Have you or someone you love suffered a catastrophic injury in St. Louis, MO? With an uncertain future, mounting bills, and a long recovery ahead of you, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of the next steps to take.
If your injury is the result of someone else’s negligence or intentional harm, you may be entitled to money for the losses you have suffered. Recovering fair compensation can be an uphill battle with any personal injury case, but particularly with catastrophic injuries. A St. Louis catastrophic injury lawyer can help you fight for justice and the money you need by taking on the insurance company on your behalf.
The experienced legal team at Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you. Call us today at (314) 932-1066 to schedule a free case evaluation with a St. Louis catastrophic injury attorney to begin the process of getting the guidance and support you need. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you explore your legal options in St. Louis, Missouri.
How Eason Car Accident And Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Catastrophic Injury In St. Louis
When you’re recovering from a life-changing injury, the last thing you need is the stress of dealing with insurance companies or legal paperwork. That’s where we come in. Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers has been helping injury victims in St. Louis, Missouri, for 14 years. We have 21 years of combined experience and earned accolades, such as inclusion in The National Trial Lawyers Top 100. We are prepared to give you the tireless and aggressive legal representation you need.
Here’s what a St. Louis catastrophic injury attorney at our law firm can do for you:
- Investigate your accident. We’ll uncover the cause of your injury and identify who is at fault.
- Gather evidence. From medical records to expert testimony, we’ll build a strong case to support your claim.
- Handle communications. We’ll deal with insurance companies and opposing lawyers, so you don’t have to.
- Negotiate for a fair settlement. We’ll fight to secure the full compensation you deserve.
- Take your case to trial. If necessary, we’ll present your case to a jury.
- Give you guidance and support. Our team will support you through every step of your case with legal advice and guidance.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Call our law office today to learn more about how we can help during a free consultation with a St. Louis personal injury lawyer. We accept cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing out of pocket for legal representation.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury is a severe injury that causes long-term or permanent disability or impairment and drastically impacts a person’s quality of life. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and adaptive equipment. Catastrophic injuries have devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences for victims and their families.
The most strict definition of a catastrophic injury is one that affects the brain, spine, or spinal cord. However, any injury can be considered catastrophic based on its effects on the victim’s life and ability to work.
We Fight for Maximum Compensation for All Types of Catastrophic Injuries In St. Louis
At Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we have represented clients facing a wide range of catastrophic injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Amputation or loss of limb
- Severe burns
- Nerve damage
- Neck injuries
- Head injuries
- Back injuries
- Chest injures
- Eye injuries
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Multiple, complex, or non-healing fractures
- Crush injuries
- Internal organ damage
We understand the toll these injuries take and how your life is forever changed. We are dedicated to pursuing maximum compensation on your behalf to help you preserve your quality of life and get the medical care and support you need. It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately after suffering an injury. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, they may worsen over time.
What Causes Most Catastrophic Injuries In St. Louis, MO?
Catastrophic injuries are usually the result of accidents caused by careless or reckless behavior.
The most common causes include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Slip and falls
- Workplace accidents
- Sports and recreation
- Violence
Severe injuries can occur in many other ways. These life-changing injuries may be the result of a defective product, medical malpractice, or even a dog bite, especially in young victims.
What Is My St. Louis Catastrophic Injury Case Worth?
The value of a catastrophic injury claim depends on several factors:
- The severity of your injuries
- Ability to return to work
- The medical treatment you require
- The amount of time you miss from work
- Impact on daily life
- Available insurance coverage
- Comparative fault
- Out-of-pocket expenses
There is no way to estimate what your case may be worth without a thorough review of the circumstances. Calculating your damages will likely require the work of experts who can project your future medical needs and lost earnings based on your occupation, age, and potential for advancement.
It’s common for severe injury cases to have a value of more than $1 million. The average cost of tetraplegia, for example, is $3.8 to $5.2 million in medical and living costs alone. Our catastrophic injury attorneys will diligently document and assess the full extent of your losses and fight for the full value you deserve.
What Types of Damages Are Available To Catastrophic Injury Victims In St. Louis?
In Missouri, personal injury victims can recover compensatory damages from the party at fault for their losses. Compensatory or actual damages are intended to reimburse you for the losses you suffered.
There are two types of personal injury damages. Economic damages compensate for losses with a quantifiable financial value.
Common examples of economic damages include:
- Medical bills
- Future anticipated medical expenses
- Physical and occupational therapy, rehabilitation, and counseling
- Out-of-pocket expenses such as adaptive devices, home modifications, transportation for medical appointments, and supportive services
- Property damage
- Lost wages for the time you took off work to recover
- Reduced or lost earning capacity if you cannot return to your job
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, compensate for personal losses with no monetary value. This includes physical pain, mental and emotional suffering, reduced quality of life, PTSD, disfigurement, and scarring.
If your case goes before a jury, you may be entitled to recover exemplary or punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish the at-fault party for egregious behavior and set an example. Punitive damages require clear, convincing evidence of intentional harm without cause or disregard for the life and safety of others.
Can I Still Recover Damages if I Share Fault For My Accident In Missouri?
Yes, you are still entitled to compensation even if you are partially to blame for your accident. Missouri is one of only a few states with a pure comparative negligence law. This law holds all parties accountable for their share of the damages based on their percentage of fault.
Under the pure comparative negligence rule, you are entitled to recover compensation for the share of your damages that you did not cause. You can recover money even if you are up to 99% to blame for the accident.
It’s important to understand that your share of fault will directly reduce your financial recovery. If you are found 80% at fault, your financial compensation will be reduced by 80%. An experienced St. Louis catastrophic injury lawyer will build the strongest case possible to ensure fault is assigned accurately and your compensation is not reduced unfairly.
How Long Do I Have To File a Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit In Missouri?
The statute of limitations in Missouri for personal injury lawsuits is five years with limited exceptions. This time limit starts on the date of your accident. Depending on the type of case, there may be other unique legal hurdles and specific deadlines to meet.
Failing to file your case before the statute of limitations expires can prevent you from recovering compensation. Don’t make the mistake of assuming you have plenty of time to pursue your claim, either. The sooner you begin working with a personal injury lawyer, the better to preserve crucial evidence before it’s lost and begin building your case.
Contact Our St. Louis Catastrophic Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A catastrophic injury can turn your life upside down, but you don’t have to face this fight alone. At Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve been helping clients in St. Louis, MO, for 14 years. With over two decades of combined experience, our team is ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call us today to schedule your free case evaluation with a St. Louis catastrophic injury lawyer. Let us help you take the first step toward reclaiming your future.
St. Louis Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Review
Highly Rated Emergency Rooms in St. Louis
- Emergency Room at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital – 1201 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Emergency Room at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital – 1465 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63104
- Emergency Room at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – St. Louis – 6420 Clayton Rd, St. Louis, MO 63117
- SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital – 1201 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63104