FAQ: Catastrophic/Serious Injuries

If you experience a serious injury because of someone else’s negligence, you may decide to file a personal injury lawsuit. But what constitutes a catastrophic/serious injury in the first place? When should you work with a personal injury lawyer and file a lawsuit? Find out what a serious injury is, including the damages you may be able to pursue in a personal injury lawsuit below.

Common Injuries in an Accident

Some of the most common injuries that people experience in an accident include:

Broken bones
Internal bleeding
Lacerations
Traumatic head injury
Back and neck pain
Disability
Paralysis
Burns
Fractures

These are just some of the most common injuries that may occur in an accident. The severity of the accident usually determines how severe the injury is. A few serious injuries may include temporary or permanent paralysis, a traumatic head injury, or the loss of a fetus. Generally, a serious injury is anything that affects your daily activities for more than 90 days following the accident.

You could also categorize an injury as serious if it has a significant financial effect on your life. A broken bone that prevents you from working for four months may make it difficult for you to pay your bills. As such, it would qualify as a serious injury.

What to Do Following a Serious Injury in an Accident

If you suffer a serious injury in an accident, it’s important to pursue your legal options. Consider talking with a personal injury lawyer to learn more about your options. New Jersey allows injured victims to seek compensation from a negligent person. This means if another driver was responsible for your injury, you might be able to seek compensation.

Recoverable Damages Following an Accident

Accidents can be expensive, regardless of their severity. Even a small rear-end accident can lead to repair costs and minor aches and pains. Some accidents can be expensive, especially those that lead to broken bones or long-term injuries. You may incur ongoing medical bills. You may not be able to return to work for a while. Other costs are also possible in an accident, including childcare during medical appointments or temporary transportation while your vehicle is being repaired. Filing a personal injury lawsuit can help you recover costs like medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitative care, and pain and suffering.

How to Seek Compensation for Serious Injuries

The first step in seeking compensation for serious injuries is to talk with a lawyer. A Westfield personal injury lawyer can help you build your case, ensuring that it proves all four required elements, including whether a duty of care was owed and if it was broken. Your lawyer will also help with collecting evidence, like medical bills, income statements, witness reports, and photographs or videos from the accident.

Some accidents are settled outside of court, which may be an option for your case. However, before accepting a settlement offer, it’s important to compare the settlement amount against the value of your case. A personal injury lawyer will also help you calculate the value of your case so you know what it’s worth.

Are you not sure if your injury qualifies as a serious injury? Contact a Westfield personal injury lawyer who can review the details and help you decide if it’s worth filing a case.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Near You to Discuss Your Accident Case in New Jersey

Were you or a loved one injured due to someone else’s negligence in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Drazin and Warshaw, P.C. represent clients injured because of car accidents, slips and falls, and other types of accidents in Middlesex, Edison, Perth Amboy, Westfield, New Brunswick, and throughout Ocean County, Monmouth County, Union County, and Middlesex County, New Jersey. Call (732) 576-8860 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 3315 Route 35, Hazlet, NJ 07730 as well as offices in Red Bank, Brick, and Westfield.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.