Catastrophic Accidents in Pennsylvania
A catastrophic accident is an accident that occurs which may lead you to sustain permanent injuries. Although Pennsylvania law does not define a catastrophic injury, it can be defined as a permanent injury resulting in long-lasting injuries. Additionally, a catastrophic injury may result in life-long medical expenses arising from the injury.
Catastrophic injuries vary in degree but have similar long-lasting effects. Catastrophic injuries can arise through even minor accidents (i.e., a small motor vehicle accident). A minor accident may include some scratches and bruises and are not typically life-threatening. The difference would be that catastrophic injuries, in a car accident, are more serious and permanent. Some examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Brain (cognitive) injuries,
- Burn injuries,
- Spinal cord injuries, and
- Amputation injuries.
The list above is non-exhaustive as many other injuries can be defined as catastrophic injuries. These examples are injuries that could alter your life and lead to permanent injuries.
Who is Liable?
For catastrophic injuries, the person(s) or business that caused you the injury is liable. As the injured party, you can sue anyone who is connected to the event that led you to sustain your injuries. Even after the injury occurs, others, like medical professionals, may be liable if they negligently increased the injury.
What Should You Do?
After the accident occurs, you should seek medical help. Take pictures of the accident site and file a police report. Contact a personal injury attorney, like the ones at Cornerstone Law Firm, to start the legal process to recover financially. Under Pennsylvania law, you have up to two years to file an injury claim to recover damages (42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524).
What Remedies are Available?
The remedies available for a catastrophic accident will vary based on the degree of the injuries sustained. Remedies for catastrophic accidents typically include:
- Medical expenses for surgeries and rehabilitation (i.e., physical therapy),
- Lost wages, and
- Pain and suffering (emotional distress due to the injuries).
For a catastrophic injury, you may also be able to recover current and future losses, as the injury is permanent. Pennsylvania law may allow for reduced recovery if it is found that you are partly at fault for your injuries (42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 7102).
Depending on the scope of your injury, your family member may also be able to collect damages. A family member may have to leave work for a time to care for an injured spouse or loved one. The injuries sustained by the injured party may also bring emotional distress to family members too.
Contact Cornerstone Law Firm for help.
If you’ve been injured in a catastrophic accident, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Cornerstone Law Firm can help. We can negotiate with insurance, contact other parties involved, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free personal injury consultation.
