Catastrophic Injuries

Have you suffered a Catastrophic Injury? Don’t Get Mad, Get Brad!

Bradley Law Group defines a “catastrophic” injury as an injury that is fatal, results in full or partial paralysis, permanent disability or permanent disfigurement.  Common examples of catastrophic injuries include brain injuries, serious spinal injuries, amputations and serious burns.  If you have suffered a catastrophic injury due to another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover two kinds of damages:

1. Compensatory Damages: Compensatory Damages are awarded to “compensate” you for the damages that you may have sustained as a result of your accident. These damages typically include the following:

• Medical bills
• Prescription bills
• Physical pain
• Emotional suffering
• Lost wages
• Mileage to and from doctor visits
• Permanent impairments / disabilities
• Permanent disfigurement (scarring)
• Future medical bills

2. Punitive Damages: Punitive damages may be available to you if were injured as a result of “willful and wanton” negligence.  What does this mean?  North Carolina defines “willful and wanton” conduct as an action taken with conscious and intentional disregard of and indifference to the rights and safety of others, which the defendant knew or should have known was reasonably likely to result in injury or harm to another.  Punitive damages are available in these situations for two reasons: First, punitive damages are awarded to punish the Defendant for their conduct. Second, punitive damages are awarded to deter others from similar conduct in the future. Bradley Law Group works hard to recover punitive damages whenever they are allowed by law.

Things to Do Following a Catastrophic Injury:

• Call 911 and wait for the police or State Highway Patrol to respond.
• Seek medical treatment for your injuries.
• If possible, have someone take pictures of your injuries, the accidents scene and the vehicles involved in the collision.
• Write down the name, address and phone number of all witnesses to the accident.
• Keep a daily diary and record how you feel and how your life has been affected as a result of the accident.

Things NOT TO DO Following a Catastrophic Injury:

• DO NOT speak with any insurance company until you have spoken with a lawyer.
• DO NOT sign anything sent to you by any insurance company. Show these documents to your lawyer.
• DO NOT allow any insurance company to take your “recorded statement”.
• DO NOT discuss the facts of the accident or your injuries with any insurance company.
• DO NOT refuse medical treatment that is needed.

Why should I hire a lawyer to handle my case?

Catastrophic Injuries are far more complex than you would think. The insurance company has teams of highly trained adjusters and lawyers to protect their interests. Standing alone, you are no match for the insurance company and their team of professionals. It’s not a fair fight and the insurance company knows it. Bradley Law Group can level the playing field.

“Injured people recovered 3 ½ times more when they were represented by a lawyer.”

(-2004 Insurance Research Council study)

Insurance companies are in business to make money. Insurance companies make money by collecting premiums and paying injured people as little possible. It’s a great business model for the insurance company. Collect as much as you can and pay out as little as possible. The personal injury lawyers at Bradley Law Group has the experience and the resources to level the playing field. We can help maximize your settlement.

North Carolina Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

1. We will talk with you about your accident and your injuries.
2. We will assist you in obtaining medical treatment if necessary.
3. We will handle all communications with the insurance company regarding your personal injury claim. Let us deal with the hassles while you focus on healing.
4. We will gather all accident reports, medical records, bills, evidence, etc.
5. We will investigate all insurance coverage matters and open all appropriate claims.
6. We will answer all of your questions in a timely and professional manner.
7. We will assemble all evidence for review by the insurance company once you have completed your treatment.
8. We will negotiate with the insurance company to get the highest offer possible.
9. We will discuss your options once we have the highest offer from the insurance company to determine whether settlement or litigation is best for you.
10. We will handle the disbursement of all settlement funds in accordance with state and federal laws to protect you.
11. We will be your trusted partner throughout the duration of your case. It is our goal to answer your questions and put you at ease.

Is it a good idea for me to try to settle with the insurance company before hiring a lawyer?

NO! We have had to reject many cases that people have damaged because they attempted to handle themselves. Some people think that they will get more money if they don’t hire a lawyer. You get to keep more if you don’t have to pay a lawyer, right? Wrong. On average, people represented by a lawyer recover 3 ½ times more than people who try to settle their case without an attorney.
(2004 Insurance Research Council Study)

When a person attempts to settle their case on their own, the insurance company knows that they have the upper hand in the negotiations and will typically make an extremely low and unfair offer. Lots of people try to hire attorneys after they their case has been undervalued by the insurance company. By the time the insurance company has made an offer to someone who is unrepresented the case is normally damaged to the point that it cannot be fixed without expensive and time consuming litigation. You were already the victim of an accident, don’t let the insurance company make you a victim for a second time. Let Bradley Law Group represent you from the start. We will make sure that your case is handled correctly so that your rights are protected and you receive the highest settlement possible. 

The personal injury attorneys at Bradley Law Group help those who have suffered a catastrophic injury throughout the state of North Carolina including the cities of Asheville, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Durham, Fayetteville, Greensboro, Greenville, High Point, Jacksonville, Raleigh, Wilmington, and Winston Salem.