Suffering a catastrophic injury can change your life in an instant. Whether it’s a severe car accident on Veterans Memorial Boulevard or a workplace injury near Lakeside Shopping Center, the aftermath is overwhelming. You’re facing long-term medical care, mounting bills, and an uncertain future. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation. We know how stressful this time is, and we’re here to guide you through the legal process.
At Poolson | Oden Injury Lawyers, our Metairie personal injury lawyers can help catastrophic injury victims like you. We understand the challenges you’re facing—physical pain, financial pressure, and the need for justice.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. We’ll work to hold those responsible accountable for the damage they’ve caused. Call us today to get started with a free case consultation.
How Louisiana Classifies Catastrophic Injuries
In Louisiana, a catastrophic injury refers to a severe injury that results in long-term or permanent disability, significantly impacting the victim’s ability to live a normal life.
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. The term “catastrophic injury” is not strictly defined under any Louisiana law, but it generally includes physical harm that permanently impairs a person’s bodily functions or ability to work.
Common Examples of Catastrophic Injuries
Several types of injuries are considered catastrophic, depending on the severity and impact on the victim’s daily life.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Any injury to the brain that can cause cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments
- Spinal cord injuries: These injuries may lead to partial or total paralysis, affecting the victim’s mobility and independence
- Amputations: The loss of limbs due to severe trauma, requiring prosthetics and rehabilitation
- Loss of bodily function: If an injury affects your ability to live, such as blindness, hearing loss, or speech impairment
- Severe burns: Extensive burns that result in disfigurement, nerve damage, or loss of function
These injuries are life-altering, and victims in Metairie often require substantial financial compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional toll of their injuries.
Common Accidents that Cause Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries can happen suddenly, often due to severe accidents that disrupt everyday life. In Metairie and throughout Louisiana, these incidents often occur because of someone else’s negligence, leaving victims with lifelong consequences.
Understanding the types of accidents that frequently cause catastrophic injuries can help you determine if you have a valid claim.
Here are some of the most common accidents that lead to catastrophic injuries:
- Railroad accidents
- Maritime accidents
- Auto accidents
- 18-wheeler/commercial vehicle accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Medical malpractice
These accidents often lead to substantial medical expenses and a prolonged recovery process, making it essential to seek legal guidance. If you have suffered catastrophic injuries in Metairie, Poolson | Oden Injury Lawyers can help. Call us today for a free case consultation.
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Compensation Available for Catastrophic Injury Victims in Metairie
Victims of catastrophic injuries often face overwhelming financial and emotional burdens. Louisiana law allows you to pursue compensation for the wide-ranging impact of these injuries. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover damages to help cover the costs and challenges that come with such life-altering events.
Here are the types of damages a catastrophic injury victim can pursue:
- Medical expenses: This includes all past, current, and future medical bills related to the injury, such as hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: Compensation for the income you’ve lost during recovery and any future earnings you may no longer be able to achieve due to your injury.
- Loss of earning capacity: If your ability to work in the future is permanently impacted, you can pursue damages for your reduced earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages that account for the physical pain and emotional trauma you’ve endured as a result of the injury.
- Long-term care: For injuries requiring ongoing care, such as home health aides, specialized equipment, or modifications to your living space.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for how the injury has negatively impacted on your ability to enjoy daily activities and hobbies.
Pursuing these damages can help you rebuild your life and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
How Our Catastrophic Injury Lawyers in Metairie Can Help You
The legal process after a catastrophic injury can be complex and overwhelming, especially while trying to recover physically and emotionally. A personal injury attorney can provide legal guidance and support to ensure you receive the fair compensation you deserve.
Here are some ways our catastrophic injury lawyers serving Metairie can help:
- Investigating the accident: Gathering evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and eyewitness statements, to prove negligence and identify liable parties.
- Pursuing damages: Accurately compiling the full scope of your financial losses, including future medical needs and lost income.
- Negotiating a fair settlement: Handling all communications and negotiations to ensure you aren’t taken advantage of by the insurance companies.
- Filing legal claims: Ensuring all legal documents are filed correctly and within Louisiana’s statute of limitations.
- Representing you in court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our lawyer can represent you in court to pursue the maximum compensation possible.
Working with an accident attorney allows you to focus on healing while they handle the legal complexities of your personal injury claim.
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Louisiana’s Legal Deadlines for Catastrophic Injury Claims
According to L.A. Civ. Code § 3493.1, victims of catastrophic injuries now have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Failing to file within this deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation through the courts, no matter how severe the injury is or how clear the liability may be.
We advise accident victims to reach out to us as soon as possible so that we can protect your legal rights and ensure you can pursue the financial recovery you need. Contacting us early enough also allows us to secure evidence before it is lost.
Certain circumstances can shorten or extend this deadline. If you’re unsure about how the statute of limitations applies to your case, our personal injury lawyers can explain which laws affect your case.
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Let Us Help You Recover After a Catastrophic Injury in Metairie
At Poolson | Oden Injury Lawyers, we understand the devastating impact a catastrophic injury can have on your life. Our legal team is here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t pay any fees unless we win your case.
Call us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you in moving forward.