Indianapolis Catastrophic Injury Lawyers
Last updated on August 6, 2024
When you are injured in an accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and other damages. However, when an accident results in a catastrophic injury, the damages are often much more extensive. Catastrophic injuries are those that cause permanent disability, disfigurement or other long-term or life-altering consequences. These injuries are often severe and may require extensive medical treatment, ongoing care and long-term rehabilitation.
At Hovde Dassow + Deets, our Indianapolis catastrophic injury lawyers are committed to helping victims of negligence fight for the full, fair recovery they are owed. We understand the immense physical, emotional and financial toll that a catastrophic injury can have on both victims and their families. Our legal team is here to provide the compassionate, personalized legal guidance you need and the aggressive advocacy you deserve.
Call our office at 888-229-1778 or contact us online to request a free, confidential consultation with one of our attorneys today.
What Is A Catastrophic Injury?
There is no specific legal definition for “catastrophic injury.” However, in general, a catastrophic injury is an injury that causes severe, long-term or permanent damage. These injuries often result in significant physical, emotional and financial losses for the victim and their family.
Some examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Amputations
- Severe burns
- Organ damage
- Blindness/vision loss
- Deafness/hearing loss
- Crush injuries
- Multiple broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Severe soft tissue damage
- Severe scarring and/or disfigurement
These are just a few examples of the types of injuries that are often considered “catastrophic.” In general, any injury that causes long-term or permanent damage and/or significantly impairs a person’s ability to work, perform daily tasks or enjoy life may be considered catastrophic.
Common Causes Of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries can occur in a wide range of accidents and incidents. In many cases, these injuries are the result of someone else’s negligence or wrongful conduct. When this is the case, the injured person may be entitled to compensation for their damages.
Some of the most common causes of catastrophic injuries include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Construction accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Defective products
- Medical malpractice
- Premises liability
- Violent crimes
These are just a few examples of the types of accidents and incidents that can cause catastrophic injuries. If you or someone you love was injured in any type of accident, it is important that you reach out to an experienced attorney to learn more about your rights and options.
How Our Firm Can Help
At Hovde Dassow + Deets, we understand the immense physical, emotional and financial toll that a catastrophic injury can have on both victims and their families. Our Indianapolis catastrophic injury attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.
When you choose our firm, you can expect:
- Compassionate, personalized legal guidance: We know that every case is unique, which is why we take the time to listen to your story, understand your goals and help you explore your legal options. We are here to answer your questions, address your concerns and provide the support you need every step of the way.
- Aggressive, tireless advocacy: Our legal team is not afraid to take on large corporations, insurance companies and other powerful entities. We are skilled litigators who are prepared to fight for you in court, and we have a proven track record of success. While we are often able to reach favorable settlements for our clients, we are always prepared to take a case to trial when necessary.
- Proven results: We have successfully recovered millions of dollars for our clients, including numerous six- and seven-figure settlements and verdicts. Our attorneys have been recognized by numerous prestigious organizations for their excellence in the field of personal injury law, and we are proud to have earned a reputation for providing top-quality legal services.
Types Of Damages In Catastrophic Injury Cases
Catastrophic injuries often result in significant damage to the victim. In addition to the physical pain and suffering these injuries can cause, victims may also be unable to work and earn an income. Extensive medical treatment, ongoing care and long-term rehabilitation may become necessary. Daily tasks and once-enjoyable activities may be difficult or impossible. In some cases, modifications to their living space or vehicle may be required to accommodate new limitations.
As such, victims of catastrophic injuries may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages, including:
- Emergency medical care
- Surgeries and other medical procedures
- Hospital stays
- Medications and medical devices
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Home health care
- Modifications to the home or vehicle
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Lost or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Disability and/or reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium
These are just a few examples of the types of damages that may be available in a catastrophic injury case. Every case is unique, and the specific types and amounts of damages available will depend on the facts involved.
How Long Do I Have To File A Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit In Indiana?
Like all other states, Indiana has a “statute of limitations” for personal injury lawsuits. This is a law that sets a strict time limit on how long you have to file a lawsuit after an injury. In Indiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the injury.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you did not discover your injury right away, you may have two years from the date you discovered the injury to file a lawsuit. Additionally, if the victim was a minor at the time of the injury, the two-year clock does not start ticking until the victim turns 18.
It is also important to note that, in some cases, the statute of limitations may be shorter. For example, if you are filing a lawsuit against a government entity, you may have as little as 180 days to file a notice of claim. If you miss this deadline, you may be barred from filing a lawsuit.
Because the statute of limitations is so important, it is generally a good idea to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible after an injury. An experienced lawyer can help you understand the specific deadlines that apply to your case and ensure that you do not miss any important deadlines.
How Much Is My Catastrophic Injury Case Worth?
One of the most common questions we receive from clients is, “How much is my case worth?” Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. The value of a catastrophic injury case will depend on a wide range of factors, including the severity of the injury, the extent of the damages, the impact on the victim’s life and more.
Some of the factors that may affect the value of a catastrophic injury case include:
- The cost of medical treatment, including ongoing care and long-term rehabilitation
- The cost of home health care and/or modifications to the home or vehicle
- The victim’s lost wages and loss of future earnings
- The victim’s pain and suffering, mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life
- The victim’s disability and/or reduced quality of life
- The impact on the victim’s personal relationships and ability to engage in activities they once enjoyed
- The victim’s age, occupation and overall health
- The availability of insurance coverage
These are just a few examples of the many factors that may affect the value of a catastrophic injury case. When you choose Hovde Dassow + Deets, our Indianapolis catastrophic injury lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation into the facts of your case and work with experts to determine the full value of your damages. We will then fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.
Can I Afford An Attorney?
At Hovde Dassow + Deets, we understand that the cost of legal representation can be a major concern for many people. However, we believe that everyone deserves access to quality legal services, regardless of their financial situation. That is why we offer our services on a contingency fee basis.
This means that you do not owe any upfront or out-of-pocket costs when you choose our firm. Instead, our fees are contingent on recovering compensation for you. If we do not win your case, you do not pay.
Our contingency fee arrangement allows you to focus on what is most important: your recovery. You can trust that our team will handle all the legal details of your case while you focus on healing.
Request A Free Consultation Today
If you or someone you love has suffered a catastrophic injury, reach out to the experienced team at Hovde Dassow + Deets right away. Our Indianapolis catastrophic injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and options and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.
Call our office at 888-229-1778 or submit an online request form to schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our lawyers today.