Catastrophic injuries can have life-altering consequences, leaving victims and their families facing immense physical, emotional, and financial burdens. If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in Baton Rouge, LA, the experienced team at Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help.
Since 2018, we have recovered tens of millions of dollars for accident victims and their families. We are prepared to give you the tireless representation you deserve. Call our law office today at (225) 263-4787 for a free consultation with a Baton Rouge catastrophic injury lawyer. Our Baton Rouge catastrophic injury attorneys will listen to your story and help you explore your legal options in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
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How Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Catastrophic Injury In Baton Rouge
When a devastating accident has changed your life forever, you should not be left fighting an insurance company. At Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the profound impact a catastrophic injury can have on your life. We are prepared to give you the tireless representation you deserve.
With more than 50 years of experience, we have earned a reputation for small-firm attention and big-firm results. Our attorneys have been recognized with the Baton Rouge Bar Association’s “President’s Award 2023” and by The Super Lawyers as Rising Stars.
When you choose our Baton Rouge personal injury lawyers to represent you after an accident in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, we will:
- Provide compassionate support and legal advice
- Conduct a thorough investigation of your accident
- Gather and preserve evidence to build a strong claim
- Work with experts to prove liability and document your damages
- Accurately calculate the damages you have sustained
- Negotiate with the insurance companies to seek a fair settlement offer
- Pursue your case in court when necessary
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, we are here to help. Call Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation with a Baton Rouge catastrophic injury attorney to discuss your case.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury is one that has severe, long-term effects on the victim’s life. These injuries often result in permanent disability and require victims to undergo extensive medical treatment and ongoing care.
The most common examples of catastrophic injuries are traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and spinal cord injuries. Combined, these two types of injuries have a catastrophic effect on more than 100,000 Americans every year. However, injuries that seem less serious, such as fractures, can be catastrophic for some people. For example, broken bones that do not heal properly or cause serious long-term consequences may be life-changing.
We’ll Fight To Recover Compensation for All Types of Catastrophic Injuries
At Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping victims of all types of catastrophic injuries.
We have extensive experience handling cases involving:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Severe burn injuries
- Amputations
- Multiple fractures
- Organ damage
- Neurological disorders
- Nerve damage
A catastrophic injury has a profound effect on your life. We will work tirelessly to fight for the compensation you need for your medical expenses, lost earnings, and more.
What Is My Catastrophic Injury Case Worth?
The value of a catastrophic injury claim is influenced by a variety of factors.
Here are some key considerations when evaluating your case:
- Type and severity of your injuries. The nature and seriousness of the injuries sustained are pivotal in calculating compensation. The more severe the injuries, the more your case is worth due to future medical costs, pain and suffering, impact on your daily life, and more.
- Circ*mstances of the accident. The specific details surrounding the accident are important. The defendant’s behavior, for instance, may allow you to recover punitive damages if they displayed wanton disregard for your life and safety.
- Ability to work. Your ability to return to your job or perform any gainful employment can be a crucial factor in valuing your case. If you are permanently disabled, your lawyer must evaluate the impact on your long-term earning potential and career trajectory.
- Shared fault. In Louisiana, the concept of comparative fault is important. If you are found to be partially responsible for the accident, your total compensation can be reduced accordingly.
- Evidence. The strength of your evidence affects how much you may recover. Do you have a strong case against the other party? Or is there still room for the defendant to argue they did not cause your injuries?
- Insurance coverage. The amount of available insurance coverage is another critical element that affects your compensation. Insurance policies covering your damages will not pay out beyond the policy limits. You can pursue the at-fault party’s personal assets beyond insurance, but they may not have sufficient assets to pay your damages.
Each case is unique and requires a thorough evaluation. Cases involving catastrophic injuries are particularly complex and may require some time to calculate the full damages. Our legal team will meticulously investigate your case and take the time to gather crucial evidence that proves your losses.
What Kind of Damages Are Available To Accident Victims In Baton Rouge, LA?
Victims of catastrophic injuries in Louisiana may be entitled to actual or compensatory damages. These damages are awarded to compensate victims for their losses caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. The goal of these damages is to help you recover financially.
There are two types of compensatory damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages cover your quantifiable financial losses, such as medical bills. Non-economic damages cover non-monetary losses such as pain and suffering.
Common damages you may recover include:
- Current and future medical expenses, including physical therapy and rehabilitation, counseling, prosthetic devices, and more
- Lost income
- Reduced or lost earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses like home modifications and supportive services
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
We understand that you rely on the compensation you recover now to support you for years to come. We work with specialists to ensure your damages are accurately valued, and no loss is overlooked. We will fight for maximum compensation to ensure you do not face financial uncertainty.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for My Accident In Louisiana?
Yes, you can still recover compensation even if you are partially at fault for your accident. Louisiana follows a pure comparative negligence system. This allows injured parties to recover damages even if they were up to 99% at fault.
However, your financial award will be reduced based on your share of the fault. For instance, if you are found to be 30% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 30%.
Insurance companies routinely use comparative negligence laws to their advantage. You may be blamed for your accident, and the insurance company may try to unfairly shift as much fault to you as possible. Every percentage of fault you are assigned reduces what they need to pay out and lowers the compensation you are counting on.
Our Baton Rouge catastrophic injury attorneys will work to present a strong claim. We will gather evidence that proves liability and prevents unfair blame-shifting.
What Causes Most Catastrophic Injuries In Baton Rouge, Louisiana?
Catastrophic injuries can result from many types of accidents.
Common causes include:
- Motor vehicle accidents. Car crashes, motorcycle collisions, and pedestrian accidents are leading causes of catastrophic injuries.
- Falls. Slip and fall accidents, particularly from significant heights, often result in severe injuries.
- Sports and recreation. High-impact sports like football and recreation like swimming can be dangerous. Sports and recreation account for 10% of brain injuries and 8% of spinal cord injuries in the U.S.
- Violence. Assaults, shootings, and other violent acts can cause life-threatening injuries.
- Work-related accidents. Industrial accidents and construction accidents are common sources of catastrophic injuries. Any workplace accident can be life-changing, however.
While less common, thousands of people have suffered severe injuries in other types of accidents. Medical malpractice may be devastating when a doctor makes a serious error like wrong-site surgery. Defective product malfunctions can also cause life-changing injuries.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After a Catastrophic Injury In Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally one year from the date of the accident. This means you have a limited time to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries. Failing to file within this timeframe can result in the loss of your right to pursue legal action.
The longer you wait to pursue your case, the harder it may be to gather evidence and prove liability. Consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to protect your claim.
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in Baton Rouge, LA, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation with a Baton Rouge catastrophic injury attorney. Our dedicated team will review your case, answer your questions, and provide the guidance you need to move forward. Let us help you secure the compensation you deserve and begin the journey toward recovery.
