Omaha Catastrophic Injury attorney

Accident-related catastrophic injuries can have devastating effects on a person’s life. These injuries, which include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and paralysis, can limit a person’s activities, lower their quality of life, and bring about other severe consequences.

If you suffered catastrophic injuries in an accident resulting from someone else’s negligence, you are not alone. The experienced Omaha catastrophic injury lawyers at Steffens Law Offices, P.C. will aggressively fight for your rights in pursuit of the financial compensation and justice you deserve.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced catastrophic injury lawyer in Omaha, please call us at (402) 414-4896 or contact us online to learn more.

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How Much Money Is My Omaha Catastrophic Injury Case Worth?

The value of a catastrophic injury case in Omaha can vary widely depending on several factors. Catastrophic injuries are severe and often life-changing, involving significant medical treatment, long-term care, and sometimes permanent disabilities. These can include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe burns, and amputations.

To determine the value of your catastrophic injury case, you need to consider both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are easier to calculate because they include tangible costs. These can cover medical expenses such as hospital bills, surgeries, medication, and ongoing treatments. If your injury prevents you from working, you can also claim lost income and loss of earning capacity. Additionally, any out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury, like transportation to medical appointments or modifications to your home, can be included.

Non-economic damages are more subjective but equally important. These damages compensate you for the pain and suffering resulting from the catastrophic injury. This can include physical pain, emotional distress, loss of life enjoyment, and loss of companionship (i.e., if your injury affects your relationship with your spouse or family). These damages recognize the profound effect a catastrophic injury can have on your overall quality of life.

In some cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages. These damages are not meant to compensate you for your losses but to punish the person or entity responsible for your injury and deter similar conduct in the future. Punitive damages are typically awarded in cases where the at-fault party’s (i.e., defendant’s) actions were particularly reckless or malicious.

To get a proper estimate of your case’s worth, it’s essential to consult with an experienced catastrophic injury lawyer in Omaha. At Steffens Law Offices, P.C., we can assess the specifics of your case, gather necessary evidence, and advocate for your rights to ensure you receive fair compensation. We can negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, represent you in court.

Common Occurrences that Lead to Catastrophic Injuries in Omaha

Catastrophic injuries can drastically change your life, and in Omaha, many of these injuries result from someone else’s negligence. Here are some common occurrences that can lead to such devastating outcomes:

• Car Accidents – One of the leading causes of catastrophic injuries is car accidents. Reckless driving, speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence are common negligent behaviors that can cause severe injuries. Victims of these accidents often suffer from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and multiple fractures.
• Truck Accidents – Truck accidents are particularly dangerous due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. Negligent actions by truck drivers, such as fatigue, distracted driving, or improper loading of cargo, can lead to catastrophic crashes. These accidents often result in life-altering injuries due to the immense amount of force involved.
• Motorcycle Accidents – Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable on the road. Negligent drivers who fail to see motorcyclists or drive aggressively can cause severe injuries. Without the protection that a car provides, motorcyclists can suffer from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and severe road rash.
• Slip and Fall Accidents – Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe. Negligence in maintaining safe walkways, cleaning up spills, or repairing hazards can cause slip-and-fall accidents. These incidents can lead to severe injuries – especially for older adults – such as broken hips, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.

Successfully Proving a Catastrophic Injury Case in Omaha

To successfully prove the legal elements of a catastrophic injury case in Omaha, you must establish four key elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages.

• First, you must show that the defendant owed you a duty of care. This means proving that the defendant had a legal obligation to act in a certain way to prevent harm. For instance, drivers must follow all traffic laws, and premises owners must safely maintain their properties.
• Second, you must demonstrate that the defendant breached this duty. This involves showing that the defendant acted negligently or failed to act when they should have. For example, if a driver was texting while driving and caused an accident, this would be considered a breach of duty.
• Third, you must prove causation. This means linking the defendant’s breach of duty directly to your catastrophic injury. It’s essential to show that the defendant’s actions were the actual and proximate cause of your injuries. This often requires expert testimony to establish that your injuries resulted from the defendant’s negligence, and not some other factor.
• Lastly, you need to prove damages. This involves providing evidence of the injuries and losses you suffered due to the accident. Medical records, bills, and expert witness testimony can help demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the effect they have on your life.

By clearly establishing these four elements, you can build a strong case for a catastrophic injury claim in Omaha.

