Atlanta Catastrophic Injury Lawyers
Pursuing Justice for Victims Harmed By Negligence in Georgia
Despite our best efforts, accidents are inevitable. Sadly, all it takes is one moment of carelessness to inflict life-altering injuries on the lives of victims and their families. If you sustained a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence in Atlanta, you deserve maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other losses. At DGL Attorneys At Law, our catastrophic injury lawyers are committed to pursuing justice and compensation for the wrongfully injured.
With over a decade of experience and a proven track record of securing exceptional verdicts for our clients, you can trust our firm to represent your best interests in and out of the courtroom. Our fierce litigators never shy away from a trial if that’s what it takes to obtain a fair settlement. Our attorneys are well-versed in Georgia personal injury law to help you gather evidence, establish liability, and recover damages in a catastrophic injury lawsuit, alleviating financial stress and empowering you to focus on your recovery.
Catastrophic injuries can lead to detrimental health consequences. Our firm can aggressively pursue compensation on your behalf. Call (770) 404-8239 to schedule a free consultation with our catastrophic injury attorney in Atlanta.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury is any severe and life-altering injury that has lasting impacts on the victim’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being. These injuries are caused by a wide range of unexpected accidents, such as car crashes, workplace accidents, and medical malpractice. Unlike minor injuries, catastrophic injuries result in long-term or permanent disabilities that require ongoing medical treatment and care, making it crucial to secure sound counsel from a catastrophic injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries
A catastrophic injury significantly impacts an individual’s ability to perform gainful work and manage daily activities, often resulting in long-term or permanent disability, severe physical and emotional suffering, and substantial medical expenses.
Common examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Loss of limbs: Amputations involve the loss of a limb due to trauma, such as a crash or industrial accident. This leads to major physical and psychological challenges and often requires prosthetics and rehab.
- Severe burns: Burns from fire, chemicals, or electricity can destroy skin and underlying tissues. Survivors may face disfigurement, chronic pain, and multiple surgeries.
- Multiple fractures: High-impact accidents can cause multiple broken bones or crushed limbs. These injuries often require extensive surgery and can lead to permanent disability.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): TBIs are caused by sudden impacts or jolts to the head, often from falls, crashes, or violent blows. They can result in lasting cognitive, behavioral, and physical impairments.
- Organ Damage: Blunt force or penetrating trauma can severely injure internal organs like the liver, lungs, or kidneys. This may result in life-threatening complications and long-term health issues.
- Severe Eye Injuries or Vision Loss: Trauma to the eyes from explosions, sharp objects, or chemicals can cause partial or total blindness. Vision loss dramatically affects daily life and independence.
- Neurological Disorders from Injury: Severe injuries to the brain or spine can trigger neurological conditions like chronic pain, seizures, or movement disorders. These can have lifelong impacts on physical and mental health.
- Spinal cord injuries: These injuries occur when trauma damages the spinal cord, potentially causing partial or total paralysis. The effects are usually permanent and can severely limit mobility and independence.
Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries
Understanding the root cause of a catastrophic injury is crucial for building a strong case. These injuries could result from a wide range of incidents, many of which are caused by the negligence or recklessness of others. Common causes include the following:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car, truck, and motorcycle collisions are leading causes of catastrophic injuries. High-speed crashes or accidents involving large vehicles can result in devastating outcomes such as brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or severe fractures.
- Workplace Accidents: Certain industries, like construction and manufacturing, expose workers to dangerous conditions that may lead to catastrophic injuries. Falls from heights, equipment malfunctions, or chemical exposure are frequent hazards.
- Medical Malpractice: Errors by healthcare providers, including surgical mistakes, misdiagnoses, or medication errors, can lead to life-altering injuries, like brain damage or paralysis.
- Defective Products: When products fail to function as intended due to design or manufacturing defects, they can cause significant harm. Examples include malfunctioning machinery, unsafe consumer goods, or faulty medical devices.
- Premises Liability Accidents: Unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, such as slip and fall hazards, poorly maintained infrastructure, or inadequate security, can lead to serious injuries.
- Acts of Violence: Intentional acts, including assaults or shootings, can cause catastrophic injuries, leaving victims with both physical and emotional scars.
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Record-Setting $77.5M Verdict for Medical Malpractice Case
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$31M Verdict for Negligent Security Case
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$25M Medical Malpractice Settlement
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$23M Product Liability Settlement - Tire Tread Separation
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$16.5M Verdict for Product Liability Wrongful Death Case
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$11M Negligent Security Settlement
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$10M Settlement in Trucking Case
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$9.2M Truck and Motorcycle Vehicle Accident
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$9.1M Settlement in Negligent Security Case
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$8.5M Settlement in Trucking Case
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$8.5M Settlement in Trucking Case
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$8.5M Settlement for Negligent Security in Shopping Center
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$8.5M Settlement for a Commercial Truck Accident
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$8.4M Dump Truck Accident
Recoverable Damages in Catastrophic Injury Lawsuits in Atlanta
The goal of any personal injury lawsuit is to recover damages that make the victim “whole.” In other words, plaintiffs are entitled to seek compensation for all harms incurred, including both tangible and intangible damages. In a catastrophic injury case, recoverable damages may include a wide range of financial, physical, and emotional losses.
Various damages may be recoverable in catastrophic injury lawsuits, including:
- Economic damages: These compensate victims for concrete monetary losses, such as medical expenses, current and future treatment costs, property damage, lost earnings, and loss of earning capacity.
- Non-economic damages: These compensate for subjective losses that lack a specific monetary value, such as pain, suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disability and disfigurement, and loss of consortium.
