If you suffered a catastrophic injury in a St. Louis accident, you might wonder how you will provide for your family, care for yourself, and heal from your physical and emotional wounds. If someone else is to blame for your injuries, you could hold them accountable and seek compensation for your medical bills and other losses.
The trusted attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC understand how a catastrophic injury can impact your life and are ready to pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. Don’t try to face the aftermath of a major accident on your own. Let us navigate the complex legal process while you focus on your recovery and rehabilitation.
Contact a St. Louis catastrophic injury lawyer at Craig, Kelly & Faultless LLC today for a free case evaluation.
What is a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury is one that permanently impacts a person’s lifestyle. Often, catastrophic injuries result in permanent disabilities that have long-term consequences. People who suffer catastrophic injuries may require lifelong medical treatment, around-the-clock care, or significant lifestyle adjustments. Often, a catastrophic injury will impact an accident victim’s entire family. Spouses, children, and other family members may need additional support when a loved one suffers a catastrophic injury.
What You Need to Do After a Catastrophic Injury in St. Louis
If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury, take the following actions immediately:
- Seek immediate medical attention – Your health should be your priority after a catastrophic injury. Call 911 immediately to summon police and emergency medical services. If you are not taken to the hospital, go to the emergency room right away. A catastrophic injury can worsen over time if not treated promptly and adequately.
- Gather evidence – If your injuries prevent you from gathering evidence at the accident scene, ask a family member, friend, or witness to do it for you. Take photos of the area where the accident occurred and your injuries. Retain all documents related to the accident, such as medical records and communications you’re your employer or the insurance company.
- Hire a knowledgeable catastrophic injury attorney – Recovering from a catastrophic injury will dominate your time and attention. That’s why you need to hire an attorney with experience handling serious injury cases immediately. A seasoned catastrophic injury lawyer can focus on building a solid legal case for you while you prioritize your health and well-being.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries
The following injuries may be considered catastrophic because of their severe nature and long-term impact:
- Birth injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Loss of hearing or sight
- Facial disfigurement
- Amputation
- Crush injuries
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Nerve damage
St. Louis Truck Accident Leading to Catastrophic Injury
Truck accidents are one of the leading causes of catastrophic injuries, and many of these crashes are entirely preventable. Driver error or negligent or reckless behaviors often cause truck accidents, such as:
- Driver fatigue – Truck drivers are frequently paid by the mile or hour, so a tired driver may continue working even when it is unsafe. While federal regulations limit how long truck drivers can be on the road, some feel pressure to exceed these hours. Fatigued truckers are more likely to get into accidents than well-rested ones.
- Distracted driving – Driving long-haul trucks can be monotonous, so drivers may feel tempted to distract themselves by texting or through other forms of entertainment. A driver who takes their eyes off the road for even one second could collide with another road user.
- Impaired driving – State and federal laws prohibit truck drivers from driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If a driver gets behind the wheel of a truck while intoxicated, they put themselves and others at risk of injury from accidents.
- Speeding – A tractor-trailer traveling 55 miles per hour may need the length of two football fields to stop. If a truck driver is speeding, they are less likely to stop in time to avoid hitting other cars.
If you’re struggling in the aftermath of a catastrophic injury caused by a collision with a commercial vehicle, consult a St. Louis truck accident attorney to discuss your legal options.
Leading Causes of Catastrophic Injuries
The main causes of catastrophic injuries include:
- Truck accidents – The massive size of commercial vehicles means they cause substantial damage upon impact, leaving victims with catastrophic injuries.
- Car accidents – Collisions between passenger vehicles can result in catastrophic injuries, especially if an at-fault driver travels at high speeds, acts recklessly, or drives in unsafe conditions.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcyclists are at greater risk of suffering catastrophic injuries in accidents because they have little to protect them.
- Construction accidents – Construction zone accidents often involve heavy and dangerous machinery that can inflict catastrophic injuries when an accident occurs.
- Slip-and-fall accidents – Slip-and-fall accidents can occur in many places, including the workplace, businesses, or homes.
Compensation for Catastrophic Injuries in St. Louis
With the assistance of an experienced catastrophic injury attorney, you may be able to pursue compensation for your financial and personal losses after an accident, including:
- Past and future medical expenses, including hospital stays, doctor’s visits, physical therapy, medications, and medical equipment
- In-home nursing care
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity if a catastrophic injury prevents you from working
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
How Long Do I Have to File a Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit in Missouri?
Missouri’s statute of limitations requires accident victims to file personal injury lawsuits within five years of the accident date, with few exceptions. It’s essential to file suit before the deadline expires because failing to do so could result in your case being dismissed from court. If that happens, you could lose your opportunity to seek compensation forever. A knowledgeable catastrophic injury lawyer can manage all filing deadlines before the limitations period runs out.
Contact Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC for a Free Consultation
Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC is a St. Louis catastrophic injury law firm with a reputation for excellence and a track record of success. If you suffered a severe injury and someone else is to blame, our attorneys can help you demand full and fair compensation for your losses.
Our St. Louis catastrophic injury lawyers understand your challenges and are ready to take the burden of your legal case off your shoulders. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