Types of Catastrophic Injuries that Result from Others’ Negligence in Omaha

Catastrophic injuries are severe and often have lasting effects on a person’s life. In Omaha, these injuries can result from the negligence of others. Here are some of the most common types of catastrophic injuries:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – These injuries occur when a sudden trauma causes damage to the victim’s brain. Car accidents, falls, and sports injuries are typical causes. Symptoms can range from concussions to severe brain damage, leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments. TBIs often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries can significantly affect a person’s ability to move and feel sensations below the injury site. Victims often need lifelong medical care and assistance with daily activities.
• Burn Injuries – Severe burns can occur from fires, explosions, or exposure to harmful chemicals. These injuries can cause deep tissue damage, scarring, and disfigurement. Burn victims may require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and extensive rehabilitation. The physical and emotional pain from burn injuries can also be profound and long-lasting.
• Amputations – Losing a limb due to an accident is a devastating injury. Victims must adapt to a new way of living, often using prosthetics and undergoing extensive rehabilitation. Amputations can significantly affect a person’s mobility and independence.
• Multiple Fractures – Severe accidents can also cause multiple bone fractures, requiring surgery and lengthy recovery periods. Complicated breaks can lead to chronic pain, mobility issues, and long-term disability.
• Internal Injuries – Damage to internal organs can occur in high-impact accidents like car crashes or falls. These injuries are often life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Internal bleeding, organ damage, and ruptures can lead to long-term health problems and extensive medical treatment.
• Severe Lacerations – Deep cuts and lacerations can result from accidents involving sharp objects or machinery. These injuries can cause significant blood loss, nerve damage, and infections. Victims may require stitches, surgery, and ongoing medical care to recover fully.

These types of catastrophic injuries in Omaha can have life-altering consequences. If you suffered one or more of these injuries in an accident resulting from someone else’s negligence, the Omaha catastrophic injury attorneys at Steffens Law Offices, P.C. can handle the legal components of your claim and focus on seeking the justice and compensation you deserve.

Fighting the Insurance Company in an Omaha Catastrophic Injury Case

Fighting the insurance company after a catastrophic injury in Omaha can be challenging, but having an experienced lawyer on your side can make a big difference. At Steffens Law Offices, P.C., here’s how we can help you throughout this process:

• Thorough Case Investigation – We will start by thoroughly investigating the details of your injury. This includes gathering evidence such as accident reports, medical records, and witness statements. We can also review any insurance policies involved to understand the coverage limits and terms.
• Calculate Your Damages – Accurately assessing the value of your claim is crucial. We will consider economic damages like medical expenses and lost income and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. We may also consult with experts to determine the full effect of the injury on your life.
• Negotiate with Insurance Company Adjusters – Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly – and for far less money than they are truly worth. We will handle all settlement negotiations on your behalf to ensure that you receive a fair settlement. Our goal is to counter any lowball offers and advocate for the compensation you deserve.
• Handle Paperwork – Dealing with insurance companies involves a lot of paperwork, including claims forms, medical documentation, and settlement agreements. We can manage all of this paperwork to ensure that it’s completed correctly and submitted on time, reducing the risk of delays or denials.
• Represent You in Court – If the insurance company refuses to offer you a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court. We will present your case effectively, argue on your behalf, and seek a judgment that covers your damages.

By managing these tasks, we help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation necessary to address your catastrophic injury.

Steps to Take after Suffering a Catastrophic Injury in Omaha Due to Negligence

After suffering a catastrophic injury in Omaha due to someone else’s negligence, taking the right steps is vital for your recovery and legal claim:

• Seek Ongoing Medical Attention – Follow all medical advice and treatment plans to ensure proper healing.
• Gather Evidence – Collect all evidence related to the incident. This includes taking photos of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Obtain copies of police reports, medical records, and witness statements, if possible.
• Report the Incident – Notify the responsible party’s insurance company about the occurrence. This starts the formal process of filing a claim. Be honest but cautious about what you say, to avoid admitting fault.
• Consult with an Experienced Omaha Catastrophic Injury Lawyer – At Steffens Law Offices, P.C., we can help you understand your legal rights and options. We can guide you through the claims process, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
• Keep Records – Maintain a detailed record of all expenses related to your injury, including medical bills, lost income, and other costs. Document your pain and suffering, and track how your injury affects your daily life.

Taking these steps can help protect your rights and strengthen your case for obtaining the compensation you need.

Contact a Knowledgeable Catastrophic Injury Lawyer in Omaha Today

If you recently suffered catastrophic injuries due to another person’s negligence, our experienced Omaha personal injury lawyers at Steffens Law Offices, P.C. are prepared to help. We will aggressively advocate for your rights and work to maximize the compensation you recover for your catastrophic injuries.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a skilled catastrophic injury attorney in Omaha, please call us at (402) 414-4896 or contact us online. 

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