Rock Hill Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

By its very nature, a catastrophic injury has a devastating and lasting impact on the lives of the victim and their family members. If you have suffered a serious, life-changing injury due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing in Rock Hill, SC, a personal injury attorney can help you hold them accountable. 

Since 1980, Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys has fought tirelessly for injury victims in Rock Hill, SC. We will help you pursue the fair compensation you deserve to cover your medical bills and lost wages while preserving your quality of life.

Contact our law office today at 803-324-7574 for a free consultation with a Rock Hill catastrophic injury lawyer ready to help you.

How Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Can Help With Your Catastrophic Injury Case in Rock Hill

How Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Can Help With Your Catastrophic Injury Case in Rock Hill

After a life-changing injury, the insurance company will not be on your side. The stakes are high in these cases, with insurance companies investing significant money and effort into minimizing your damages and shifting blame. An experienced Rock Hill personal injury lawyer can help you level the playing field. 

At Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys, we have recovered over $100 million in life-changing awards and settlements for our clients. We have more than 150 years of combined experience representing injury victims in Rock Hill, South Carolina. 

Here’s what our personal injury law firm can do to help you with your case: 

  • Investigate your accident to preserve evidence
  • Identify parties who may be liable for your injury
  • Work with experts to prove liability and the value of your damages
  • Negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company
  • Protect your legal rights 
  • Take your case to court if necessary

Contact our law office today at 803-324-7574 to schedule a free case review with a Rock Hill catastrophic injury attorney. We will help you explore your options and act in your best interests to pursue full compensation for the harm you have suffered.

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury is characterized by its severity and its significant, often lifelong, impact on your life. These injuries fundamentally change your life and affect your ability to work, enjoy hobbies, and perform daily tasks. A catastrophic injury usually requires extensive medical care and rehabilitation. Many victims need alterations to their homes and ongoing supportive services.

There is no standard definition of what makes an injury catastrophic. Under federal law, a catastrophic injury permanently prevents someone from performing gainful work. This definition is used for the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program. 

Some states define catastrophic injuries for other reasons, including no-fault insurance exceptions and crime victim compensation funds.

Types of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries can range from brain injuries that affect cognitive and motor function to loss of vision or severe organ damage. Here are some of the most common examples of catastrophic injuries our personal injury lawyers see. 

  • Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs). A TBI can affect anything from cognitive function and motor skills to language skills, visual processing, and personality.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI). Whether complete or incomplete, spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis. Quadriplegia or paraplegia are two forms of paralysis. Lifelong care and medical equipment are often required.
  • Severe Burns. Extensive burns can lead to disfigurement, loss of mobility, significant pain, and a high risk of infection. Repeated surgeries and extensive rehabilitation are usually needed.  
  • Amputation. The loss of a limb impacts your ability to perform daily tasks and work. Many amputation survivors require prosthetics and adaptive devices.
  • Multiple Fractures. Healing from multiple broken bones often requires a long hospital stay and surgeries. Recovery means long periods of immobilization and rehabilitation.
  • Organ Damage. These internal injuries can have lasting health effects and lead to chronic health problems. Victims may require ongoing medical care, dialysis, or an organ transplant. 
  • Loss of Senses. Injuries that result in the loss of sight, hearing, or other senses can be devastating. Victims may need to learn new ways to perform basic tasks.

Each type of catastrophic injury carries with it significant challenges. At Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys, we are committed to helping injury victims navigate the complex legal path to financial recovery.

How Common Are Catastrophic Injuries?

Tens of thousands of Americans suffer life-changing, catastrophic injuries every year. Here is some insight into the annual number of these catastrophic injuries across the country. 

This is just a small sample of common injuries likely to be catastrophic.

What Are the Long-Term Consequences of a Catastrophic Injury?

The long-term consequences of a catastrophic injury are multifaceted. Survives may struggle with many effects, including: 

  • Mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety
  • Inability to return to a career or perform any work
  • Chronic pain
  • Major lifestyle changes 
  • Financial hardship
  • Ongoing medical care and personal assistance
  • Loss of independence
  • Reduced enjoyment of life 
  • Social isolation 
  • An impact on relationships, including spousal relations and the ability to play an active role in raising children

At Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys, we recognize that these long-term effects deeply alter the tapestry of your life. Our catastrophic injury lawyers are committed to helping you preserve your quality of life by pursuing the full compensation you deserve.

What Causes Catastrophic Injuries in Rock Hill, SC?

