Experienced Waipahu Catastrophic Injury Attorney

Catastrophic Injury Attorney in Waipahu

Some injuries are so severe that a person can never make a full recovery. Permanent disabilities, scarring, disfigurement, lost limbs, and other life-altering injuries take a heartbreaking toll, often causing a sharp drop in a victim’s happiness and quality of life. If you sustained a catastrophic injury in Hawaii, you need a strong advocate who can help you fight for compensation from the at-fault party. You need Recovery Law Center.

Our Waipahu catastrophic injury attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights and welfare of injured people. Our law firm has over a quarter-century of experience demanding compensation for victims throughout Oahu — and our track record shows we deliver results that count. Turn to us in your darkest hours for the support, justice, and accountability you deserve.

Call or contact Recovery Law Center today to speak with an experienced catastrophic injury attorney.

Types of Catastrophic Injuries

A catastrophic injury is broadly defined as one that causes significant, long-term harm affecting a person’s quality of life or ability to find employment. An injury does not need to be permanent to be catastrophic. It just needs to impact your day-to-day life in a major way.

Examples of catastrophic injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – Any damage to the brain can have lasting effects on every aspect of a victim’s life. Traumatic brain injuries can lead to memory problems, personality changes, impaired movement and coordination, and other health problems. In severe cases, the effects of a TBI cannot be reversed.
• Spinal cord injuries – Along with the brain, the spinal cord is a critical part of the body’s central nervous system. Spinal cord damage can result in the permanent loss of feeling and mobility in all or a part of the body. Even if a victim is not paralyzed, they may experience permanent numbness or weakness in certain areas due to the injury.
• Amputation – A severe car crash or other accident can sever or crush limbs. In other cases, the damage to a limb may be so catastrophic that it needs to be partially or entirely amputated. Losing an arm or leg can hamper an accident victim’s ability to work and perform other activities, even if they receive a prosthetic replacement.
• Broken bones – A broken pelvis, hip, leg, or other major bone can be incapacitating. People with catastrophic bone fractures may suffer permanent nerve damage, impaired movement, and problems with coordination.
• Vision loss or hearing impairment – Facial trauma, brain injuries, toxic exposure, and exposure to excessive noise can cause blindness or deafness. In these cases, the injured person must relearn how to navigate the world and perform many ordinary activities in a new way. Such injuries profoundly impact an individual’s ability to find gainful employment.
• Burns – Severe burns can cause disfiguring scars that require surgery and skin grafts, resulting in intense pain, limited mobility, and significant emotional distress.
• Emotional disorders – People who have been through a traumatic experience often carry mental scars that last the rest of their lives. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, nightmares, substance abuse, and other mental health problems are common side effects of a catastrophic injury.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

A catastrophic injury can happen anywhere. Common causes include:

• Car accidents
• Semi-truck accidents
• Motorcycle crashes
• Bicycle accidents
• Pedestrian collisions
• Slip-and-fall accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Defective products
• Construction site accidents
• Sports accidents
• Workplace accidents
• Acts of violence

What To Do if You Suffer a Catastrophic Injury

People who suffer catastrophic injuries generally need immediate medical attention. As you recover, it’s vital to do everything you can to protect your rights and your legal claim. Follow these tips to improve your chances of obtaining maximum compensation in a catastrophic injury case:

• Follow your doctor’s prescribed treatment plan.
• Attend every physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or other rehabilitation appointment.
• Save all evidence from the accident scene, such as photos, accident reports, eyewitness accounts, medical records, and receipts.
• Avoid posting about the accident on social media.
• Do not provide a recorded statement or sign medical release forms for the insurance company until you’ve spoken to a lawyer.
• Start a journal to document your recovery and how your injuries impact your day-to-day life.
• Hire a catastrophic injury attorney as soon as possible.

Filing a Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit

If you have suffered catastrophic injuries in an accident, you may have the option to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. The success of a catastrophic injury lawsuit hinges on proving the other party’s negligence. You must show they had a duty to keep you safe and failed to do so.

For catastrophic injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents, you may have an additional hurdle to overcome. Hawaii is a no-fault auto insurance state, which means you first file an injury claim with your own car insurance company to recover compensation for any injuries you sustain in a crash. Before filing a lawsuit against another driver, you must show that you sustained more than $5,000 in medical bills or lost wages or that you have suffered a severe or permanent injury from the crash. Catastrophic injuries typically meet the threshold, and a Waipahu catastrophic injury attorney can help you file a lawsuit after a major traffic crash.

A lawsuit begins with filing a complaint with the appropriate court outlining how the at-fault party harmed you and detailing your losses. From there, your attorney will collect evidence needed to build a strong case for compensation for you.

Most personal injury claims resolve in a settlement with the at-fault party and their insurer. Others go to trial, where a judge or jury renders a verdict that decides your case.

What Damages Can Be Recovered?

An experienced catastrophic injury lawyer can help you recover compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Diminished quality of life
• Reduced future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Damaged personal property

Contact a Waipahu Catastrophic Injury Attorney Today

Coping with a life-changing injury can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. The team at Recovery Law Center is ready to help.

Our lawyers will stand by your side for the duration of your catastrophic injury claim. As you work to find your “new normal” in life, we will prepare your legal claim and demand maximum compensation for you.

There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain from a free consultation with our firm. Call or contact us now.