warehousing, and transportation.
Sports and recreation are overlooked but frequent causes of catastrophic injuries. High-impact activities like football and horseback riding can lead to devastating injuries.
Sadly, thousands of people every year suffer life-changing injuries due to assault, domestic violence, shootings, and other forms of violence. According to one study, gunshot wounds account for 13%-21% of all traumatic spinal injuries.
What Is My Catastrophic Injury Case Worth?
Every personal injury case is unique, and the only way to determine how much your claim may be worth is to carefully assess a variety of factors. Economic or financial damages are the easiest to calculate, but future lost earnings and medical expenses usually require expert testimony.
To estimate what you may recover, a personal injury attorney will consider many facets of your case such as:
- The severity and type of injuries you sustained
- How your injuries affect your daily life
- Whether you are able to return to your job or any type of gainful employment
- Your age and career prospects if you had not been injured
- The circumstances of your accident and the defendant’s behavior
- Whether you share any fault for your accident
- The strength of your evidence proving liability
- Available insurance coverage
At Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers, our Savannah catastrophic injury attorneys will diligently examine your case to help you understand what you may be entitled to. Our legal team will help you understand how these factors affect your case and work with experts to calculate accurate values for your damages.
What Damages Can I Recover As A Catastrophic Injury Victim In Savannah?
After proving the other party’s negligence or strict liability, the liable party is responsible for compensating you for your damages. In Georgia, compensatory damages are awarded to reimburse your losses related to your accident. There are two broad forms of compensatory damages: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses such as medical bills. Non-economic damages are the intangible losses you suffered.
In a catastrophic injury case, our Savannah attorneys can help you seek compensation for damages such as:
- Medical bills and projected future medical costs
- Physical therapy, rehabilitation, and psychological counseling
- Lost wages while you are recovering
- Lost or diminished earning potential, if you cannot return to your job
- Out-of-pocket expenses like transportation to doctor’s appointments
- Supportive and replacement services such as housekeeping and childcare
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Reduced quality of life
In Georgia, spouses may be entitled to make a separate loss of consortium claim. This type of claim compensates for the impact on the marriage and loss of comfort, intimate relations, affection, support, and companionship due to the injury.
In very rare cases, a jury may award punitive damages. These damages punish a defendant for their egregious behavior rather than compensating the victim for their losses. Punitive damages require clear, convincing evidence of willful misconduct, fraud, or wanton disregard for the safety and life of others. Punitive damages are capped at $250,000 under Georgia law.
Am I Still Entitled To Compensation If I Was Partially At Fault For My Accident In Georgia?
Georgia uses a modified comparative negligence system that allows victims to recover compensation even when they share some fault. All parties are assigned a percentage of liability for the accident. Your financial recovery will be reduced by your share of fault.
The modified comparative negligence rule in Georgia has a 50% bar, however. You are only entitled to compensation if your percentage of assigned fault is less than the other driver’s. If you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you will not be entitled to any compensation.
As an example, if your damages were $50,000 and you were 30% to blame, you can recover up to $35,000 (70% of your damages). If you were 55% at fault, you cannot recover any damages.
How Long Do I Have To File A Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit In Georgia?
There is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Georgia. This deadline begins from the date of your injury or the date of death in a wrongful death claim. If your lawsuit is not filed before the statute of limitations expires, you may lose your right to compensation.
There are few exceptions to this deadline. You typically have additional time to file if your injury was not discovered immediately. This usually applies to product liability and medical malpractice cases.
It’s crucial to act as soon as possible after your accident. Prompt action makes it easier to gather evidence and build your case. Schedule a free consultation with a Savannah catastrophic injury attorney at Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers so we can help you take the next steps.
Contact Our Savannah Catastrophic Injury Attorneys For A Free Consultation
If you or someone you love has suffered a catastrophic injury, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney can help. Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers is here to help you explore your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact our law office today to schedule a free consultation with a Savannah catastrophic injury lawyer to discuss your case.
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