Atlanta Catastrophic Injury Attorneys
Representation for Seriously Injured Victims
Catastrophic injuries are life-altering events that bring immense physical, emotional, and financial burdens. When such injuries occur due to someone else’s negligence, the consequences can be even more overwhelming. At Cunningham Bounds, our Atlanta catastrophic injury lawyers are dedicated to helping victims and their families secure justice and obtain the compensation needed for a brighter future.
When you suffer catastrophic injuries because of another party’s negligence, you deserve compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other losses. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to get what you deserve, as the at-fault party and their insurance company will likely make every effort to avoid responsibility.
You do not have to shoulder the burden of fighting for justice alone. At Cunningham Bounds, our award-winning attorneys have been fighting for the seriously injured since 1958 and have amassed a record of proven results, landmark victories, and billions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. Now, our Atlanta catastrophic injury lawyers are ready to put our experience and resources to work for you.
If you or someone you love were seriously injured by another’s negligence, the time to seek legal support is now. Call (404) 609-1081 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
A “catastrophic injury” is any injury that’s substantially life-altering. It may be an injury that causes incredible pain or suffering, permanent disability or disfigurement, and/or long-term or life-long medical needs, among many other types of damages.
Examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Brain injuries
- Burn injuries
- Paralysis
- Paraplegia
- Quadriplegia
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Organ Damage
- Amputations
- Multiple Fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
Living with a catastrophic injury takes a lot out of victims and their loved ones. We understand how to strategically advocate for victims and families in these difficult scenarios. Our Atlanta catastrophic injury attorneys can evaluate your circumstances and walk you through your legal options during a personalized consultation.
What Causes Catastrophic Injuries?
Catastrophic injuries are severe, life-altering conditions that often occur unexpectedly and have long-term or permanent effects. These injuries can result from various types of accidents and events, including:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: High-speed collisions, especially those involving large trucks or motorcycles, can lead to catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and amputations.
- Workplace Accidents: Falls from heights, machinery malfunctions, and exposure to hazardous materials in workplaces can cause severe, debilitating injuries.
- Medical Malpractice: Surgical errors, misdiagnosis, and birth injuries can result in permanent physical and cognitive impairments.
- Defective Products: When products such as vehicles, machinery, or medical devices malfunction, they can cause catastrophic injuries to users.
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Falls, particularly from significant heights, can cause serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage.
- Violent Acts: Assaults, shootings, and other violent crimes can leave victims with life-altering injuries.
Who Can File A Catastrophic Injury Claim?
In Georgia, a catastrophic injury claim can generally be filed by:
- The Injured Victim: If you’ve sustained a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to file a claim seeking compensation for your losses.
- Legal Guardians or Family Members: If the injured person is incapacitated or unable to file a claim themselves, a legal guardian or close family member may file on their behalf.
- The Estate of the Deceased: In the tragic event that a catastrophic injury results in death, the victim's estate may file a wrongful death claim to recover damages on behalf of the family.
Filing a claim involves meeting specific legal requirements and deadlines, which is why consulting with an experienced catastrophic injury attorney is crucial to ensuring your rights are protected.
How to Prove Fault in a Catastrophic Injury Case in Georgia
Proving fault in a catastrophic injury claim involves demonstrating several key elements:
- Duty of Care: You must show that the defendant owed you a duty of care. For example, drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws, and doctors must adhere to medical standards.
- Breach of Duty: Next, you must prove that the defendant breached this duty through negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct. This could be a driver running a red light or a doctor making a surgical error.
- Causation: You need to establish that the defendant’s breach of duty directly caused your catastrophic injury. This is typically done through medical records, expert testimony, and accident reconstruction.
- Damages: Finally, you must demonstrate that the injury has caused significant damages, such as medical expenses, lost income, and long-term care needs.
Important Evidence in Catastrophic Injury Cases
Gathering strong evidence is crucial in building a successful catastrophic injury claim. Important types of evidence include:
- Medical Records: Detailed documentation of your injuries, treatments, and long-term prognosis is vital for proving the extent of your damages.
- Accident Reports: Police reports, workplace incident reports, or other official documentation can help establish the facts of the case.
- Witness Statements: Testimonies from witnesses who saw the accident or event can support your version of the events.
- Expert Testimony: Expert witnesses, such as medical professionals or accident reconstruction specialists, can provide authoritative opinions on how the injury occurred and its impact.
- Photos and Videos: Visual evidence of the accident scene, your injuries, and any contributing factors can be compelling in court.
- Employment Records: Documentation of lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and other financial impacts is important for calculating economic damages.
The Life-Changing Impact of a Catastrophic Injury
The consequences of a catastrophic injury extend far beyond the initial hospitalization. Many victims face months or years of rehabilitation, repeated surgeries, and ongoing medical appointments. Some may never regain the ability to work or care for themselves without assistance.
Common life impacts include:
- Loss of income and earning capacity
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Need for in-home care or assisted living
- Emotional trauma, depression, or anxiety
- Strain on family relationships
- Loss of independence and quality of life
For families, the burden can be equally overwhelming. Spouses or parents may need to become full-time caregivers, and household finances can quickly spiral out of control. A skilled Atlanta catastrophic injury lawyer can help ensure that compensation reflects not only current losses but also the long-term realities the injured person will face.
Compensation Available in a Catastrophic Injury Claim
Because catastrophic injuries have lifelong consequences, compensation in these cases is often substantial. An Atlanta catastrophic injury lawyer will fight for damages that may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Long-term nursing or home care
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Costs of assistive devices and home modifications
In some cases, punitive damages may also be available if the responsible party’s conduct was especially reckless or egregious.
Catastrophic Injury Claim FAQs
How long do I have to file a catastrophic injury lawsuit in Georgia?
In most cases, Georgia law allows two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Certain exceptions may apply, so it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% at fault, though your recovery may be reduced.
How is future medical care calculated?
Future care is typically calculated using medical expert opinions, life care plans, and economic projections to estimate long-term costs.
Will my case go to trial?
Many catastrophic injury claims settle out of court, but Cunningham Bounds prepares every case as if it will go to trial to maximize leverage and results.
How much is my catastrophic injury case worth?
Every case is unique. The value depends on the severity of the injury, long-term impact, available insurance, and other factors.
Request a FREE Review of Your Case: (404) 609-1081
Cunningham Bounds is known nationally for helping victims overcome enormous legal challenges to secure the justice and compensation they deserve. If you or someone you love were catastrophically injured anywhere in Atlanta or the surrounding region, we want to help.
Our firm offers FREE and confidential consultations and handles cases on contingency. This means that there’s no cost to hire our team and no fee unless a successful recovery is made in your case. To request your free case review, call (404) 609-1081 or contact us online.
