Catastrophic Injury Lawyer in Metairie
Fighting For Catastrophic Injury Victims in Louisiana
A catastrophic injury is any severe injury that results in permanent damage, disability, or disfigurement. Catastrophic injuries are often life-threatening and may require extensive rehabilitation and long-term care.
For this reason, these types of injuries are typically more complex and costly to treat than other types of injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. The Law Office of Ivan J. Thompson can help you understand your legal rights and options and work to secure the maximum compensation you are owed.
Call us at (985) 531-1945 or contact us online today to request a free consultation with our catastrophic injuries lawyer in Metairie.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries
There are many different types of catastrophic injuries. These injuries can be caused by a variety of incidents and accidents, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, commercial truck accidents, slip and falls, and more.
Some of the most common types of catastrophic injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burn injuries
- Amputations
- Organ damage
- Eye injuries/loss of vision
- Paralysis
- Severe fractures
- Crush injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Loss of hearing
- Soft tissue injuries
- Severe lacerations
- Crushing injuries
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Neurological injuries
Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries
Common causes may include:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: High speeds, reckless driving, and failure to observe traffic laws could lead to severe collisions, resulting in life-changing injuries. Victims of these accidents may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or multiple fractures, requiring long-term medical care.
- Workplace Accidents: Certain professions carry a higher risk of catastrophic injuries because of the nature of the work environment. Construction sites, factories, and other hazardous workplaces can expose employees to dangerous machinery, falls, and toxic substances. A single moment of negligence can result in serious injuries that affect a worker’s ability to earn a living.
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere—at home, in stores, or on public property. When property owners fail to keep safe conditions, like repairing uneven walkways or promptly cleaning spills, they may be held liable for the injuries that occur. Victims may experience severe injuries, including fractures, head trauma, or spinal injuries, necessitating medical intervention and rehabilitation.
- Medical Malpractice: Medical professionals have a duty to provide a certain standard of care to their patients. When that duty is breached, resulting in catastrophic injury, victims may have a valid medical malpractice claim. Errors in surgery, misdiagnosis, or improper treatment can lead to substantial harm, often demanding extensive medical care and leading to long-term complications.
- Product Defects: Defective products can cause catastrophic injuries if they fail to function as intended or lack proper safety warnings. Whether it’s a malfunctioning vehicle, unsafe children's toys, or faulty medical devices, manufacturers and retailers can be held responsible for injuries caused by their products. Victims could require ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation, creating significant financial burdens.
- Assault and Violent Crimes: Injuries resulting from assaults, domestic violence, or other violent crimes can also be categorized as catastrophic injuries. Victims may suffer physical injuries, psychological trauma, and long-lasting emotional effects. Pursuing justice and compensation through the legal system can be crucial for victims attempting to rebuild their lives.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit?
In Louisiana, you generally have one year from the date of the accident/injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, the statute of limitations is often extended in cases involving catastrophic injuries.
In most cases, the statute of limitations for catastrophic injury lawsuits in Louisiana is one year from the date on which the injury was discovered. This is because some catastrophic injuries do not present symptoms immediately and may not be diagnosed for several months or even years after the accident that caused them.
It is important to consult with an experienced catastrophic injuries lawyer in Metairie as soon as possible to ensure that you do not miss any important deadlines.
How to Prove a Catastrophic Injury
Proving a catastrophic injury is essential to recovering compensation. In most cases, you will need to demonstrate that someone else’s negligence caused your injury and that you have suffered damages as a result.
To prove a catastrophic injury, you generally need to show:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care
- The defendant breached this duty of care
- The defendant’s breach was the direct and proximate cause of your injury
- You have suffered compensable damages
For example, if you suffered a TBI in a car accident, you will need to show that the other driver owed you a duty of care (to drive safely), breached this duty of care (by speeding, driving distracted, etc.), and that their breach was the direct cause of your TBI. You will also need to demonstrate that you have suffered damages, such as medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, etc.
Proving a catastrophic injury can be challenging, which is why it is typically best to work with an experienced catastrophic injury lawyer in Metairie.
Recovering Damages in a Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit
If you can prove that your catastrophic injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, or “damages.”
There are two main types of damages in a personal injury lawsuit:
- Compensatory damages
- Punitive damages
While punitive damages are rare, they may be available in certain cases where the defendant’s behavior was particularly egregious. Punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from engaging in similar conduct. Compensatory damages, on the other hand, are meant to compensate the victim for their losses.
Some compensatory damages that may be available in a catastrophic injury lawsuit include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages/income
- Lost future earnings
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation services
- Long-term care
- Home modifications
- Lost earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress/trauma
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement/scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Calculating the value of a catastrophic injury claim can be difficult, as you will need to consider both past and future damages. An experienced catastrophic injuries lawyer in Jefferson Parish can help you understand the potential value of your claim.
CLIENT EXPERIENCES
Real Stories, Real Results
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"Strongly recommend."Mr. Ivan is a man who is respectful and professional, that goes beyond to assure he gets what his clients deserve.- R.G.
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"Top tier."
Ivan is very passionate about what he does and his communication when working to help is top tier. Definitely check him out.
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"From that first call I knew he was my lawyer."He was professional and caring! I recommend him to EVERYONE who needs help and an attorney. Trust me he’s great.- S.N.
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"I will definitely return to Mr. Thompson for any legal matters."Ivan is a committed and persistent attorney who works tirelessly for his clients! His care and dedication to each individual client sets him apart from the rest.- S.J.
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"If you’re looking for someone to get the job effectively definitely hire him."Ivan is a great attorney who pays close attention to the needs of his clients, communicates, and gives realistic expectations about outcomes.- J.M.
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"Five stars all around."From the moment I walked through their doors, I felt reassured and supported. Mr. Thompson and his team demonstrated exceptional professionalism, legal expertise, and a genuine commitment to my case.- D.T.
How Our Catastrophic Injuries Attorney in Metairie Can Help You
At the Law Office of Ivan J. Thompson, we understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial toll of a catastrophic injury. Our firm is dedicated to helping injured individuals and families navigate the legal process and secure the compensation they need to heal and move forward. We are well-versed in the tactics used by insurance companies and large corporations and can aggressively advocate for you at every stage of the process.
When you choose our firm, you can expect:
- Compassionate guidance: We understand the challenges you are facing, and we are here to offer the compassionate support and personalized legal counsel you need.
- Open and honest communication: Our team is always available to answer your questions and address your concerns. We will keep you updated on any developments in your case and provide you with the information you need to make well-informed decisions.
- Aggressive advocacy: Our catastrophic injuries lawyer in Metairie is a seasoned trial attorney who is never afraid to take a case to court. We are prepared to fight for you at trial if necessary and have a proven track record of success.
- Customized strategies: We understand that every case is unique. When you work with our firm, we will take the time to understand your goals and tailor our approach to your specific needs and circumstances.
Call us at (985) 531-1945 or contact us online today to request a free consultation with our Metairie catastrophic injuries lawyer.
