Midland Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Understanding Catastrophic Injuries

At Hanna Allen, PLLC, we recognize that any injury can change a person’s life. However, some injuries are so severe and so life-altering that they are classified as “catastrophic.” These types of injuries nearly always require emergency medical attention, as well as ongoing treatment and even lifelong care. Victims and their families may struggle to deal with the immense physical, mental, and financial consequences of a catastrophic injury—but our firm can help.

If someone else was at fault for the incident that caused your or your loved one’s catastrophic injury, you are likely entitled to financial compensation. Our catastrophic injury lawyers in Midland can review the details of your case during a free initial consultation. During this time, we will get to know you and your story, answer any questions you may have, and share how we can help you navigate the legal process. There is no risk and no obligation to you; if you hire our firm, you do not owe any attorney fees unless we recover a settlement or verdict on your behalf.

Learn more when you call (432) 220-3331. You can also reach us online using our free and secure online contact form. 

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

Generally speaking, catastrophic injuries are defined as those that lead to permanent injury and/or significant, long-lasting, or permanent disability, impairment, or limitation of a bodily organ, member, or function. That being said, there is no set definition of what makes an injury catastrophic; any injury that is severe and has long-lasting effects can be considered “catastrophic.”

A catastrophic injury is unique in the enduring impact it impresses upon the victim’s life, fundamentally altering their ability to perform daily activities and maintain employment. It's crucial for those affected to understand their rights and pursue avenues that might offer relief through comprehensive legal and medical frameworks. Our firm offers resources and guidance to help elucidate these complex scenarios, aiding in the management of not only the physical aftermath but also the emotional and financial upheaval these injuries can cause.

Common catastrophic injuries include:

• Birth injuries
• Severe burns
• Amputation
• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Hearing loss
• Eye injuries
• Chronic illnesses
• Back injuries

These and other catastrophic injuries are different from other, less serious injuries for a variety of reasons. The severity and complexity of catastrophic injuries typically necessitate extensive medical attention, meaning victims may face tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills and related expenses. Additionally, the lasting effects of catastrophic injuries may prevent victims from returning to work or obtaining any form of gainful employment. This means that, on top of expensive medical costs, victims will likely struggle financially due to lost wages, income, and employment benefits.

An additional burden with these injuries is the emotional stress they can impose on both the victim and their family. The shift in family dynamics, potential need for long-term caregivers, and the enduring quest for adaptation to constraints are all factors that further complicate recovery. The financial implications, combined with emotional and psychological challenges, underscore the importance of seeking supportive legal services to secure fair compensation that reflects not only medical costs but also the broader impact on the victim’s quality of life.

To make matters worse, insurance companies and other liable parties are heavily invested in denying catastrophic injury claims. Most insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and, like any other for-profit business, they are primarily concerned with increasing profits. One way they try to do this is by devaluing and denying claims, especially those that are high in value, like catastrophic injury claims.

Insurance companies might employ a range of tactics, from questioning the validity of injuries to prolonging the claims process, all designed to diminish the settlement you receive. It's vital that claimants ensure they have detailed and accurate documentation of their injuries, treatments, and potential prognoses to bolster their position. Our firm has a profound understanding of these tactics and is adept at counteracting them, ensuring that justice is pursued relentlessly on behalf of our clients.

If you or someone you love has sustained any type of catastrophic injury, it is extremely important that you reach out to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who can protect your rights and fight back against the insurance company’s efforts to avoid paying you a fair settlement. If necessary, our Midland catastrophic injury lawyers at Hanna Allen, PLLC are fully prepared to represent you at trial.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

Some of the common causes of catastrophic injuries include:

• Motor vehicle accidents, including car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
• Collisions between pedestrians/bicyclists and motor vehicles
• Falls, including both slip and fall accidents and falls from heights
• Sports and recreation accidents, including boating accidents
• Workplace accidents, including construction site accidents
• Medical malpractice and negligence, leading to birth trauma and other injuries
• Acts of violence, including assault, battery, and other criminal offenses

Identifying the exact cause of a catastrophic injury is important, as it allows us to determine who is liable for the victim’s damages. At Hanna Allen, PLLC, we conduct exhaustive investigations and often work alongside accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and other industry professionals to uncover exactly what happened and who was at fault.

Understanding the circumstances of catastrophic injuries involves delving into intricate details that may involve multiple parties and external conditions. Often, gathering substantial evidence such as eyewitness testimonies, photographic documentation, and expert evaluations forms the backbone of constructing a strong legal case. By meticulously examining these elements, our legal team not only establishes the necessary liability but also works towards maximizing the rewards claimants are entitled to, thereby alleviating some of the burdens these tragic events cause.

Liability in Catastrophic Injury Cases

In most cases, the person or party that caused the incident that led to the catastrophic injury is the one responsible for the victim’s damages. In other words, if a negligent motorist caused an accident because they were texting while driving, and the driver of the other involved vehicle suffered a traumatic brain injury, the texting driver would be legally liable for the injured victim’s medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Responsibility may not always be straightforward, as factors such as defective products or unsafe work environments may also play a crucial role in understanding liability. It's not uncommon for third-party entities to bear some responsibility, requiring a thorough exploration of contractual obligations or safety violations. At Hanna Allen, PLLC, we meticulously dissect every facet of the incident, ensuring that all accountable parties are identified and held responsible for their contributions to the event.

