Types of Catastrophic Injuries for Which You Might Have a Claim

After decades of experience serving injured people, we have seen how the effects of catastrophic injuries reach far beyond immediate physical damage, profoundly impacting the emotional and fiscal stability of victims and their families. But one common question that arises when unfortunate accidents happen is do I meet the requirements to sue for catastrophic injury?

A catastrophic injury is defined as a bodily injury that impairs an individual’s ability to live independently and significantly affects their quality of life, and may include:

In Indiana, the legal system recognizes the severity of catastrophic injuries and the significant impact they can have on the victim’s life. As a result, courts may award higher damages to victims of catastrophic injuries to compensate for their losses.

In the face of such overwhelming adversity, the team at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell is dedicated to providing more than just legal representation. We offer a comprehensive support system designed to navigate the complex pathways of catastrophic injury claims. Our commitment is to ensure that you are not only heard but also fully compensated for the extensive array of challenges you face.

Together, we can chart a course toward justice and recovery, securing the resources necessary for a better future for you and your family.

Our Attorneys

Tina M. Bell, Esq.

Tina M. Bell, Esq.

Partner
Meet Lee C. Christie, Esq.

Meet Lee C. Christie, Esq.

Partner
Laura J. Conyers

Laura J. Conyers

Of Counsel
Meet Kevin P. Farrell, Esq.

Meet Kevin P. Farrell, Esq.

Partner
Meet Kathy A. Lee, Esq.

Meet Kathy A. Lee, Esq.

Retired
Meet Kyle L. Christie, Esq.

Meet Kyle L. Christie, Esq.

Partner
Katherine M. Marshall

Katherine M. Marshall

Partner
Christopher D. Simpkins

Christopher D. Simpkins

Associate

For answers to your questions with a catastrophic injury serving Indianapolis, IN, call:
317-488-5500

Types of Incidents That Might Cause Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries can arise from many types of incidents, each carrying the potential to alter lives in an instant. At our law firm, we commonly handle:

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, our team is here to help guide you through the recovery process, leveraging our legal expertise to secure the support and compensation you need to rebuild your life.

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What Types Of Compensation Can You Get in a Catastrophic Injury Case?

In these types of injury cases, the compensation reflects the profound and pervasive impact of the injury on every facet of the victim’s life, and aims to cover all the expenses related to the injury. Overall, we will assess:

Medical Expenses

This includes an exhaustive list of medical needs, from emergency care and surgeries to ongoing rehabilitation, therapy, and any specialized equipment or modifications required for living with the injury.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

Compensation here addresses not just immediate lost income but also the long-term financial impact, considering the victim’s potential career trajectory and the capacity to earn that has been irrevocably altered.

Pain and Suffering

This attempts to quantify the unquantifiable—the physical pain and emotional anguish endured, acknowledging the depth of the victim’s suffering and its enduring nature.

Loss of Quality of Life

Compensation in this category speaks to the drastic changes in the victim’s ability to enjoy life’s pleasures, engage in hobbies, and participate in family and community life.

Punitive Damages

Awarded in cases of gross negligence, these serve as a financial reprimand to the responsible parties, aiming to deter such recklessness in the future. According to Indiana law, the cap for punitive damages is $50,000.

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How Quickly Are Catastrophic Injury Settlements Paid Out?

There’s no fixed timeline for resolving a catastrophic injury case in Indiana. Each case is unique, and several factors—such as the severity of your injuries, the complexity of the evidence, and whether the case settles or goes to trial—can all affect how long it takes to receive compensation.

Typically, attorneys will wait until your medical condition has stabilized before estimating the case value or timeline. This ensures that all current and future costs are accounted for in your settlement. If you’re wondering how much your claim might be worth or how long the process could take, your best first step is to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Indiana catastrophic injury lawyers.

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Why You Need Medical Attention After an Accident

Though some catastrophic injuries are immediate in the event of an accident, like losing an arm, some are more gradual and can take days and even weeks to appear, which is why it’s recommended all individuals seek medical attention after an accident. Falling on your back, for example, may mean you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury that can lead to you losing movement in one of your limbs if you fail to get it checked out by a doctor.

