Catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and paralysis, can occur in accident scenarios where others are negligent. If you or someone you love suffered a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s reckless or careless behavior, you are not alone. The skilled legal team at Steffens Law Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. can promptly investigate your circumstances, file a claim on your behalf, and pursue the compensation you need.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Lincoln catastrophic injury attorney, please call us at (402) 414-4898 or contact us online.
Table of contents
- Why Should We Represent You?
- How Much is my Lincoln Catastrophic Injury Case Worth?
- Types of Occurrences that Lead to Catastrophic Injuries
- Proving the Legal Elements of a Lincoln Catastrophic Injury Case
- Types of Catastrophic Injuries in Lincoln
- Fighting the Insurance Company in a Lincoln Catastrophic Injury Case
- Steps to Take after Suffering a Catastrophic Injury in Lincoln
- Talk with an Experienced Lincoln Catastrophic Injury Attorney Today
Why Should We Represent You?
Catastrophic injuries can lead to significant pain, not to mention extensive medical treatment and high costs. The Lincoln catastrophic injury lawyers at Steffens Law Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. can aggressively negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and take your case to court if necessary.
We have 50-plus years of combined legal experience, along with a favorable success rate when it comes to achieving strong results for our clients.
Let us obtain the compensation you deserve through a successful catastrophic injury claim or lawsuit.
How Much is my Lincoln Catastrophic Injury Case Worth?
Determining the value of a catastrophic injury case in Lincoln involves several factors. These cases are serious, often involving life-altering injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or severe burns. The compensation you can recover generally falls into three main categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the financial losses you suffer due to the injury. These can include:
- Medical Expenses – This covers current and future medical bills, including surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
- Lost Wages – If your injury prevents you from working, you can claim compensation for lost income. This includes the income you’ve already lost and future earning potential if you can’t return to work.
- Property Damage – If any personal property was damaged in the incident, such as a car in a vehicle accident, you can be compensated for repair or replacement costs.
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more subjective and cover the non-financial effects of your injury. These can include:
- Pain and Suffering – This compensates you for the physical pain and emotional distress you experienced because of your injury.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life – If your injury prevents you from enjoying hobbies, activities, or other aspects of life you previously enjoyed, you can be compensated for this loss.
- Loss of Consortium – This applies if your injury affects your relationship with your spouse, including the loss of companionship or sexual relations.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not always awarded. They are meant to punish the wrongdoer if their conduct was particularly egregious or reckless. These damages are less about compensating the victim and more about deterring similar behavior in the future.
To determine the specific value of your case, it’s essential to consult with a knowledgeable Lincoln catastrophic injury attorney. At Steffens Law Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., we can assess the details of your case, gather necessary evidence, and work with medical and economic experts to calculate the full extent of your damages. With the right legal support, you can pursue the maximum compensation you deserve for your catastrophic injuries.
Types of Occurrences that Lead to Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries, which are life-altering and often permanent, can happen in Lincoln due to various negligent actions by others. These injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, severe burns, and multiple fractures.
- Car Accidents – One of the leading causes of catastrophic injuries in Lincoln is car accidents. Negligent behaviors such as distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence are common causes. These accidents often occur on major roads and intersections, like O Street, Cornhusker Highway, and I-80. Busy intersections, where drivers are more likely to make errors, see a higher incidence of severe collisions.
- Slip and Fall Accidents – Slip and fall accidents often lead to severe injuries, especially among the elderly. These accidents usually happen in public spaces like shopping malls, grocery stores, and restaurants, where spills or uneven flooring can create hazardous conditions. Property owners’ failure to maintain safe environments, such as waiting too long to clean up spills or failing to fix broken tiles, is a common factor.
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents – Bicyclists and pedestrians are vulnerable to negligent drivers, often leading to catastrophic injuries. These accidents can occur in Downtown Lincoln, near schools, and in residential neighborhoods with a mix of vehicle and foot traffic. Drivers failing to yield, running red lights, or not paying attention to crosswalks are common negligent behaviors that cause these accidents.
- Sports and Recreational Activities – Negligence in sports and recreational activities can lead to catastrophic injuries, particularly among children and teens. This can happen in school sports programs, local parks, and recreational facilities. Inadequate supervision, faulty equipment, and unsafe playing conditions are typical examples of negligence by others.
- Swimming Pool Accidents – Swimming pool accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries such as drowning or near-drowning incidents. These often occur in community pools, private residences, and hotel pools. Negligence, such as lack of proper supervision, inadequate fencing, and absence of safety equipment, can contribute to these tragic events.
- Dog Bites and Animal Attacks – Dog bites and animal attacks can cause catastrophic injuries, especially to children. These incidents often happen in residential neighborhoods and public parks. Negligence, such as failing to restrain or properly train a pet, is a common cause.
- Recreational Vehicle Accidents – Accidents involving recreational vehicles, such as ATVs and boats, can also lead to severe injuries. These collisions often occur in areas like Branched Oak Lake and other recreational spots around Lincoln. Negligence in operating these vehicles, such as lack of experience, ignoring safety guidelines, or operating under the influence, contributes to these accidents.
Proving the Legal Elements of a Lincoln Catastrophic Injury Case
Proving the legal elements of a catastrophic injury case in Lincoln, requires a clear understanding of negligence and its components. For a successful claim, the injured party must establish four key elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages.
