Unintentional injuries are one of the leading causes of death for Americans aged 1 to 44 years old. When those injuries are catastrophic, like a brain injury, amputation, or severe burns, recovery is long. Healing is often expensive and legally complicated. A serious injury law firm protects survivors’ rights from day one.
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, you deserve justice. Discover what you may be eligible for below, and then give our team a call. Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys works for folks like you, not the insurance companies.
What Counts as a “Serious” Injury?
Whether from a car accident or medical malpractice, a serious injury is devastating. The legal definition for a catastrophic injury varies by your state. Courts and insurance companies often look at the long-term impact. Catastrophic injuries permanently change every part of your life, like your ability to work and care for yourself.
Common types of serious or catastrophic injuries include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Amputations and crush injuries
- Severe burns that cover a majority of your body
- Organ damage or significant internal bleeding
Does your injury require ongoing medical care, limits your ability to work, or affects your quality of life? You may have a serious personal injury case. Book a free case review to understand your legal options.
What a Serious Injury Law Firm Actually Does
A serious injury law firm accomplishes far more than filing paperwork. Once you hire an attorney, their firm should fight to build a strong case. These are the steps a law firm could do for you.
Investigates your claim and gathers evidence.
Critical evidence easily disappears. A law firm collects police reports, medical records, and witness statements as early as possible.
Works with medical and financial experts.
Serious injury claims often need an expert to speak about your diagnosis, medical bills, and future care needs. At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we meet with qualified experts to build a strong case.
Negotiates with insurance companies.
Insurers have entire teams of adjusters and lawyers whose job is to minimize payouts. Your personal injury attorney should push for as much compensation for you as possible.
Taking cases to trial when necessary.
Most cases settle, but an attorney should prepare to go to trial. Insurance companies know this, and it changes how they negotiate.
Most importantly, serious injury lawyers advocate for you and your future. Corporations and insurance companies will try to lowball you. A lawyer and their firm could make sure you are receiving what your personal injury claim is worth.
How Liability Works in Serious Injury Cases
In a serious injury case, proving fault is everything. You generally need to show that another person or entity acted without care. Then, you need to prove that their negligence directly caused your injury.
Liability can fall on different parties based on the circumstances of your case. For example, a liable party could be any of the following:
- Drivers who were distracted, impaired, or reckless
- Property owners who ignored dangerous conditions
- Employers who failed to maintain a safe workplace
- Manufacturers of defective products or equipment
- Medical providers who made a severe mistake
Liability matters, and so does having experienced serious injury lawyers on your side. We fight to maximize your recovery.
Compensation You May Recover from a Serious Injury Claim
Serious injuries, like a traumatic brain injury, come with serious costs. A strong claim goes beyond covering your hospital bills. It considers the full financial and personal impact. You may be able to recover the following costs.
- Medical expenses, like emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and ongoing treatment. A lawyer calculates your future medical costs as a part of your claim.
- Compensation for lost income and earnings may be possible for you. Serious injuries often affect your ability to work and provide for yourself.
- Emotional toll like pain and suffering are non-economic damages. They often reflect physical pain and a reduced quality of life.
- A spouse or close relative may have a loss of consortium claim. Your injury may harm your relationship and household.
When You Should Contact a Serious Injury Law Firm
The short answer is that you should call an attorney as soon as possible.
Evidence may disappear and witnesses’ memories fade. The legal deadlines for filing a claim vary by state. They can run out faster than you might expect.
Early legal involvement also protects you from a terrible mistake. You never want to give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster before speaking with an attorney. Corporate America will use anything you say to undermine your claim. An attorney advises you on what to say, and how to protect your case from the start.
Common Questions About Serious Injury Law Firms
A “serious injury” may seem difficult to define or understand. Below are the most common questions we receive from our clients.
What types of cases does a serious injury law firm take on?
A serious injury law firm takes cases with severe, permanent, or life-changing injuries. These situations usually need significant medical treatment. They also often impact a person’s ability to work and live on their own. Examples include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and severe burns.
How do I know if I need a serious injury law firm?
If your injury requires hospitalization, surgery, or ongoing treatment, you should speak with a serious injury law firm. You should also schedule a meeting if you’re unable to work, or care for yourself, after the injury. Most firms offer free consultations.
How long does a serious injury case take to resolve?
Resolution depends on the complexity of the case and the severity of injuries. It also matters if the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases end in months. Others may take a year or more.
What is a contingency fee arrangement?
A contingency fee is less complicated than it sounds. You only pay your attorney if you win your case, or reach a settlement. The fee is a pre-agreed part of your compensation, and you pay nothing upfront. This type of payment lets folks like you access quality representation, regardless of your finances.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?
Possibly. Many states follow comparative fault rules. They allow you to recover damages, even if you were partially responsible for the accident. A lawyer can explain how your state’s rules apply to your situation.
Trust Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys With Your Case
At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we’ve spent years fighting for people whose lives have been upended by serious injuries. Our track record of $2 billion recovered speaks for itself. We know how to build strong cases and stand up to corporate America. Schedule a free case review today.