Getting treated also means you’ll have access to more information that our injury lawyers can use to help your case. By getting a hold of your medical records and receipts, we can calculate the extent of your damages and have hard evidence to show that you suffered injuries at the hands of another person’s negligence. It’s especially important that people with catastrophic injuries collect evidence, as it’s likely you have a high amount of damages and a lot at stake for your future. With over 120 years of collective experience, our attorneys have the knowledge and resources you need to overcome your situation and secure the compensation you need.

How Can Our Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Help You Recover?

At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, our catastrophic injury lawyers stand as pillars of support and advocacy for those irrevocably changed by severe accidents. We are dedicated to navigating the complexities of your case, transforming legal challenges into opportunities for recovery and restitution.

Our team will support you throughout the entire process by providing:

  1. Comprehensive case evaluation: We start by thoroughly assessing the details of your case, considering every angle and the full extent of your injuries to build a strong foundation for your claim.
  2. Expert collaboration: Our firm collaborates with medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, and financial analysts to substantiate the impact of your injuries and the negligence involved.
  3. Aggressive advocacy: We negotiate tirelessly with insurance companies and opposing counsel, ensuring your voice is heard and your needs are aggressively represented.
  4. Maximizing compensation: Our strategic legal approaches are tailored to secure the maximum compensation possible, covering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
  5. Trial readiness: While we strive for fair settlements, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if it means securing the justice you deserve.

Our track record speaks volumes, with millions secured in compensation for victims of negligence, as shown in our case results. With decades of serving injured people all over Indiana, we strive to secure the amount you need to cover the costs of treatments, expenses, and damages. As experienced Indiana catastrophic injury lawyers, we are dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

File Your Claim Within Indiana’s Statute of Limitations

Time is critical after a catastrophic injury. In Indiana, you typically have just two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, as outlined in Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4. Failing to file within this period may forfeit your right to seek compensation.

Our Indianapolis catastrophic injury attorneys ensure that your claim is filed on time and with precision, preserving your right to recover damages for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Indianapolis Catastrophic Injury FAQs

1. What are the consequences of catastrophic injuries?

Catastrophic injuries can result in long-term or permanent damage to a person’s body or mind. These injuries often involve the loss of a body part, such as a hand, leg, or arm, either through the accident itself or amputation. They can also cause severe damage to the nervous system, affecting the brain or spinal cord. This can lead to paralysis, cognitive impairment, or even coma.

Burn injuries, particularly third-degree burns, can also be considered catastrophic if they are extensive. These burns may require extensive medical treatment or even amputation. If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury, an Indianapolis catastrophic injury attorney can guide you through the legal process and help determine the next steps after an accident.

2. What damages can I recover after a catastrophic injury in Indiana?

In Indiana, you may be eligible to recover various damages, including:

  • Economic damages: These cover current and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and property damage.

  • Non-economic damages: These include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship.

If the defendant acted with gross negligence or malicious intent, your catastrophic injury attorney may pursue punitive damages as well, often seen in cases like defective products or other egregious behavior. If the injury results in death, family members can file a wrongful death claim under Indiana’s specific laws for such cases.

3. Are there damage caps in Indiana that could affect my catastrophic injury case?

Indiana imposes caps on certain types of damages in catastrophic injury cases:

  • Punitive damages: These are capped at three times the total of economic and non-economic damages or $50,000, whichever is greater.

  • Medical malpractice cases: If your injury is the result of medical malpractice, the cap on damages is $1.8 million, unless the negligent party is an independent contractor not covered by the Medical Malpractice Act.

  • Government entities: If a government entity is responsible for the injury, the damage award is capped at $700,000.

Although these caps limit certain types of compensation, Indiana catastrophic injury lawyers can still help you pursue the maximum recovery available under the law.

Indianapolis Office

951 N Delaware St Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: 317-593-9202

Call 317-488-5500 to discuss your case. Serious personal injury cases are all we do!