Missoula Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Suffering a catastrophic injury can completely alter your life. Accidents occur unexpectedly and can leave you with long-term or permanent disabilities. These injuries often substantially impact your physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities and may involve your brain, back, or spinal cord.

You have the right to file a claim and pursue compensation from the liable party if their carelessness caused you harm. One of our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact one of our seasoned Missoula catastrophic injury lawyers to schedule an appointment and review the details of your case and options.

Examples of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries are those that leave the injured person with disabilities that have life-altering effects, including:

  • Internal organ damage or loss
  • Sudden loss of hearing or vision
  • Injuries from medical malpractice
  • Exposure to hazardous substances
  • Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
  • Traumatic brain injuries leading to permanent disabilities
  • Multiple bone fractures at once or the sudden loss of a limb
  • Severe burns leading to extensive scarring and disfigurement

The injuries may occur in car crashes, explosions, cyclist or pedestrian accidents, or any traumatic event leaving the individual with severe and lasting disabilities. In these situations, a catastrophic injury lawyer in Missoula can provide the guidance and support needed to pursue fair compensation.

Establishing Liability in a Catastrophic Injury Case

The law requires everyone to use prudent care to ensure their actions do not cause others harm. The plaintiff’s case must prove liability to collect compensation for damages and losses caused by someone else’s negligence.

Under Montana Code Annotated § 27-1-701, when a person fails to exercise the ordinary care that any other responsible person in the same or similar situations would, they are financially responsible for the damages. However, they are not accountable for the damages and losses if the defendant’s case proves that the plaintiff intentionally harmed themselves or failed to take reasonable action to avoid sustaining injuries. To prove liability successfully, the legal action must establish:

  • The defendant had a duty of care to act reasonably and prevent causing others to suffer harm
  • Their actions violated their legal responsibilities
  • The break of duty was a direct cause of the cause of action and plaintiff’s injuries
  • The claimant sustained verifiable damages and losses

A Missoula attorney can review the catastrophic injury case and determine if the necessary components to win damages are present.

The Award for Damages After a Catastrophic Injury

After proving liability, the civil court typically awards damages within two primary categories, and those include:

Economic

Economic damages are the out-of-pocket losses people sustain after severe and life-altering injuries. The court may award damages for the cost of medical care, including the emergency room, ambulance, hospital stays, diagnostic testing, and rehabilitative service. They may also receive payment for lost pay and earning potential.

Noneconomic

The second category, noneconomic damages, covers the individual’s subjective losses from the accident. These damages include physical pain related to the disability and lasting emotional distress and anguish.

You may also receive compensation for permanent disabilities, disfigurement, and loss of companionship. A catastrophic injury attorney in Missoula can help you calculate the estimated settlement and ensure compliance with state rules and regulations.

Contact One of Our Catastrophic Injury Attorneys in Missoula to Review Your Case

A catastrophic accident can change your life, leaving you with chronic pain, unable to work, and requiring extensive medical care. When someone else’s recklessness causes avoidable accidents, and you suffer harm, you must hold them responsible for their actions.

A compassionate and skilled Missoula catastrophic injury lawyer understands your stress and can help you through the complex process to obtain the maximum potential payout for damages. Call today to learn more and schedule a consultation.