Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Injuries can take on many different forms, from minor bumps and bruises that require some first aid and rest, to more serious injuries that may require medical attention. Then there are some that are so life-altering that they have a special term: catastrophic injuries. These are the types of harm that can permanently change your life.

If you or a loved one have been severely hurt because of someone else’s negligence or actions, an Edmonton catastrophic injury lawyer at Zacharias Vickers McCann LLP can help you. You may be entitled to recover compensation to pay for your medical bills and future care. The damages you can recover, and how much they may be worth, will depend on several factors, and a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can help determine what you might receive.

When an Injury is Considered “Catastrophic”

There is no single way to define a catastrophic injury and there is no legal definition of the term used by the Courts. Instead, it is more of a descriptor for the types of injuries that result in a permanent disruption or change to someone’s life. A traumatic brain injury, for instance, can cause long-term cognitive dysfunction or limit someone’s ability to take care of themselves. Spinal cord injuries may lead to full or partial paralysis in the legs or arms, meaning the person will have to accommodate their life to adapt to their limited mobility.

Catastrophic injuries may also refer to scarring or disfigurement that the victim will have for the rest of their life. For example, severe burns may result in permanent scars on the area of the body.

Some catastrophic injuries may not be visible on the outside but still carry life-long effects. Being blinded or deafened can make the victim permanently change their lifestyle, and they may lose out on things they once enjoyed. Exposure to harmful chemicals may cause internal organ failure and result in the victim being unable to function normally.

Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

Injuries that are this significant will often be the result of a motor vehicle collision, especially those involving large commercial trucks or motorcycle riders. Burns can result from negligent property or machine management, while TBIs could result if someone slipped, fell, and hit their head.

Suffering a catastrophic injury can be overwhelming but an Edmonton lawyer can help victims move forward. Someone experienced with debilitating injury lawsuits can review the case and pursue all possible forms of compensation.

Compensation for a Catastrophic Injury

Like in other personal injury cases, a catastrophic injury victim may be able to receive pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages. Pecuniary damages are the quantifiable economic losses they sustained due to the injury. Things like medical bills and costs for treatment can be included as pecuniary damages. The victim may also claim lost wages and lost future earnings.

Non-pecuniary damages are the types of losses that do not have a clear monetary value, but nevertheless have a negative effect on the person. Non-pecuniary damages can include mental anguish, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Judges decide whether to award non-pecuniary damages in a catastrophic injury claim and a devoted lawyer can provide rigorous advocacy for person’s right to file to compensation.

Time Limit to File a Lawsuit

It is important to know that there is a time limit on when a claim may be filed. Under Alberta’s Limitations Act, a claim for damages must be brought within two years after the injury occurs. If a claim is filed after this two-year window, it can be difficult to recover compensation for the injury. A catastrophic injury lawyer from our Edmonton office can guide the injured party through the legal process and make sure a claim is filed on time.

Discuss Your Situation With a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer in Edmonton

If you or a loved one has suffered a life-altering injury, a catastrophic injury lawyer from our Edmonton Office can help you get compensation. Zacharias Vickers McCann can review your case and determine what pecuniary and non-pecuniary damages you might receive – we have been in business more than 5 years and have experience with these kinds of claims.

Please contact us at your earliest convenience for a free consultation about your legal options.