Living with a catastrophic injury like paralysis or an accidental amputation is extremely challenging. When an accident leaves you with life-changing injuries, your whole family will experience sudden and overwhelming disruption to your lives. As you struggle to cope with your “new normal,” you may wonder how you are going to cover the costs so you can move forward.
At Christensen Law, our Southfield catastrophic injury lawyers understand the stress and frustration you are experiencing, and we are here to take the pressure off of you. We have the resources to take on the insurance companies to make sure you recover the maximum compensation you need to cover your medical costs and caretaking expenses.
To discuss your legal options after a catastrophic incident in MI, call our compassionate team at 248-900-9000. Let us help protect your rights to make sure you have the legal and financial support you need.
How Much a Southfield Catastrophic Injury Claim Is Worth
There is no average value for a catastrophic injury claim because your case is unique, with factors that won’t be exactly like anyone else’s claim. For example, how the injuries have affected your life or your career will not be the same as another victim’s experience.
Here are some examples of results our Southfield personal injury lawyers have achieved for our Michigan clients:
- $17.8 million for the victim of a car accident who sustained catastrophic injuries that left her unable to live independently.
- $9.5 million for a motorcyclist who was hit by a car and sustained life-changing injuries, including the amputation of his leg, leaving him in a wheelchair.
- $4.197 million for the passenger in a vehicle who sustained catastrophic injuries after another driver ran a stop sign at 50 mph, leaving her with a lifetime of care needs.
- $2 million to the victim of a bicycle accident who sustained a traumatic brain injury that resulted in a lifetime of inpatient residential care.
Catastrophic injury claims often result in higher settlements and court awards than other types of injury claims due to the severity of the injuries and the high medical costs. Victims of serious injuries also often lose the ability to work, which also contributes to higher settlement amounts. While this is not a guarantee of results, we’d like to see how we can help and get you the compensation you need
The Time Limit to File a Catastrophic Injury Claim in Southfield, MI
When pursuing legal action after a catastrophic injury in Southfield, Michigan, it is imperative to act quickly and file prior to the expiration of the statute. This important deadline is set on a state-by-state basis, and it lets victims know how long they have to file civil claims before their right to compensation expires.
According to Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 600.5805, for personal injury claims in Michigan, victims generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a civil claim. There are some exceptions, such as when the victim is a minor.
In these cases, time is truly of the essence. As you cope with catastrophic loss, meeting strict filing deadlines can be challenging. An experienced personal injury attorney obtains evidence and initiates your claim quickly to protect your right to recover compensation.
What Counts as a Catastrophic Injury in Michigan?
In Michigan, catastrophic injury refers to severe, disabling injuries stemming from incidents like car accidents, dangerous premises, or even intentional acts. Possible catastrophic injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia
- Moderate to severe brain injuries
- Severe burns
- Loss of or impaired vision or hearing that cannot be corrected with surgery/devices
- Injuries resulting in the amputation or functional loss of a limb/extremity
For an injury to qualify as catastrophic from a legal standpoint, it must be expected to permanently impact fundamental activities of daily living. Victims require intensive medical intervention and therapeutic rehabilitation, with a high likelihood of permanent disability.
Damages in catastrophic injury cases account for significant economic losses over a lifetime, in addition to pain and suffering. Securing fair compensation allows victims to access vital resources and care needed for the long road ahead.
How Much Does a Southfield Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Cost?
Pursuing fair compensation after a catastrophic injury can feel financially overwhelming. But getting legal representation doesn’t have to be because a Southfield catastrophic injury lawyer can represent you on a contingency basis.
We know cost should not deter people who are seriously injured through no fault of their own from seeking legal help. Contingency fee arrangements level the playing field between victims and insurance companies by making justice accessible to everyone – not just those who can pay for legal care up front.
There are no upfront fees to have the team at Christensen Law thoroughly review and investigate your potential claim. We offer simple contingent fee structures, only collecting if we secure your compensation.
Types of Cases Our Catastrophic Injury Lawyers in Southfield Represent
Catastrophic injuries can occur from many types of accidents. Here are some of the types of claims we represent in Michigan:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Construction accidents
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Slip and fall accidents
- Animal attacks
Reach out to our team by calling us at 248-900-9000 to schedule your consultation. We will go over the details of your accident and determine if you have a valid claim.
Can You Recover From a Catastrophic Injury?
Recovering from a catastrophic injury with permanent, disabling effects is a long, complex process full of physical, mental, and emotional challenges. However, while a full return to a pre-injury state may not be possible, significant progress can be made to regain function and adapt to a rewarding new life.
With intensive rehabilitation involving physical, occupational, mental, and speech therapies, many catastrophe victims build back mobility, independence in daily tasks, and communication skills utilizing durable equipment. However, all of these therapies are expensive, and victims may be struggling with the loss of their ability to work and bring in money while they cope.
Though adapting takes incredible courage and work, living successfully with a disability is absolutely possible thanks to assistive technology, accessibility gains in communities, as well as expanding treatment options. A catastrophic injury lawyer in Southfield secures the financial compensation to make all necessary accommodations a reality.
Who May Be Liable in a Catastrophic Injury Claim in Southfield, MI
These are some of the parties who may be legally liable for accidents resulting in catastrophic injuries:
- Drivers – Drivers who cause motor vehicle collisions due to reckless/drunk driving, speeding, running lights, etc. may be liable for resulting spinal, brain, or other catastrophic harms.
- Government agencies – If an injury occurs due to poor road design, lack of signs/signals, police misconduct, etc. then government bodies can share fault.
- Property owners – Homeowners, businesses, hotels, and other property owners can be liable if dangerous conditions on their premises lead to catastrophic incidents.
- Employers – If catastrophic occupational injuries occur due to poor safety regulations, lack of training, negligence, etc. then employers can share blame.
The at-fault party’s insurance company typically pays settlements, or plaintiffs may recover damages directly from individuals/companies depending on the situation. A personal injury attorney proves which party bears liability under state laws.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Catastrophic Injury Claim?
There are extensive financial damages you may recover in a catastrophic personal injury lawsuit to offset losses and long-term care needs including:
- All past and future accident-related medical costs
- Hospitalization & surgery expenses
- Costs of therapies, inpatient/outpatient rehab
- Prescription medication expenses
- Assistive devices & mobility equipment
- Accessible home/vehicle modifications
- Lost income from missing work due to the injury
- Loss of future earning potential & raises
- In-home caregivers, case management
- Attendant care for daily living assistance
- Transportation to appointments
- Compensation for physical pain from injuries
- Emotional damages for mental anguish experienced
With lifetime treatment and equipment costs ranging from millions up to tens of millions for a catastrophic injury, Southfield catastrophic injury attorneys pursue maximum available compensation through negotiations, mediations, and trial verdicts if needed. This secures your or your family member’s future medical requirements and quality of life.
Get a Free Consultation With a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer in Southfield, Michigan
If you or a loved one suffered a life-altering spinal cord injury, brain trauma, or other catastrophic impairment from an auto accident or other personal injury incident in Michigan – you need fierce advocates fighting for your full and fair compensation. Christensen Law guides victims and families through the personal injury legal process after catastrophic harm.
Our award-winning Southfield catastrophic injury attorneys have recovered millions for our clients. To schedule a free case review to learn more about your legal options, call 248-900-9000. It costs nothing to discuss your options with our dedicated advocates.