Catastrophic injuries can occur in any type of accident, usually caused by someone’s negligence. These traumatic events frequently occur without warning. Victims are left with little to no time to react or protect themselves. The following are common causes of life-altering injuries. 

  • Motor vehicle accidents. High-speed car accidents, rollover accidents, and crashes involving motorcycles, trucks, or pedestrians can result in severe trauma.
  • Falls. Slip and fall incidents, especially from significant heights or on hard surfaces, can be life-changing or fatal. Falls are a leading cause of brain injuries, back injuries, and spinal cord injuries. 
  • Workplace accidents. Construction sites, warehouses, and other hazardous work environments pose a high risk of heavy machinery accidents and falls. Catastrophic injuries can happen in any workplace, including offices and schools. 
  • Medical malpractice. Surgical errors, misdiagnoses, medication errors, or birth injuries can be catastrophic.
  • Sports and recreation. Sports can lead to devastating injuries, even with protective gear. Many serious injuries occur during other forms of recreation like boating, swimming, or skydiving. 
  • Violence. An assault or shooting can cause grave harm and severe injuries. Violence is a common cause of brain injuries, multiple fractures, and traumatic organ damage. 

Our injury lawyers will investigate the cause of your injury and help you hold the responsible parties accountable.

What Is My Rock Hill Catastrophic Injury Case Worth?

It is incredibly difficult to determine the value of a catastrophic injury case. Determining what your case is worth requires a careful analysis of your injuries, the circumstances of your accident, and the effect on your life and future. 

A personal injury lawyer will consider many factors to estimate the value of your case: 

  • The type of injuries you suffered
  • How your injuries affect your quality of life and daily activities
  • Impact on your mental and physical health
  • Whether you are likely to ever work again
  • Your age at the time of your accident
  • The circumstances of the accident
  • The defendant’s behavior
  • Your total financial damages

To accurately value your losses, your lawyer will likely work with medical experts, vocational specialists, and financial specialists. This is important to estimate future medical costs, lost earnings, and intangible damages. 

The experienced personal injury lawyers at Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys will carefully assess every aspect of your case to pursue maximum compensation for your catastrophic injury.

What Compensation Can I Recover for My Catastrophic Injury in Rock Hill, South Carolina?

If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or criminal actions, you may be entitled to compensation. The compensation you can recover will depend on your damages, but victims are generally entitled to economic and non-economic damages. 

Economic damages are the financial losses you have suffered and anticipated future financial costs. Non-economic damages include the subjective and personal losses you suffered that have no financial value. 

Common damages in a catastrophic injury case include: 

  • Medical costs. This includes doctor bills, surgery, prosthetics, adaptive aids, prescription medications, and therapy. 
  • Future medical expenses
  • Lost wages for the time you took off work. 
  • Lost or reduced earning capacity. If you are unable to return to work, your compensation considers future lost earnings and employment benefits. 
  • Reasonable out-of-pocket costs. This includes home health aides, adaptations to your home, and transportation to and from doctor appointments. 
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Mental anguish
  • Disfigurement
  • Reduced quality of life and loss of enjoyment of life

If you sustained your injury on the job, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. The South Carolina workers’ compensation system provides monthly benefits to replace missed wages and cover medical costs. Disability benefits are provided for long-term or permanent disabilities. 

Workers’ comp does not provide compensation for non-economic losses and may not fully compensate lost earnings. You may be able to pursue a third-party personal injury claim if your accident was caused by someone other than your employer.

How Long Do I Have To File a Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit in South Carolina?

The statute of limitations in South Carolina for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the injury. This applies to cases based on negligence or intentional tort like assault. There are very few exceptions that extend this deadline, but they do exist. 

If you miss the legal deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit, the at-fault party cannot be held legally liable for your losses. This means you will lose your right to compensation. 

Three years may seem like plenty of time, but it goes quickly. The more time passes, the harder it becomes to gather critical evidence, build a strong case, and prove liability. This is why it’s important to consult with a Rock Hill catastrophic injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Contact a Rock Hill Catastrophic Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Have you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury in Rock Hill, SC? You could be entitled to compensation, and our Rock Hill personal injury lawyers are here to help you. 

Since 1980, Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys has recovered over $100 million on behalf of our clients. We have 150+ years of combined experience representing injury victims and put this experience to work for you. 

Contact our law office today at 803-324-7574 to schedule a free case review to discuss your case and how we can help.

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