A catastrophic injury is one that has long-term or permanent effects on your health, independence, or quality of life. These injuries often require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and lifestyle adjustments. A catastrophic injury can alter your life forever in ways you never imagined possible.
Have you or someone you love suffered a life-changing injury in Sandusky, OH? These severe injuries leave victims and their families facing long-term medical needs, extensive medical bills, and an uncertain future.
If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced Sandusky catastrophic injury attorney can help you pursue the money you need to preserve your quality of life.
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers has represented catastrophic injury victims for the last 78 years. We are here to help you fight for the justice and financial recovery you deserve. Call our law office in Sandusky, Ohio at (419) 625-7770 today to schedule a free consultation with a Sandusky catastrophic injury lawyer. We will listen to your story and help you take the next steps.
How Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers Can Help You After a Catastrophic Injury In Sandusky
At Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers, we understand the challenges catastrophic injury victims face in Sandusky, OH. With over 181 years of combined legal experience, our team has helped clients recover more than $100 million in life-changing settlements and verdicts. Our Sandusky personal injury attorneys have been recognized by Super Lawyers, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and Top 40 Under 40. We are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective representation.
When you choose our Sandusky personal injury lawyers, we will:
- Provide legal advice, guidance, and support
- Conduct a comprehensive investigation into your accident to determine fault
- Collaborate with experts in many fields to build a strong case and document your damages
- Handle all communication and legal paperwork on your behalf
- Negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement offer
- Aggressively represent you in a courtroom when necessary
We’re committed to fighting for the maximum compensation you need to rebuild your life. Contact a Sandusky catastrophic injury attorney today to schedule a free consultation.
We Fight for Maximum Compensation for All Types of Catastrophic Injuries in Sandusky, Ohio
Our legal team represents clients who have suffered all types of catastrophic injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputations
- Severe burns
- Vision loss
- Hearing loss
- Multiple and complex fractures
- Nerve damage
- Organ damage
We are thorough in preparing your case to highlight the full impact your injury has on your life. Our attorneys are ready to aggressively defend you against any attempts to shift blame, minimize your injuries, or undervalue your case.
What Causes Most Catastrophic Injuries in Sandusky, OH?
Catastrophic injuries can happen in many ways, but some causes are more common than others. Motor vehicle accidents, including car accidents and truck accidents, are the leading cause of severe injuries. Crashes cause almost 38% of spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and 17% of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Motorcycle accidents alone cause an estimated 7% of SCIs.
Falls are another major cause of severe injuries. Slip and fall accidents on the same level are more likely to be catastrophic for seniors than other age groups. Slip, trip, and fall accidents cause 95% of hip fractures, and one-third of older adults who fracture a hip never live independently again.
Falls are also a common cause of injury for workers. These accidents are one of the “fatal four” in construction accidents. Other workplace accidents that lead to many severe injuries involve heavy machinery, motor vehicles, power tools, being struck by objects, and exposure to hazardous materials.
Recreational activities and sports frequently result in serious injuries.
Not all catastrophic injuries are sustained in an accident. Many severe injuries are caused by domestic violence, assault, shootings, stabbings, and other types of violence.
What Is My Sandusky Catastrophic Injury Case Worth?
The value of your case is influenced by many factors, some of which may not be obvious.
There is no way to estimate how much your case is worth without a careful assessment of factors such as:
- The type and severity of your injury
- How easily a jury can see or understand the injuries you suffered
- How your injury affects your daily life
- Whether you can return to your job or any gainful employment
- The circumstances of your injury and the defendant’s behavior
- Whether liability is clear and the strength of your evidence
- Whether you share any fault for your accident
- Coverage limits on insurance policies that will cover your damages
- Statutory cap on damages
When a case involves severe, permanent injuries, calculating future damages can be especially complicated. We work with vocational, medical, and economic specialists to carefully document and calculate your losses. This includes the projected value of your future lost earnings and the long-term medical care you will need.
Each case is unique, but our attorneys will work tirelessly to maximize your recovery.
What Types of Damages Are Available to Catastrophic Injury Victims in Sandusky, Ohio?
In Ohio, catastrophic injury victims may recover compensatory damages from the parties at fault. These damages are intended to reimburse you for your losses or compensate for damages that have no financial value. There are two types of compensatory damages.
Economic damages compensate for financial losses, including:
- Medical bills (including future medical care)
- Lost wages
- Reduced or lost earning potential
- Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses such as home modifications, household services, and transportation to and from medical appointments
- Cost of physical therapy, rehabilitation, and psychological counseling
- Property damages
You are also entitled to non-economic damages to compensate for your intangible losses. This includes your physical pain and suffering, emotional and mental anguish and distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement or scarring.
Spouses and children may be entitled to compensation through a separate loss of consortium claim. This type of claim seeks compensation for the loss of a loved one’s physical, emotional, and sexual intimacy, companionship, care, assistance, protection, guidance, and advice. These claims recognize the impact of a catastrophic injury on the entire household and close relationships.
In rare cases that go to trial, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages punish the defendant for behavior that is considered egregious rather than compensating you for losses. These damages are rare.
Our legal team is ready to build the strongest case possible with a goal of securing maximum compensation on your behalf.
Can I Still Recover Money if I Am Partially at Fault for My Accident in Ohio?
You are still entitled to damages if you share some fault for your accident, but only if you are less than half at fault. Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. You can recover compensation if you are less than 51% at fault. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
If you are found 40% to blame for your accident and suffer $900,000 in damages, your recovery would be limited to 60% of your damages ($540,000).
If you are assigned 51% or more fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation. If you are being blamed for your accident, it’s critical to seek experienced legal representation as soon as possible. Insurance companies often try to shift blame when liability is unclear. Without a strong case, your share of the assigned fault can be pushed to 51% or more, preventing you from recovering any money for your devastating losses.
How Long Do I Have to File a Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit in Ohio?
Ohio law sets a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. In general, you have two years from the date of your injury or accident to file a lawsuit. There are some exceptions to this.
If your case involves product liability or a defective product, you have two years from the date you learned or should have known your injury was related to the product. Your case must be brought within ten years of your injury.
If your case involves medical malpractice, there are two rules limiting how long you have to file a lawsuit:
- The statute of limitations gives you one year from the date of the malpractice, when the injury was discovered or should have been, or when the physician-patient relationship ended.
- The statute of repose requires your case be filed within four years from the date of the malpractice, no matter when the injury was discovered. This four-year limit does not apply to cases involving a foreign object left in the body.
There are other exceptions that may apply to your case. It’s important to take action promptly to begin building your case. Waiting too long to file your claim could result in losing your right to recover compensation. Delays can also weaken your case by allowing evidence to be lost.
Contact Our Sandusky Catastrophic Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Have you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury in Sandusky, Ohio? You may be entitled to compensation, and Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers is here to help you. With 181 years of combined experience, we are prepared to handle even the most complex personal injury cases. Contact us today for a free case evaluation with a Sandusky catastrophic injury lawyer. We will listen to your story and discuss your legal options for pursuing the compensation you need.