Have you suffered a severe, catastrophic injury in Atlanta, GA? You may be entitled to compensation for your losses if your accident was caused by someone else.
Recovering the money you deserve from the at-fault party can be an uphill battle. The insurance company will likely try to minimize the severity of your injuries and your losses. An experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney can serve as your advocate to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you need.
Guardian Accident & Injury Lawyers has represented accident victims and families since 2019. We are here to fight on your behalf. Contact our law office at (404) 255-9000, for a free consultation with an Atlanta catastrophic injury lawyer to discuss how we can help you.
How Guardian Accident & Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Catastrophic Accident In Atlanta, GA
After a severe accident, you deserve an advocate who will help you pursue compensation and protect your rights so you can focus on your health. Guardian Accident & Injury Lawyers is ready to give you the zealous legal representation you need.
Since 2019, we have represented injury victims and their families to hold negligent and reckless drivers, property owners, and manufacturers accountable. Our personal injury lawyers have more than 75 years of combined experience, with over $250 million recovered on behalf of our clients.
When you choose our law firm in Atlanta, Georgia, to represent you, we will:
- Perform an in-depth investigation into your accident
- Identify potentially liable parties
- Preserve and analyze evidence to prove liability
- Work with experts to assess the value of your damages and strengthen your case
- Negotiate with insurance companies to seek a fair settlement
- File a lawsuit to take your case to court if a settlement can’t be reached
- Offer compassionate guidance and legal advice at every stage of your case
Our law firm is ready to help you. Call us to schedule a free consultation with an Atlanta catastrophic injury attorney to discuss what we can do to help and explore your options.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
Catastrophic injuries are severe, life-changing injuries that fundamentally change the course of a victim’s life. These serious injuries may require long-term, intensive medical treatment and supportive services. They often cause permanent disability.
According to the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research, catastrophic injuries are fatal or cause temporary or permanent disability. The American Medical Association (AMA) has a very narrow definition limited to brain, spine, and spinal cord injuries.
In the area of personal injury law, a catastrophic injury is typically any severe injury that causes long-term or permanent disability or impairment and significantly affects your life.
We Fight for Compensation For All Types Of Catastrophic Injuries In Atlanta
Guardian Accident & Injury Lawyers represents accident victims who have suffered all types of serious and life-changing injuries. A severe injury can affect your ability to work, your relationships, your independence, and your quality of life. We are committed to seeking maximum compensation for the devastating effects of your accident.
Our law office handles cases involving all types of catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Amputation
- Vision loss
- Hearing loss
- Severe burn injuries
- Multiple or complex fractures
- Organ damage
- Nerve damage
- Back injuries
You depend on your financial award to support yourself and get the medical treatment you need as you face an uncertain future. We are ready to give you the tireless representation you deserve. We will fight for maximum compensation to maintain your quality of life.
What Causes Most Catastrophic Injuries In Atlanta?
Almost any accident can lead to catastrophic injury, but just a few common types of accidents lead to the most severe injuries. Motor vehicle collisions, such as car accidents and truck accidents, are a leading cause of severe injury. About 17% of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and 39% of spinal cord injuries (SCIs) happen in traffic accidents.
Another 35% of brain injuries and 32% of SCIs occur in fall accidents. For older adults, falls are frequently disabling. Seniors have a high risk of hip fractures in a fall, and these fractures often have serious complications. Many survivors can never live independently again.
Sports and other recreational activities like horseback riding, rock climbing, and swimming result in thousands of severe injuries every year. High-impact sports like football and hockey have a high rate of injury. These activities may cause back injuries, serious brain injuries, and more.
Sadly, many severe injuries happen to workers who are just trying to do their jobs. Workplace accidents can result in lifelong disability or impairment, especially when they involve heavy machinery, falls from heights, and exposure to hazardous materials.
Violence may also be the cause of a catastrophic injury. Every year, tens of thousands of people in the U.S. experience domestic violence, assault, stabbings, or shootings that leave them with severe injuries. Assault is a common cause of organ damage, brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
What Is My Catastrophic Injury Case Worth?
There is no easy way to assess the value of a catastrophic injury claim.
Factors that may affect what you can recover include:
- The nature and severity of your injuries
- Circumstances of your accident
- Comparative negligence or your share of fault for the accident
- Strength of your evidence
- The impact of your injuries on your daily life, independence, and quality of life
- Whether you can return to your job or any gainful employment
- Insurance coverage to pay for your damages
Our experienced legal team will carefully examine these factors and more to estimate what your case is worth. As your case proceeds, we will work with economic, medical, and vocational experts to determine fair, accurate values for your losses. We are committed to pursuing the full compensation you deserve to ensure you receive the medical care you need and maintain the best quality of life possible.
What Damages Are Available To Catastrophic Injury Victims In Atlanta, Georgia?
In a successful personal injury claim, the liable party is responsible for paying compensatory damages. There are two types of these damages: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover the tangible financial costs of your accident. Non-economic damages cover highly personal losses of a psychological or emotional nature.
You may seek compensation for many types of damages, including:
- Current medical bills
- Future anticipated medical expenses
- Reasonable out-of-pocket costs
- Supportive services like childcare and housekeeping
- Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and counseling
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning potential
- Pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress
- Lost quality of life
- Scarring
If your case goes to court, punitive damages may be available. A jury may award these damages to punish the defendant for willful misconduct, fraud, malice, wanton disregard for your life and safety, or oppression. The defendant’s behavior must be egregious or deplorable to qualify for punitive damages with clear, convincing evidence.
In Georgia, punitive damages are capped at $250,000.
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Share Fault For My Accident In Georgia?
In Georgia, a modified comparative negligence law means victims can still recover compensation even if they share some blame for an accident. Under this rule, each party in an accident is assigned a degree of fault. Compensation is adjusted to fit each party’s share of liability.
If you were 40% at fault for your accident, for instance, you are entitled to recover 60% of your damages. You cannot recover the share of your losses that are attributed to your own negligence.
However, Georgia’s negligence law has a 50% bar. You can only recover damages if you are less than 50% to blame for your accident. If you are at least half to blame, you will be barred from recovering any compensation.
How Long Do I Have To File a Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit In Georgia?
You have a limited amount of time to pursue a legal claim for damages after suffering a serious injury. In Georgia, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of your accident. If you miss this deadline, you will be barred from recovering compensation for your injury from the other party. There are only a few exceptions to this rule.
The sooner you act after your accident, the easier it is to preserve evidence and build a strong claim. Contact Guardian Accident & Injury Lawyers as soon as possible to begin building your case while you focus on your recovery.
Call Our Atlanta Catastrophic Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Has someone else’s negligence changed your life forever? If you have suffered a catastrophic injury in Atlanta, GA, Guardian Accident & Injury Lawyers is here to help you. We will help you pursue the compensation you need and hold the at-fault party accountable.
Our attorneys have more than 75 years of combined experience. We will put this legal experience to work on your behalf. Contact our law office to schedule a free case review with an Atlanta catastrophic injury attorney. We will listen to your story, give you compassionate legal counsel, and help you explore your options.