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If you are living with catastrophic injuries, you will likely be unable to handle your legal case on your own. Whether you are undergoing treatment and rehabilitation or living with lasting impairments, you do not want to leave your civil claim up to your limited spare time. Having a dedicated personal injury attorney on your side ensures that your rights remain protected and gives you the best chance to recover fair compensation.
A Tacoma catastrophic injury lawyer could manage every aspect of your case. The team of seasoned legal professionals at our firm know what it takes to navigate the financial recovery process in the state of Washington and how to represent your best interests. They are here for you if another party’s negligence caused you serious losses.
What Are Catastrophic Injuries and How Do They Occur?
Catastrophic injuries often take time and intensive treatment to recover from, and many people endure life-long impairments as a result. Many victims are unlikely to recover fully—and if they do, full recovery could take months or even years. Because of extended treatment, inpatient rehabilitation, and ongoing care costs, catastrophic injuries are among the most expensive as well. A catastrophic injury can occur in various types of accidents, such as:
- Traffic collisions
- Boat accidents
- Dog bites
- Falls
- Premises liability incidents
- Medical malpractices
- Abusive nursing homes
Whenever one party’s carelessness causes harm and permanent damage occurs, the victim likely has a path to financial recovery.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries can be life-threatening and most are life-altering, even for those who recover physically. Some examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Other brain and head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Severe burns
- Amputations
- Internal organ damage
Many people who experience catastrophic damages see their lives changed in an instant. One minute, they are healthy and active—and in the next—they suffer immediate and permanent disabilities. Suddenly, they have to worry about their immediate survival, financial stability, and other concerns they did not have before.
Paying for Catastrophic Injury Treatment and Care
As mentioned above, catastrophic injuries are very expensive to treat, rehabilitate, and live with. Not only do victims and their families incur massive medical bills, but the injured person often cannot return to their previous job. They must now live with a diminished earning capacity, meaning they will earn less money in the future as well.
Lasting injuries can also require costly renovations, mobility devices, and other assistive tools. For example, wheelchair users must install ramps, lifts, and special roll-in showers in their homes. They may have to widen doorways and come up with solutions that allow them to manage stairs. The out-of-pocket expenses can seem endless.
Recovering Compensation for a Catastrophic Injury in Tacoma
Fortunately, when severe injuries occur because of someone else’s negligence, Washington law allows the victim to seek and recover compensation. For example, imagine a driver ran a red light and collided with your vehicle. You suffered a lower back injury and are now paralyzed from the waist down. You may be able to hold the at-fault driver legally responsible. Your options include:
- Filing a claim based on the at-fault driver’s auto insurance coverage
- Negotiating a fair settlement with the insurer
- Suing the driver in Pierce County civil court
- Asking the jury to award fair compensation
Catastrophic injuries often make it difficult to handle these claims without help from an attorney in Tacoma. While you focus on healing and adjusting to your new normal, a compassionate lawyer could build your case and fight to protect your rights.
The Legal Deadline for Seeking Compensation
Under RCW 4.16.080, you only have up to three years to sue based on a personal injury. If you miss this deadline, you can permanently lose your right to seek compensation.
Letting a catastrophic damage lawyer in Tacoma get to work on your case during the initial weeks and months means they can gather more evidence and support for your legal case, while you try to recover your physical abilities and independence. The sooner they can meet with you, the better.
Speak to a Tacoma Catastrophic Injury Attorney Immediately
Discuss your legal options with one of the knowledgeable attorneys at our firm today. We offer free consultations so injury victims can learn more about their rights. Our team could help answer your questions, explain the best options for handling your case, and help you decide what to do next.
Contact a Tacoma catastrophic injury lawyer today to get started.
