Oklahoma City Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Catastrophic, life-changing injuries can have a huge financial impact on the family of the victim. In addition to extensive medical treatment, many of these victims also require ongoing medical care and assistance with activities of daily living. Fortunately, injured victims and their family members may be entitled to compensation if the injury resulted from another party’s negligence. For help determining your eligibility and filing a claim, call an Oklahoma catastrophic injury lawyer at The Handley Law Center today.

Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries

Some examples of catastrophic injuries include:

  • Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Limb amputations
  • Widespread or full-thickness burns
  • Loss of an eye
  • Loss of a sense, such as vision or hearing
  • Multiple fractures

Experienced Oklahoma Catastrophic Injury Attorney

Why are catastrophic injuries so devastating?

Catastrophic injuries are devastating because they often alter both ways of life and quality of life. Even after months or even years of rehabilitation and therapy, many victims must live with permanent disabilities.

The costs of a catastrophic injury are also often overwhelming to a family already facing such a significant tragedy. The costs of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and therapy mount; these costs are high enough without the need for things like home or vehicle renovations and ongoing care.

Catastrophic injuries can cause stress especially if the victim was the breadwinner. When a victim suffers a catastrophic injury, he will likely need to take time off work to recover or may be unable to return at all.

If the victim is unable to care for himself, another member of the family may need to take time off work or even quit to care for the injured family member.

The emotional costs also add up quickly because the injury affects all members of the family, not just the victim.

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Do I have a right to file a claim for catastrophic injuries?

If you or your loved one suffered a catastrophic injury at the hands of another person (e.g., car accident, slip and fall, dog attack, medical malpractice, assault), you may be eligible to file a claim or lawsuit to recover compensation for your injuries.

This compensation covers the economic and noneconomic costs of the injury. These include:

  • Medical bills
  • Rehabilitation
  • Lost wages
  • Accident-related home and vehicle modifications
  • Ongoing care
  • Pain and suffering

What do I need to prove to win a personal injury lawsuit in Oklahoma?

There are four elements necessary to prove a personal injury case:

  • The other party had a responsibility to follow certain rules, provide a safe environment, or otherwise protect you from harm (e.g., a store owner has an obligation to keep customers safe from harm).
  • This party failed to uphold this responsibility.
  • You or a loved one suffered injuries because of this failure.
  • You or a loved one suffered physical and/or financial damages in the accident.

While every case is different, many have some of the same elements. This is especially true in catastrophic injury cases, where ongoing care and lost wages make up the majority of a potential payout. Some types of evidence commonly used to prove these cases include:

  • Medical records
  • Expert medical witnesses
  • Police reports or other reports of the incident
  • Witness accounts of the scene
  • Medical bills
  • Receipts for home modifications
  • Pay stubs showing lost wages
  • Expert witnesses in your industry to testify about earning potential
  • Expert testimony from a life-care planner

How can I determine if I have a personal injury case?

A catastrophic injury attorney can help you determine if you have a valid case, gather evidence, file a claim, and even represent you in court, if necessary. Contact an Oklahoma City catastrophic injury lawyer at The Handley Law Center for help with your claim today.