Steps To Take After Sustaining a Catastrophic Injury
Sustaining a catastrophic injury can be one of the most frightening and challenging times in a person’s life. Catastrophic injuries often result in long-term or permanent disability and ongoing medical care, profoundly impacting the victim’s quality of life. After sustaining such an injury, it is crucial that you know what steps to take. Knowing what to do in the aftermath of such a devastating injury is vital not only for your health but also to protect your legal rights. If your injury happened because of another person’s negligence, you may be eligible to pursue compensation. The steps you take following your injury can impact the outcome of your case.
The following are the steps to take immediately following a catastrophic injury to protect your health and legal rights;
- Seek Prompt Medical Attention
After suffering a catastrophic injury, your health should come first. The first step should be calling 911. Catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, spinal cord injuries, and amputations require immediate emergency treatment to stabilize the individual and reduce the risk of long-term complications. Additionally, prompt medical care provides documentation for your injuries, which is essential for any legal claim you file. This documentation can help you prove the severity of your injury. It can help you establish a link between your injury and the accident.
- Document the Accident
If possible, take pictures of the accident scene. When photographing the accident scene, try to capture as many things as possible, including hazards, equipment, vehicles, property damage, or conditions that may have caused your injuries. Also, take pictures of your injuries. If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information. Witness statements can support your compensation claim. A journal detailing your symptoms, treatments, and how the injury impacts your daily life can also serve as valuable documentation for your case.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Advice
Ensure you follow the advice and treatment plan your doctor provides. Do not miss appointments and ensure you complete any suggested rehabilitation programs or therapy. Not only will this help with your recovery, but it can also ensure you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injury. Not following your doctor’s advice or missing appointments may give the at-fault party’s insurance company reason to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. They may also claim that you failed in your duty to mitigate damages. Such arguments can lead to your claim being devalued or denied.
- Contact a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
Catastrophic injury cases can be complex. Often, these cases involve significant damages due to the severity of the injuries. It is best to hire an experienced attorney to help you navigate the complexities of filing a catastrophic injury claim. A skilled attorney can investigate your accident, help you correctly file your claim on time, gather evidence, calculate the actual value of your claim, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure your deserved compensation. If resolving your case through negotiations proves impossible, an experienced attorney can take your case to court and fight for you before a judge and/or jury.
Contact a Tampa Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Today
At Gunn Law Group, our experienced Tampa catastrophic injury lawyers are dedicated to helping you navigate the path forward. Contact us today to schedule a consultation if you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury. We are prepared to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
