Alabama Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Pursues Payment for Victims
Dothan firm provides skilled representation for people hurt in life-changing accidents
Life can sometimes change in the blink of an eye. That’s certainly the case with sudden accidents that cause catastrophic injury. If your injury requires extensive rehabilitation or is so severe that complete recovery is unlikely, Carey & Hamner, P.C. can help you pursue the high level of compensation you deserve. We have decades of experience representing severely injured clients in auto accident, slip and fall and medical malpractice cases. Because so much is at stake, you should only trust your case to a proven attorney to handle your catastrophic injury case in Dothan, AL or elsewhere in the state.
What injuries are considered catastrophic?
An injury is considered catastrophic when the harm is severe, permanent and disabling. Catastrophic injuries force lifestyle changes on the individual. Even after rehabilitation, a victim might be unable to perform as accustomed or participate in regular activities. Many people who have suffered a catastrophic injury need ongoing medical and personal care for the rest of their lives.
The types of conditions that are considered catastrophic include:
- Paralysis
- Loss of limb
- Traumatic brain injury
- Severe burns, scarring and disfigurement
- Chronic, debilitating pain
- Loss of bodily function
- Loss of sight, hearing, smell or taste
Without full compensation, the victim’s life might be unbearable. Our attorneys are determined to obtain a level of compensation that meets your ongoing needs.
Accidents that often result in catastrophic injury
In our practice as personal injury and wrongful death attorneys in Alabama, we most often see catastrophic injuries arising from:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip and fall incidents
- Medical malpractice
- Fires and explosions
- Sports accidents
Circumstances only have to be slightly different for a minor injury accident to turn tragic: the speed of a vehicle, the angle of a collision or the hardness of a surface can exacerbate an accident so the consequences for the victim are exponentially greater. A truck hitting a pedestrian can be deadly.
How is fault determined for catastrophic injuries in Alabama?
Despite the difference in the severity of the harm, the rules for proving causation remain the same for catastrophic accidents. The plaintiff’s attorney must prove that the defendant committed a negligent, reckless or deliberate act (or in some cases an omission) that directly caused catastrophic harm to the plaintiff. We thoroughly investigate every facet of the case to assemble the evidence necessary to prove causation. The standard for proof is “by a preponderance of the evidence,” meaning that a plaintiff must show that it is more likely than not that the defendant caused the catastrophic injury.
Compensation from catastrophic injury claim
The goal of a catastrophic injury case is to recover appropriate compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost earnings
- Pain and suffering
Other types of accident-related harm and costs can also be included in the award or settlement, such as:
- Home care and personal care expenses
- Home remodel to accommodate a disability
- Loss of quality of life (to cover the general diminishment of day-to-day existence)
- Loss of enjoyment of life (to cover specific activities or pursuits the victim can no longer enjoy)
In cases of catastrophic workplace injuries, a victim may be limited by law to workers’ compensation benefits. We help negotiate disability settlements and investigate the accident to see if a third-party lawsuit is possible.
Contact our Dothan, AL lawyers to discuss your catastrophic injury claim
Carey & Hamner, P.C. represents clients who have sustained catastrophic injuries in Dothan and throughout Alabama. Call 855-435-4797 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today. If you are unable to visit our office due to your injuries, we can come to you.
