You can suffer a catastrophic injury in Charleston at work, on someone else’s property, or just about anywhere else. There can be times when your catastrophic injury is the result of someone’s negligence. At these times, you can sue the negligent party for any financial losses you suffer relating to your injury.
If you have suffered a catastrophic injury in Charleston caused by someone else, get in touch with the Shelly Leeke Law Firm. A Charleston personal injury lawyer can review your legal claim. We can help you determine who is at fault for your injury and make sure this party is held financially responsible for their actions.
How a Catastrophic Injury Can Affect You
A catastrophic injury impacts you now and in the future. There are many injuries that can be considered catastrophic, and they include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Damage to your organs
- Amputations
- Severe burns
- Brain injuries
If you suffer any of these injuries or others that you believe may be catastrophic, do not wait to go to a doctor. At this point, your doctor can diagnose your injury and provide insights into its severity. Plus, your doctor can help you take the initial steps to treat your injury.
How a Catastrophic Injury in Charleston Can Happen
You can suffer a catastrophic injury due to your own mistake. Or, catastrophic injuries can occur due to the negligence of others. Common reasons why catastrophic injuries take place as a result of someone else’s negligence include:
- A negligent driver causes a car accident, resulting in a catastrophic injury to one or more other motorists or pedestrians.
- A negligent employer does not maintain a safe workplace, leading to a slip and fall accident and a catastrophic injury.
- A negligent healthcare provider does not provide a patient with an adequate level of care, causing this individual to suffer a catastrophic injury.
For those who are the victim of a catastrophic injury in Charleston caused by someone else, reach out to an attorney. You can partner with a best-in-class Charleston catastrophic injury lawyer who has a track record of success. Most importantly, you can work with a lawyer who makes you feel comfortable as you navigate the legal process.
Now Is the Time to File a Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit in Charleston
A catastrophic injury can put a major dent in your budget. For example, the average cost per medically consulted injury at work is $44,000, according to the most recent available data from the National Safety Council. If you suffer a catastrophic injury at work in Charleston, the cost to treat and recover from it can match or exceed this amount.
By working with a catastrophic injury lawyer in Charleston, you can pursue damages totaling tens of thousands of dollars. You can seek damages for many reasons, such as:
- The income you lose as a result of your catastrophic injury
- The costs associated with medical treatments relating to your injury
- Pain and suffering you experience because of your injury
- Loss of enjoyment of life due to your injury
Along with these, a court may award you punitive damages in a catastrophic injury lawsuit. Punitive damages are awarded in instances where a court wants to deter an at-fault party from future acts of negligence. It is rare to be awarded punitive damages, but a court may still choose to do so if you incurred a catastrophic injury caused by a negligent party.
What It Takes to Get the Maximum Amount of Compensation in a Charleston Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit
If you file a catastrophic injury lawsuit in Charleston, do not take your case for granted. Rather, it pays to work with a catastrophic injury attorney in Charleston who learns the ins and outs of your case. Your lawyer will do what is necessary to make sure you present a compelling argument to a judge or jury.
In addition to hiring a catastrophic injury lawyer, there are several things you can do to strengthen your case. These include:
- Collect and organize evidence. Gather police reports, medical bills, and other evidence that supports your legal claim and share this evidence with your attorney.
- Continue to receive medical treatment. Consult with your doctor regularly and keep track of all of your medical expenses.
- Figure out how much your legal claim is worth. Review all of the short- and long-term costs associated with your injury with your attorney so you can request an appropriate amount of damages.
- Decline any settlement offers that do not meet your expectations. Reject any settlement proposals, unless you and your attorney both believe it is in your best interest to accept a settlement.
- Remain persistent. Keep building your case leading up to your trial date — and share any legal concerns or questions you have with your attorney.
Your lawyer will keep you in the loop about your litigation as you get closer to your trial date. Before your trial, your attorney will help you prepare for all that your courtroom appearance encompasses. Your lawyer will also make sure that you have a clear understanding of what will happen when a judge or jury decides your case.
How to Receive a Favorable Judgment in a Charleston Catastrophic Injury Trial
Do not make assumptions that a judge or jury will instantly hear your case and rule in your favor. Instead, allocate as much time as you need to build a strong case. With help from an experienced catastrophic injury lawyer, you can position yourself for success in the courtroom.
You and your lawyer will determine the best way to present your argument during a trial. When your trial begins, your lawyer will advocate on your behalf and try to dispute any claims from the defendant’s attorney. Your attorney will also provide a summary at the end of the trial that gives a judge or jury one final glimpse into why you should be awarded damages.
A judge or jury treats a catastrophic injury trial seriously. If you have shown a judge or jury that someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you will be awarded damages. In the best-case scenario, a judge or jury will award you with the maximum of damages possible.
Get Started with a Charleston Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm can help you move forward with a catastrophic injury lawsuit. Our attorney is here to help you file your lawsuit. To learn more, please contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
