What distinguishes a catastrophic injury from another accident loss? Catastrophic injuries dramatically change how you and your loved ones live. These injuries can range from severe concussions to long-term paralysis. It’s normal to feel that these injuries have been unfairly thrust upon you and the people you care about. Vaughan & Vaughan’s catastrophic injury lawyers in Indianapolis understand how frustrating it can be to try and recover from a severe loss while the person responsible walks scot-free. That’s why we give you the tools to hold those parties accountable in civil court. When you work with our team, you can demand comprehensive damages from the party at fault for your losses.
Fighting for Catastrophic Injury Compensation
Catastrophic injuries tend to come with substantial medical expenses. Even if you have a rainy day fund at your disposal, these expenses can leave you unsure of how to proceed. Matters may grow even more complicated if your catastrophic injury forces you to take time away from work or even makes working impossible. That, however, is where a catastrophic injury complaint comes into play. Catastrophic injury complaints allow you to demand damages from the party responsible for your accident. When you file a claim with your local civil judge, you can request that the at-fault party help you address your:- Medical expenses
- Property damage and replacement
- At-home medical assistance
- Lost wages or opportunities for alternative employment
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
Assigning Fault for a Catastrophic Injury
It’s not always easy to determine who you want to hold responsible for your catastrophic injury losses. If your memory is hazy or if the fault is unclear, you may not even know where to begin. Our team understands how frustrating these circumstances can be and is prepared to help you investigate the nature of your accident. We can even spearhead an investigation while you recover. While you pursue physical therapy and other forms of medical care, we can:- Take bystander statements
- Seek out expert witnesses to analyze the nature of your losses
- Gather social media statements describing your accident
- Request video and photo footage of your accident from nearby businesses
- Communicate with police officers and medical professionals to assess the full extent of your losses
- Manage communications with insurance adjusters
Submitting Your Catastrophic Injury Claim Within Indiana’s State Deadline
It may seem impossible to submit a catastrophic injury claim on a deadline when you’re contending with the physical fallout of your accident. Fortunately, you’re under no obligation to meet your deadlines alone. An Indianapolis catastrophic injury lawyer can make sure that you abide by Indiana’s personal injury statute of limitations when filing a claim. Indiana Code §34-11-2-4 dictates the amount of time in which you can file your claim. You have two years from the anniversary of your accident to bring your concerns before a judge. You must act within this timeframe, or else a judge may waive your right to damages regardless of the evidence you bring forward.Catastrophic Injuries Can Lead to Wrongful Deaths
As mentioned, someone else’s catastrophic injury accident may lead to their death. In these cases, you may have the right to take legal action on that individual’s behalf. Indiana, however, has specific rules regarding who can file a personal injury claim after someone else’s death and what compensation you might receive upon that person’s passing. During your initial case consultation, you can discuss the intersection of a catastrophic injury accident and a wrongful death claim with our attorneys. Fortunately, the filing deadline for wrongful death cases and catastrophic injury cases is the same. You have two years to file your claim, whether you’re pursuing wrongful death compensation or catastrophic injury support.The Perks of Contacting a Personal Injury Attorney
Learning to live with a catastrophic injury is an exercise in patience and creativity. You deserve the time and space to work out how you can live your life with the new limitations foisted upon you. Seizing control over your life and pursuing legal action against an at-fault party aren’t mutually exclusive, though. While you focus on seeking out medical attention and getting the help you need, our team can tackle your situation’s legal front. You can specifically count on our Indianapolis, IN, catastrophic injury attorneys to:- Investigate the nature of your accident
- Talk with bystanders and expert witnesses
- Communicate with an at-fault party and their representatives
- Communicate with your insurance provider
- Stay on top of your legal deadlines
- Defend the claims you make in your civil complaint
- Prepare you for time in court or settlement negotiations