Unexpected injuries from accidents can have a devastating effect on a person’s life. There may be medical bills, missed work, inconvenience, and an inability to enjoy the ordinary pleasures of life. Those who have sustained a catastrophic injury may be left with permanent changes in functioning, or disfigurement. The effects of a severe injury may last a lifetime and can potentially cause financial hardships.
If you or a loved one has suffered a severe injury in an accident, you need a Bridgeport catastrophic injury lawyer to fight for you. It is important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side from the beginning, so you do not inadvertently give away any of your rights or settle for less than you are eligible to receive.
Allowable Compensation for Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries change a person’s quality of life permanently. Traumatic brain injury, amputation, injuries leading to permanent loss of functionality of a body part, and injuries resulting in permanent disfigurement are examples of catastrophic injuries.
An injured person will have medical expenses to account for—possibly for the rest of their life. Among the losses that could be sought in a lawsuit are:
- Loss of income (past and future)
- Medical bills
- Ongoing medical care or therapy
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Diminished ability to enjoy family life
All of these losses are potentially compensable under Connecticut law, and there is no cap on the amount a plaintiff can receive for non-economic claims like pain and suffering. A skilled Bridgeport catastrophic injury lawyer can offer advice about the compensation that may be available for a particular injury.
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Negligence Standard Can Limit Awards
Connecticut follows the doctrine of contributory negligence, described in Connecticut Code Sec. 52-572h of the law governing Civil Actions. This doctrine holds that in an accident case, the plaintiff’s ability to recover depends on the plaintiff’s degree of responsibility for the accident. For example, a company such as a construction site may put out warnings about hazardous conditions, but a distracted pedestrian may miss or ignore those warnings and end up injured. In those types of situations, the injured party may be held partially liable for their injuries.
If the injured party is found to be more than 50 percent responsible for their accident, they may be unable to recover compensation for damages. The claimant’s compensation award will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
A skilled catastrophic injury attorney could help the defendant establish proper liability in their case.
The deadline to file in Connecticut
Connecticut law generally gives you two years from the date the injury is sustained or discovered to bring a claim, and in most cases no more than three years from the act or omission complained of, even if the injury is discovered later. That deadline comes from Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries are considered catastrophic injuries?
Catastrophic injuries are injuries that change a person’s quality of life permanently. Examples include traumatic brain injury, amputation, injuries leading to permanent loss of functionality of a body part, and injuries resulting in permanent disfigurement.
What compensation may be available for catastrophic injuries in Connecticut?
Among the losses that could be sought in a lawsuit are loss of income (past and future), medical bills, ongoing medical care or therapy, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and diminished ability to enjoy family life. These losses are potentially compensable under Connecticut law.
Is there a cap on non-economic damages like pain and suffering in Connecticut catastrophic injury claims?
No. The content states there is no cap on the amount a plaintiff can receive for non-economic claims like pain and suffering under Connecticut law.
How does contributory negligence affect compensation in Connecticut accident cases?
Connecticut follows the doctrine of contributory negligence under Connecticut Code Sec. 52-572h. A plaintiff’s ability to recover depends on their degree of responsibility for the accident. If the injured party is found to be more than 50 percent responsible, they may be unable to recover compensation, and any compensation award will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
When should I contact a Bridgeport catastrophic injury lawyer after an accident?
After a severe accident, it is best to contact an experienced Bridgeport catastrophic injury lawyer right away. The content notes it is important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side from the beginning so you do not inadvertently give away any of your rights or settle for less than you are eligible to receive.
Call a Bridgeport Catastrophic Injury Attorney Immediately After an Accident
When someone suffers catastrophic injuries in an accident, they may be unsure of what to do next. If the injured party is permanently injured and unable to return to work, their financial well-being may be at risk. However, a case could be made to hold those liable parties accountable and recoup compensation for those losses.
After a severe accident, it is best to contact an experienced Bridgeport catastrophic injury lawyer right away. An experienced attorney could negotiate on your behalf and fight for you to receive fair compensation for the physical and emotional harm you suffered. Call today to discuss your case with a seasoned catastrophic injury lawyer.