- Punitive damages: In rare cases, courts may also award punitive damages in catastrophic injury cases. Rather than compensate the victim directly, punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant for extreme negligence and deter similar behavior in the future.
By seeking sound counsel from a trusted attorney, victims can maximize their chance of recovering damages for medical bills, lost wages, and more, alleviating the financial burdens on themselves and their loved ones during this challenging time.
Long-Term Consequences of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries not only affect the victim's physical health, but also have a significant impact on their emotional well-being and ability to live a normal life. The victim may experience debilitating pain, loss of mobility or sensation, and a diminished quality of life. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care, resulting in significant financial burdens for the victim and their family.
The best way to recover physically, emotionally, and financially from a catastrophic injury is to seek immediate counsel from a skilled catastrophic injury lawyer. Your attorney can help you navigate your case effectively and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
Hear From Our Clients
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"He cares, he listens, and he gets you the best results."Tony Delcampo is definitely the best lawyer to have on your side.- Andrea F.
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"Me sentí muy feliz de haber elegido al abogado Sr. Randall D Grayson."Me sentí muy feliz de haber escogido al señor abogado Randall D Grayson. Responsable y serio.- Sonia M
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"I appreciate everything DGL has done for my family."They were very helpful. Cindy was friendly and always communicated what was going on with my case.- Noelia M.
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"Great firm!"Friendly and understanding, will work for you!- Jhonathan R.
FAQs About Catastrophic Injury Claims in ATL
How is fault determined in a catastrophic injury claim in Georgia?
Georgia follows a "modified comparative negligence" rule, meaning a person can recover damages as long as they are less than 50% at fault for the incident. However, the amount of compensation is reduced by the percentage of the victim’s own fault. For example, if a court finds you 20% at fault for an accident that caused your injury, your total compensation will be reduced by 20%. Establishing fault is especially important in catastrophic injury claims, as the stakes and potential payouts are much higher due to the lifelong nature of the injuries.
What should I do immediately after sustaining a catastrophic injury in Atlanta?
If you suffer a catastrophic injury, your first priority should be seeking immediate medical attention. Even if you believe your injuries are manageable, they can possibly worsen or reveal complications over time. After stabilizing your health, document everything—photos of the scene, your injuries, witness contacts, and any reports (police, workplace, etc.). As soon as you're able, consult a catastrophic injury attorney in Atlanta to help preserve evidence, assess liability, and start building a case while the details are still fresh.
How long does it take to resolve a catastrophic injury case?
The timeline for resolving a catastrophic injury claim can vary significantly based on the complexity of the case. Some may settle in a few months, while others can take a year or more—especially if the case goes to trial. Factors that influence the timeline include the extent of the injuries, the clarity of fault, the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate, and the need for expert medical evaluations. Because catastrophic injuries usually involve large damages, insurers may delay or challenge the claim more aggressively.
Will I need to go to court to win my catastrophic injury claim?
Not always. Many catastrophic injury claims are settled out of court through negotiations between attorneys and insurance companies. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached or liability is heavily disputed, your case may need to go to trial. In those situations, having a lawyer experienced in Atlanta’s civil court system is critical to navigating the litigation process and presenting a strong case to a jury.
Can family members receive compensation in catastrophic injury cases?
Yes, in some cases, family members may be entitled to compensation, especially if they are financially or emotionally impacted by the victim’s injury. For example, spouses may be able to claim “loss of consortium,” which covers the loss of companionship, affection, or intimacy due to the injury. In more extreme cases—such as when the victim requires full-time care—family members may also seek compensation for caregiving expenses or lost income due to quitting a job to provide care.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident that caused my injury?
Under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages as long as you're less than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of fault. For example, if you are awarded $1 million but found to be 30% at fault, you would receive $700,000.
How long do I have to file a catastrophic injury claim in Atlanta?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims—including catastrophic injuries—is generally two years from the date of the injury. However, there are exceptions that can extend or shorten this period. For instance, if the injury involves a government entity or medical malpractice, different timelines and procedures may apply.
Do I need a catastrophic injury lawyer in Atlanta?
If you or a loved one has suffered a severe injury caused by negligence, securing legal representation from an experienced injury lawyer is imperative to safeguard your rights and economic security. Here are some important reasons to partner with our Atlanta catastrophic injury attorneys:
- Proving liability: Determining liability in a catastrophic injury lawsuit can be complex, especially when the case involves multiple parties. A skilled attorney can thoroughly investigate your case to determine who is at fault and hold them accountable for negligence.
- Calculating damages: Catastrophic injuries often result in significant financial losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing care costs. Fortunately, our lawyers have a vast network of professional contacts and resources to calculate the fullest extent of your damages and fight for fair compensation.
- Navigating the legal process: Dealing with insurance companies and legal procedures can be overwhelming, especially in the aftermath of a serious injury. Your lawyer can handle all aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on making a swift recovery.
Contact Our Catastrophic Injury Attorney in Atlanta
At DGL Attorneys At Law, our lawyers are dedicated to helping victims of negligence to obtain the justice and compensation they deserve. We understand the devastating effects that these injuries can have on individuals and their families, which is why we work tirelessly to secure maximum damages for our clients. Our compassionate advocates can thoroughly review your case, discuss your legal options, and provide personalized representation to secure a favorable outcome on your behalf.
If you suffered a catastrophic injury, contact us online to discuss your case with our Atlanta catastrophic injury lawyers.
Why Choose DGL Attorneys At Law?
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Your Case Will Be Handled with Care by a Partner of Our Firm
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We Apply All of Our Attention and Resources to Prepare Your Case
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Attorney DelCampo Is a Current President of the Georgia State Bar
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Attorney DelCampo Was the First Hispanic Georgia State Judge; Attorney Lopez Was the Second