Catastrophic Injury Lawyers in Austin
Fighting For Catastrophic Injury Victims in Texas
When injuries are so debilitating as to prevent the victim from returning to his or her normal, pre-accident life, they are considered catastrophic. Catastrophic injuries occur in a variety of ways and take many forms, but they have one thing in common: they have an immense impact on both the lives of the victim and his or her family members and loved ones.
Pursuing compensation for a catastrophic injury can be complex. Often, one must take into account not only the immediate financial impact but the ongoing and, in many cases lifelong, physical and emotional costs as well. At Briggle & Polan, PLLC, we have extensive experience handling these types of claims. Our Austin catastrophic injury attorneys understand what you and your family are going through and we are here to fight for the justice and fair recovery you are owed.
Contact Briggle & Polan, PLLC today at (512) 400-3278 for a free consultation with our catastrophic injury attorneys in Austin.
What Makes an Injury “Catastrophic?”
While all injuries can be life-changing, those that are particularly devastating in nature are generally considered “catastrophic.” While there is no one true definition of a catastrophic injury, there are a few generally accepted working definitions for legal purposes.
Catastrophic injuries typically meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Temporarily or permanently prevents the victim from returning to work
- Temporarily or permanently prevents the victim from obtaining any gainful employment
- Results in long-lasting or permanent physical and/or cognitive disability
- Are particularly debilitating and/or consequential for the victim
In other words, if an injury is so severe, it prevents the victim from earning a living to support his or her family, or prevents the victim from returning to his or her normal life, it is considered catastrophic.
Examples of Catastrophic Injuries
As previously mentioned, there are a number of different injuries that are almost always considered catastrophic.
Common examples of catastrophic injuries include:
Loss of vision or sight and certain internal injuries may also be considered catastrophic. Regardless of how you or your loved one was injured—whether in a car or truck accident, boat collision, construction or oilfield accident, or a slip and fall accident—our firm is prepared to fight for you. Our Austin catastrophic injury lawyers often work with economists, lifetime care planners, and other specialists in order to determine the full extent of your injuries and other losses so that we can work to secure the maximum compensation you are owed.
Local Resources for Recovery After a Catastrophic Injury
The path to recovery from a catastrophic injury in Austin is often accompanied by robust support from diverse community resources. For individuals handling severe physical injuries, institutions like the St. David's Rehabilitation Center offer cutting-edge physical therapy and occupational rehabilitation programs designed to accelerate recovery and improve quality of life. Collaborating closely with these local facilities can ensure the injured get tailored rehabilitation plans conducive to their unique medical needs.
Apart from physical recovery resources, Austin boasts a range of support groups and mental health services. Organizations like NAMI Central Texas provide mental health advocacy and support, which can be crucial for managing the emotional aftermath of catastrophic injuries. These groups offer community support and connect individuals to licensed therapists and counselors who can assist in navigating the psychological challenges posed by such life-altering experiences. Engaging with these local resources enhances the chances of physical and holistic recovery, emphasizing the importance of a community-centric approach in healing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Catastrophic Injury Cases
What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered in a Catastrophic Injury Case?
In a catastrophic injury case, plaintiffs can pursue compensation for various damages, encompassing economic and non-economic categories. Economic damages typically cover tangible financial losses such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages. Given the severity of catastrophic injuries, individuals often align with financial experts to project future income losses and medical expenses.
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, address more subjective impacts like pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These are crucial in catastrophic injury cases as they acknowledge the profound personal impact the injury has on the individual's quality of life. In rare instances, punitive damages might be applicable, particularly if the injury resulted from gross negligence or intentional harm. Here, the aim is to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct in the future.
Why Is It Important to Hire a Local Attorney for My Catastrophic Injury Case?
Hiring a local attorney for a catastrophic injury case in Austin is preferable due to their in-depth understanding of the local legal landscape. They possess critical insights into local court systems, judges, and jury tendencies, helping tailor strategies that align with regional nuances. A local attorney facilitates easier and more timely communication, meeting in person as necessary to ensure consistent updates and personalized support. Additionally, their network and reputation within the Austin legal community can further benefit case proceedings, streamlining processes with ease.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim for a Catastrophic Injury in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury case, including catastrophic injuries, is typically two years from the incident date. There are exceptions, such as in cases involving minors or when the injury was not immediately discoverable. Given this time-sensitive constraint, initiating the legal process promptly is essential to preserve evidence and secure witness testimonies. Early consultation with a lawyer ensures every procedural step is followed correctly and vital deadlines are met.