- Duty of Care – The first element is duty of care. This means that the defendant (i.e., the person or entity being sued) had a legal obligation to act in a certain way to prevent harm to others. For instance, drivers have a duty to follow traffic laws and drive safely and property owners must ensure their premises are safe for visitors. Establishing duty of care involves showing that the defendant had a responsibility to avoid causing injury.
- Breach of Duty – The second element is a breach of duty. This occurs when the defendant fails to meet their duty of care. In other words, they acted – or failed to act – in a way that a reasonable person would under similar circumstances. For example, a driver texting while driving or a store owner ignoring a spill on the floor can both be considered breaches of duty. To prove this element, you must demonstrate that the defendant’s actions were not what a careful person would have done.
- Causation – The third element is causation, which connects the breach of duty to the injury. You must show that the defendant’s negligence directly caused your catastrophic injury.
- Damages – The final element is damages. You must prove that you suffered actual harm or loss due to the catastrophic injury. In these cases, damages can be extensive and may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs. Medical records, expert testimony, and financial documents are often used to demonstrate the extent of damages.
- Gathering Evidence—Gathering evidence is vital to building a strong case. This includes police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions.
By successfully proving these four elements, victims of catastrophic injuries in Lincoln can seek the compensation they deserve for their suffering and losses.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries in Lincoln
Catastrophic injuries – often life-altering and severe – can result from various accidents in Lincoln due to someone else’s negligence. These injuries can have long-lasting effects on the victim’s quality of life, requiring extensive medical care and support. Here are some common types of catastrophic injuries that can occur due to others’ negligence.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – TBIs occur when an external force causes damage to the brain. This can happen in car accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Negligent actions such as distracted driving or failing to maintain safe premises can lead to TBIs. Victims may suffer from cognitive impairments, memory losses, and emotional changes, requiring long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Spinal cord injuries often result in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries can happen in vehicle collisions, slip and fall accidents, or recreational activities. When someone fails to act responsibly, such as a driver ignoring traffic signals or a property owner not fixing hazardous conditions, severe spinal injuries can occur. Victims may lose mobility and independence, affecting their daily lives significantly.
- Severe Burns – Severe burns can result from fires, explosions, or exposure to harmful chemicals. These injuries are incredibly painful and can lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement. Burn victims often need multiple surgeries and long-term care.
- Amputations – Amputations – or the loss of a limb – can occur in various accidents, including motor vehicle crashes. Negligent behavior, such as reckless driving or failing to follow safety protocols, can lead to situations where an amputation becomes necessary. This type of injury drastically changes a victim’s life, requiring prosthetics and extensive rehabilitation.
- Internal Injuries – Internal injuries involve damage to internal organs, often resulting from blunt force trauma in car accidents or falls. These injuries can be life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent. Negligence, such as speeding or failing to secure a hazardous area, can lead to these severe injuries. Victims often require emergency surgery and intensive medical treatment.
- Multiple Fractures – Multiple fractures, or broken bones, can occur in high-impact accidents like car crashes or falls. Negligence, such as ignoring safety precautions or driving recklessly, can lead to such injuries. Recovery often involves surgery, physical therapy, and extended periods of immobility.
Fighting the Insurance Company in a Lincoln Catastrophic Injury Case
Fighting the insurance company after a catastrophic injury in Lincoln, Nebraska, can be challenging. However, at Steffens Law Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., we can maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation. Here’s how we can fight for you:
- Understanding Your Case – First, we will thoroughly investigate your case. We can gather all of the necessary evidence, such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements. This helps us build a strong case showing how the accident happened and the extent of your injuries.
- Dealing with Insurance Adjusters Effectively – Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Their adjusters may offer a low settlement or delay the process. We will handle all communications with the insurance company, ensuring they don’t take advantage of you. We know the tactics they use – and how to counter them effectively.
- Proving Liability – Proving that the other party was at fault is crucial. We work with experts, such as accident reconstructionists and medical professionals, to establish negligence. This involves showing that the other party had a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries.
- Calculating Damages – Catastrophic injuries often lead to significant expenses. We will calculate all of your damages, including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care costs. We can ensure that every aspect of your loss is considered so you receive the full compensation you deserve.
- Negotiating a Fair Settlement – Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements. We can negotiate on your behalf, using our legal knowledge to push for a fair amount. If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court.
- Providing Legal Guidance – Throughout the process, we will provide you with clear, honest advice. We can explain your rights and options, helping you make informed decisions. Our goal is to alleviate your stress and allow you to focus on your recovery.
Steps to Take after Suffering a Catastrophic Injury in Lincoln
Suffering a catastrophic injury in Lincoln due to someone else’s negligence can be overwhelming. Here are the essential steps to take to protect your health and legal rights:
- Follow Medical Advice – Adhere to all medical recommendations and attend follow-up appointments. Keeping detailed records of your treatment and recovery is vital for supporting your claim.
- Keep Records – Maintain a file of all medical bills, injury-related expenses, and any correspondence related to the accident. This documentation will be essential for your case.
- Consult with an Experienced Lincoln Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Right Away – At Steffens Law Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., we can guide you through the legal process, gather documents, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Talk with an Experienced Lincoln Catastrophic Injury Attorney Today
At Steffens Law Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., we welcome the opportunity to aggressively fight for your rights and pursue the compensation you need. For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Lincoln personal injury lawyer, please call us at (402) 414-4898 or contact us online today.