Selma Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

How the Law Recognizes Catastrophic Injury

Alabama does not have a specific statute that defines catastrophic injury. However, it is recognized as any severe injury that is permanent and disabling, affecting the victim’s ability to live and work. It will impact the victim’s independence and happiness. Additionally, a catastrophic injury will require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and therapy, possibly both physical and psychological.

Examples of catastrophic injuries in Selma that our lawyer has seen include the following:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that affect cognition and personality
• Spinal cord injuries that result in quadriplegia or paraplegia
• Severe burns and chronic pain
• Loss of vision, hearing, or bodily function
• Loss of limb or nerve damage
• Trauma, such as emotional distress, depression, and PTSD

Catastrophic Injuries Require Greater Medical Attention

Such injuries would likely require medical attention from a level one trauma center. Level one trauma centers are the highest designation of medical care, providing surgical services and rehabilitation of patients with severe and life-threatening injuries.

In Alabama, there are four hospitals that could provide that level of medical care:

• University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital
• USA Health University Hospital in Mobile
• Huntsville Hospital
• Children’s Hospital of Alabama in Birmingham

Our attorney can handle your catastrophic injury case in Selma while you focus on getting the medical treatment you need.

Accidents That Can Result in Catastrophic Injuries

Accidents with the highest potential for catastrophic injury include some of the following:

• Auto accidents: Whether you were in a car, cycling on your bike, riding your motorcycle on the highway, or on a walk through your neighborhood, accidents involving motor vehicles can cause severe injuries.
• Truck accidents: According to the Alabama Department of Transportation 2023 Crash Facts, there were 2,590 injuries and 134 fatalities involving trucks. Truck accidents have an even higher risk of causing catastrophic injuries due to the massive difference in size and weight between the truck and the average car.
• Construction accidents: According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there were 1,075 fatalities on construction sites in 2023. Construction sites can be highly dangerous due to falling debris, inadequate safety guidelines, and tripping hazards.
• Slips and falls: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 319,000 older people suffer hip fractures from falls. Trips, slips, and falls can lead to head trauma and paralysis.
• Medical malpractice: Failure to diagnose, misdiagnose, or provide proper treatment can exacerbate an existing condition and lead to serious complications for a patient.
• Nursing home abuse: Failing to provide proper medication and nourishment, allowing physical abuse to occur, or not addressing injuries and wounds promptly can result in serious healthcare issues for older people.

Talk to our catastrophic injury lawyer if you sustained a debilitating injury in Selma.

You Can Seek Compensation for Your Injuries and Losses

If your injuries were the result of negligence, you have a right to demand compensation from the at-fault party. We can help you compile a list of damages and seek maximum compensation.

Typically, damages are either economic (tangible, based on a financial loss) or non-economic (subjective, based on a loss in your quality of life). Our catastrophic injury attorney in Selma can help you seek damages such as the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Reduced earning potential
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional and mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium

Proving Negligence in Your Accident Claim

For a successful claim in Selma, our lawyer must prove who was at fault, how the catastrophic accident occurred, and the losses you suffered. This is frequently presented in four parts:

• Duty of care: The other party’s obligation to your health and safety
• Breach of duty: The other party’s decision to deviate from the norm
• Causation: The accident that occurred
• Damages: The financial, physical, and emotional losses the victim suffered

We prove these four elements of negligence with evidence, such as:

• Incident and police reports
• Medical records
• Photographs and video
• Eyewitness testimony
• Physical evidence
• Subject area expert testimony

We will take care of building your case while you recover from your injuries. We will:

• Investigate the accident
• Collect evidence
• File claims and court documents
• Speak on your behalf
• Negotiate a settlement
• Represent you at trial if we cannot reach a settlement

We will also make sure your case stays on track, filing your lawsuit with the Dallas County courts before the two-year statute of limitations expires.

We Work Best When We Work as a Team

Attorney Dwayne Brown has maintained a small client base so that he can provide a personal approach for each of his clients. We want to know what has happened to you and what your goals are. We’ll always keep you updated, checking in with your progress.

You can also assist our lawyer and strengthen your catastrophic injury claim in Selma by taking certain actions. You should follow your treatment program completely, never missing any appointments or sessions. You should also avoid talking to the other party’s insurance company. Direct them to us. Don’t give a recorded statement, and don’t admit to any fault.

If you have questions or concerns, you can reach us, and we can address them. If you’re curious about the service and legal representation we provide, we suggest reading some of our previous clients’ testimonials.

Contact a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer in Selma Today

If you or a loved one has suffered catastrophic injuries because of the negligent actions of another, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. Our law firm works on a contingency fee basis. We only receive our attorney’s fees when you win.

Call the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown today for a free case consultation with a Selma catastrophic injury lawyer.