Catastrophic Injuries
Phoenix Catastrophic Injury Attorney
Some Injuries Last Longer Than Others - Make Sure You're Fairly Compensated
Accidents can lead to all types of injuries, but the severity and the impact of those injuries can vary. Minor injuries will eventually heal, leaving little to no trace that they ever happened - but serious injuries can effect a person for years, or even for the rest of their life.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury refers to a severe injury that causes long-term or permanent damage to the victim, often resulting in significant disability, impairment, or a reduced quality of life. These injuries typically have a profound impact on the individual's physical or cognitive abilities and may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
Examples of catastrophic injuries include brain injuries, spine injuries, disfiguring injuries, amputations, and injuries leading to permanent disabilities, just to name a few. These types of injuries don't heal and disappear - they result in lasting pain and suffering and can incur astronomical medical bills for surgeries and ongoing treatments.
Yours isn't an average injury. Call a Phoenix catastrophic injury attorney today at (623) 207-1555! We can help you fight for the extensive compensation that you deserve.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
One of the most common types of catastrophic, life-altering injuries a person can experience in an accident is a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Severe Head Trauma Can Lead to:
- Severe headaches
- Seizures
- Memory problems
- Speech problems
- Vision problems
- Emotional disorders
- Reduced mental capacity
- Coma / vegetative state
In cases of traumatic brain injury, these effects can last for weeks, months, years, or even for the rest of the victim's life. This level of pain and suffering deserves compensation to match.
Spinal Cord Injuries / Paralysis
Another example of catastrophic personal injury is spinal cord damage, often leading to paralysis. When the spinal cord is bruised or severed in an accident, a person can lose some or all of their feeling / mobility below the area of injury. The results may include temporary or permanent paralysis of the person's legs or entire body.
Paraplegia
Total or partial paralysis below the chest and downward is known as paraplegia. This type of paralysis only affects the legs, meaning that the person still has use of his or her arms. Paraplegics require a wheelchair to get around. In cases of partial paralysis, some sense of feeling and / or mobility still remains. In cases of total paralysis, the person cannot feel or use his or her legs at all.
Quadriplegia / Tetraplegia
Total or partial paralysis from the neck down is known as quadriplegia (or tetraplegia). Quadriplegia affects the arms as well as the legs, meaning that quadriplegics often require the assistance of another person to get around and to perform basic daily tasks.
Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Phoenix
The causes of catastrophic injuries in Phoenix, as in any other location, can vary widely. Some common causes may include:
- Car crashes
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck collisions
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Slip and fall injuries (falls from heights or slips on hazardous surfaces)
- Workplace accidents (may include construction site accidents, industrial accidents, or accidents involving heavy machinery)
Statute of Limitations for Catastrophic Injury in AZ
According to A.R.S. § 12-542, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including catastrophic injuries, in Arizona is 2 years. This means that an individual generally has two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit seeking compensation.
What Is My Catastrophic Injury Case Worth?
Determining the value of a catastrophic injury case is a complex process that depends on many factors. Some key considerations that can influence the potential value of a case include:
- Extent of Injuries: The severity and long-term impact of the catastrophic injuries play a significant role. Medical records, expert opinions, and future medical costs are considered in evaluating the extent of injuries.
- Medical Expenses: The costs of past and future medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and ongoing care, are crucial factors.
- Lost Income: If the injuries result in lost wages or the inability to work in the future, the financial impact on the individual's earning capacity is considered.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation may be awarded for the physical and emotional pain and suffering endured as a result of the injuries.
- Property Damage: If applicable, the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property (e.g., a vehicle in a car accident) may be considered.
- Liability and Negligence: The degree of fault or negligence on the part of the responsible party is a key factor. Arizona follows a "pure comparative negligence" system, meaning that compensation can be reduced based on the plaintiff's degree of fault.
- Insurance Coverage: The insurance policies of the at-fault party, as well as the victim's insurance coverage, can impact the available compensation.
- Legal and Court Costs: The costs associated with pursuing a legal case, including attorney fees and court expenses, may also be considered.
Get a Lawyer for Your Serious Injury in Phoenix
Catastrophic injuries are not like other personal injury cases. These injuries incur higher medical bills and longer-lasting damages to the life of the injured person. Most cases involve ongoing medical treatment and care that exceeds that of your average personal injury, which means you deserve more compensation for your case. That is why you need a skilled Phoenix catastrophic injury attorney on your side.
Rafi Law Group, PLLC is available 24/7 to answer your questions and concerns. Our Phoenix catastrophic injury attorney has the knowledge, experience, and success record you need to have confidence in your choice of legal representation. We are centrally located in Phoenix for your convenience, have knowledgeable staff to support you every step of the way, and provide services in both English and Spanish (se habla español).
Get the legal representation you need after a serious accident. Contact a Phoenix catastrophic injury lawyer from Rafi Law Group, PLLC today!