Life can change in an instant when a catastrophic injury occurs. If you or a loved one has suffered a severe injury in Columbia, South Carolina, you don’t have to face this difficult time alone. At Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers, we’re here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our Columbia catastrophic injury lawyers have the experience and commitment to stand by your side. Contact us today at (803) 573-0869
How Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers Can Help After a Catastrophic Injury in Columbia, South Carolina
With 101 years of combined experience and over $90 million recovered for our clients, our firm stands out in providing compassionate and effective legal representation. We’re deeply rooted in the Columbia, South Carolina, community and understand the challenges you face after a catastrophic injury.
At Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive support after a catastrophic injury. You can trust that:
- We’ll investigate your case: We’ll start by thoroughly investigating your case, gathering all the evidence, talking to witnesses, and working diligently to determine exactly what happened.
- We’ll deal with insurance companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming, so we’ll handle all communication on your behalf to protect your rights and alleviate your stress.
- We’ll calculate your damages and negotiate a fair settlement: We will assess all your damages by calculating your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses to ensure you seek full compensation. Our team is committed to negotiating a fair settlement, striving to get you the best possible outcome without unnecessary delays.
- We’ll represent you in court: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’re prepared to represent you in court to fight for what you deserve.
Our Colombia personal injury attorneys are committed to providing personalized service tailored to your unique situation. We’re here in Columbia, South Carolina, ready to help you rebuild your life and move forward. Don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers today for a free consultation.
What Is My Catastrophic Injury Case Worth?
Determining the value of your catastrophic injury case depends on several factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries: First, we’ll consider the severity of your injuries. Serious injuries often lead to higher compensation because they result in increased medical costs and have a significant impact on your life. We’ll look at your medical expenses, which include all past and future bills such as hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation services.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity: If you can’t work or have a reduced ability to earn a living, you can claim lost wages and earning capacity. This means we’ll calculate the income you’ve lost and may continue to lose because of your injury. We’ll also take into account your pain and suffering, which is compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced.
- Quality of life changes: Another important factor is the impact on your life. We’ll assess how the injury affects your daily activities, relationships, and overall quality of life. This might include difficulties in performing routine tasks, enjoying hobbies, or spending time with family.
We’ll evaluate all these aspects to determine a fair value for your claim. Our goal is to maximize your compensation so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Catastrophic Injury Victims?
In a catastrophic injury case, you may be entitled to two main types of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages cover financial losses with specific dollar amounts. They might include:
- Medical expenses: Costs for hospital visits, surgeries, medications, and future medical care.
- Lost wages: Income you’ve lost due to missed work and any future earnings you can’t obtain.
- Rehabilitation costs: Expenses for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and assistive devices.
- Home modifications: Costs to modify your home to accommodate your injury, such as wheelchair ramps.
Non-economic damages compensate for losses that are more difficult to quantify, including:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and discomfort.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or trauma resulting from the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment: If you can’t enjoy hobbies or activities you once loved.
If the at-fault party’s actions were especially reckless, punitive damages may be awarded to punish them and deter similar behavior. However, punitive damages are relatively rare.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer?
We understand that finances can be a concern after a severe injury. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing out of pocket to hire us; our fees come from a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. By working on contingency, we’re fully invested in your case. Our success depends on your success.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed For a Catastrophic Injury in South Carolina?
Yes, even if you’re partly at fault for your injury, you may still recover compensation in South Carolina. The state takes a modified comparative approach to contributory fault. This means you can seek damages as long as you’re less than 50% at fault for the accident. If you’re found to be 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation.
If you are less than 50% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re determined to be 30% at fault, you’ll receive 70% of the total damages. So, if your total damages are $100,000, you would get $70,000.
We understand how important it is to minimize your share of fault. We’ll collect all necessary evidence, such as photos, videos, witness statements, and expert opinions, to support your case and show that you were not primarily at fault. If the other side tries to unfairly blame you, we’ll challenge their claims and work to protect your right to compensation.
We’re experienced in navigating South Carolina’s comparative fault laws and will work tirelessly to maximize your recovery. Our goal is to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, even if you’re facing blame.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation For Your Catastrophic Injury
Catastrophic injuries can have life-altering consequences. We’re experienced in handling cases involving:
- Traumatic brain injuries: Affecting memory, cognition, and personality.
- Spinal cord injuries: Leading to paralysis or loss of motor function.
- Amputations: Loss of limbs requiring prosthetics and rehabilitation.
- Severe burns: Causing significant pain, scarring, and medical needs.
- Wrongful death: Supporting families who’ve lost a loved one due to negligence.
These are just a few examples of the types of cases we handle. We understand the physical and emotional toll these injuries can take, and our team is committed to securing the compensation you need to move forward.
What Causes Most Catastrophic Injuries in Columbia, South Carolina?
Common causes of catastrophic injuries include:
- Vehicle accidents: Car accidents, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents often lead to severe injuries.
- Pedestrian accidents: Pedestrians struck by vehicles can suffer significant harm.
- Slip and fall accidents: Unsafe conditions on properties can cause serious falls.
- Medical malpractice: Negligence by healthcare providers resulting in harm.
Understanding the cause of your injury helps us build a strong case. We handle various personal injury cases, such as vehicle accidents and medical malpractice.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Catastrophic Injury in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, you have three years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit is called the statute of limitations. It’s important to act quickly because evidence can be lost or forgotten over time. Witnesses might become hard to find, and their memories can fade, which could weaken your case. If you miss this legal deadline, you may lose the right to seek any compensation for your injuries.
There are some exceptions to the three-year rule:
- Claims against government entities: If you’re filing a claim against a government agency, you might have less time and need to follow special procedures.
- Discovery rule: If your injury wasn’t obvious right away–for example, if symptoms showed up later–the clock might start ticking from the date you discovered or should have discovered the injury.
We’ll make sure all deadlines are met and guide you through the legal process. Our team is here to handle the legal details so you can focus on your recovery without worrying about missing important timelines.
Contact our Columbia, South Carolina, Catastrophic Injury Lawyers For a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in Columbia, South Carolina, you don’t have to face this challenging time alone. At Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers, we’re dedicated to fighting for justice on your behalf. With 101 years of combined experience and over $90 million recovered, we’re confident in our ability to help you.
Call us today for a free consultation at (803) 573-0869 with one of our Columbia catastrophic injury lawyers. Let’s work together to get you the compensation you deserve.