In some cases, multiple parties may be at fault. Sometimes, the victim may even share some of the blame. Because Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, being partly at fault for an accident does not bar you from seeking compensation from your damages—as long as you were less at fault than the other party. If you are found to be 50 percent or less at fault, you can file a claim or lawsuit against the other party, but the amount you can recover in damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, using the example of the texting driver, if the insurance company finds that the injured driver of the other vehicle failed to come to a complete stop at a stop sign right before they were hit, the insurance adjuster may assign 40 percent of the blame to the injured driver. If the injured driver is seeking $100,000 in damages from the texting driver, they would only be able to recover up to 60 percent of that amount, or $60,000. As you can see, being found partly at fault can greatly impact your recovery, sometimes by as much as tens of thousands of dollars. We strongly recommend that you consult an experienced attorney who can review the insurance adjuster’s assessment of blame and, if appropriate, challenge this determination.

How Our Catastrophic Injury Lawyers in Midland Can Help

For decades, our firm has stood up for the rights of individuals and families in and around Midland County, Texas. We have what it takes to effectively advocate for you, and we are prepared to handle every detail of your case so that you can focus on what matters most: healing.

When you trust your recovery to our Midland catastrophic injury attorneys, you can trust that we will do everything possible to secure the best possible outcome on your behalf. We are available 24/7 and always provide consistent communication and updates on the status of your case. We guide each client through the complexities of the legal system and work tirelessly to ensure their rights are protected.

Our team applies a strategic approach tailored to each client's unique circumstances, engaging expert consultation when needed to build strong legal arguments. Leveraging a combined experience that spans decades, we ensure that your rights are defended vehemently, whether negotiating settlements or pursuing courtroom litigation. Moreover, our dedication is reflected in our contingency-based services—your financial recovery is prioritized before our own compensation.

Get in touch with our today by calling (432) 220-3331 or by contacting us online. Hablamos español.

Dealing with Insurance Companies in Midland

When navigating the aftermath of a catastrophic injury, dealing with insurance companies can be one of the most daunting tasks. These companies often employ tactics to minimize payouts, making it crucial for victims to approach these interactions with caution. Our approach is to handle these negotiations directly, utilizing our deep knowledge of insurance strategies to advocate for fair compensation.

We understand that insurance policies are riddled with intricate conditions and loopholes that can be leveraged to the disadvantage of claimants. Hanna Allen, PLLC ensures that your rights are preserved at every stage of negotiation, providing a buffer between you and the insurance entities. Our comprehensive case management strategy includes interpreting complex policy language, preparing necessary documentation, and representing your interests in mediation or court proceedings if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Steps Should I Take Immediately After a Catastrophic Injury?

In the immediate aftermath of a catastrophic injury, securing appropriate medical care is the top priority. This involves not only emergency treatment but also follow-up appointments to document the extent of injuries and develop an ongoing care plan. Equally important is gathering evidence from the accident scene, if safe to do so, such as photographs, witness contact information, and any other substantial artifacts of the incident.

Notifying your insurance provider soon after the incident is crucial, although interactions should be limited to initial notifications until you secure legal representation. Engaging a seasoned catastrophic injury attorney early protects your interests, as they will manage communications with insurance companies and facilitate evidence collection in compliance with legal standards. At Hanna Allen, PLLC, our approach ensures all procedural steps are followed to secure your right to fair compensation.

How Long Does a Catastrophic Injury Case Take?

The duration of a catastrophic injury case can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, the willingness of the involved parties to negotiate, and the specifics of the evidence gathered. Typically, simple negotiations might reach resolution within several months. However, cases that head to court or require extensive investigations can take upwards of a year or more to conclude.

It's crucial to maintain patience and perseverance throughout this process. Engaging a competent law firm like Hanna Allen, PLLC ensures that each phase, from initial filing to final settlement discussions, is handled with precision and care. Our emphasis is on achieving a resolution that fully represents your circumstances and compensates for all accrued losses rather than rushing to an inadequate settlement.

What Types of Compensation Are Available?

Victims of catastrophic injuries may be entitled to multiple forms of compensation, generally categorized into economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages encompass tangible expenses such as medical bills, therapy costs, and the loss of current and future earnings. Non-economic damages, meanwhile, cover less tangible impacts like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

In certain cases, punitive damages may also be pursued, particularly when the liable party's conduct is deemed particularly reckless or egregious. Hanna Allen, PLLC meticulously evaluates all potential avenues for compensation, crafting a legal strategy that encompasses the full spectrum of damages available to ensure our clients receive comprehensive recompense.

How Does Comparative Negligence Affect My Claim?

In Texas, the concept of comparative negligence can significantly impact the outcome of a catastrophic injury claim. Under this legal framework, if the plaintiff is found to be partially at fault for the incident, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. However, they can only claim damages if they are less than 51% responsible.

This rule underscores the importance of robust legal advocacy to ensure accurate fault assignment. At Hanna Allen, PLLC, we prioritize thorough evidence gathering and analysis to present the strongest possible representation of our clients' liability status, reducing any unjust fault assignments and maximizing their potential compensation.

Why Choose Hanna Allen, PLLC for Your Catastrophic Injury Case?

Choosing Hanna Allen, PLLC means partnering with a firm that blends extensive legal knowledge with a compassionate approach to personal service. Our proven track record in securing favorable outcomes for clients across Midland highlights our commitment to fair representation.

Our attorneys are acclaimed for their strategic case-building and relentless pursuit of justice, fighting fiercely against insurance companies and liable parties who downplay their responsibilities. Additionally, our dedication to transparent communication ensures clients remain informed at every stage, reinforcing trust and confidence throughout the legal process. Trust Hanna Allen, PLLC to advocate for your rightful compensation with integrity and diligence.