What Steps Should I Take Following a Catastrophic Injury?
Following a catastrophic injury, immediate steps should include seeking prompt medical attention, collecting evidence like photos and witness information, and documenting personal experiences like pain levels and daily challenges. It's crucial to contact a qualified catastrophic injury attorney to guide you further. They will help assess legal options, develop a strategy for securing the appropriate compensation, and communicate with insurance companies. Avoid making formal statements or agreements without legal counsel to protect your rights and optimal recovery.
Contact Our Catastrophic Injury Attorney in Austin Today
At Briggle & Polan, PLLC, we understand that dealing with the aftermath of a catastrophic accident is overwhelming; taking on a legal battle may be the last thing you want to deal with right now. When you trust your case to our team, we will handle every aspect of your claim so that you can focus on healing. Our attorneys are experienced trial lawyers who provide compassionate, personalized guidance and aggressive representation from start to finish. We offer contingent fees, meaning there are no upfront costs for you and if we don’t win, you won’t pay. We are available 24/7 and can travel to meet you for your free initial consultation.
Get in touch with our Austin catastrophic injury lawyers today to learn more. Call (512) 400-3278 or submit an online contact form.
Hear From Our Clients
-
If you are looking for excellent and honest attorneys, call them.
“If you are looking for excellent and honest attorneys, call them. You will not be disappointed.”
- Paige -
It feels good to have a team on your side that knows what they’re doing and is willing to help you against big faceless insurance companies that don’t want to pay up what they owe.
“I found myself in a bad situation dealing with insurance adjusters that had no intention of seeing me compensated for damages their client inflicted. Parker and Hayden were positive, energetic, and ...”
- Matt -
I very much appreciate all their hard work and will be happy to refer to them should the need come up for friends.
“This is the one company that would take on my case after being rejected by two other law firms. After pursuing the insurance company, they were able to get the full amount.”
- Sandi -
They got me the help I? needed within a few days of hiring them.
“My settlement was awesome and I got everything I needed to get back on my feet”
- Karina -
These guys really helped me when no one else would.
“They really fought for me and their paralegals were the best. They were constantly in communication with me and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a lawyer.”
- Lauren
We've Recovered Millions
-
$1.8 Million Delivery Truck Accident
Our client was t-boned by a large package delivery truck that was traveling in excess of 70 mph. He sustained a severe neck injury that required spinal surgery. *Net to client was $759,182.96.
-
$350 Thousand Company Truck Collision
Our client was struck by a company truck that ran a red light at a busy intersection. *Net to client was $166,651.36.
-
$400 Thousand Company Truck Wreck
Our client was traveling down a residential street when a company truck backed out of a driveway into the side of her vehicle. *Net to client was $110,000.
-
$100 Thousand DWI Wreck Resolved
Our client was struck by a drunk driver in Round Rock, Texas. *Net to client was $51,113.04.
-
$115 Thousand Distracted Driver Caused Collision
A distracted driver failed to yield the right of way to our client, causing a collision. *Net to client was $25,035.44.
-
$132 Thousand Distracted Driver
Our client was the passenger in a vehicle struck by a distracted motorist who failed to yield the right of way at an intersection. *Net to client was $33,250.59.
-
$112.5 Thousand Truck Crash Into Building
A company driver lost control of his vehicle and smashed into a convenience store, injuring our client in the process. *Net to client was $30,259.56.
-
$82 Thousand T-Bone Collision
Our client had to be airlifted to the hospital as a result of a t-bone collision. *Net proceeds to client were $23,914.57.
-
$85 Thousand T-Bone Collision Resolved
Our client was t-boned by a distracted driver who ran a stop sign and required surgery for injuries sustained. *Attorney fees and expenses totaled $30,267.51.
-
$225 Thousand Collision With A Distracted Driver Operating An 18-Wheeler
Our client severely injured her back in the wreck and the driver did not have the required commercial driver's license needed to operate the truck. *Net proceeds to client were $89,737.54.
