Our Atlanta Catastrophic Injury Attorney Team
A severe injury to the spine, spinal cord, or brain is called a catastrophic injury. In some cases, victims of a catastrophic injury may also have skull or spinal fractures. These injuries can ruin a person’s life, limiting his or her ability to work, care for their family or even limit daily tasks. These injuries can cause permanent brain damage, disfigurement, paralysis, and/or chronic pain.
The costs associated with a catastrophic injury are significant. Disability insurance cannot possibly cover the gap from lost wages and mounting medical bills as victims adjust to the new reality of living with their catastrophic injury. Not to mention, the mental anguish caused by such an injury is absolutely enormous.
If you or a loved one has been catastrophically injured in a car accident, in the workplace, or on someone else’s property, you need a team of personal injury attorneys who have your back and fight for you. Handling a catastrophic injury and the extensive care it requires is work enough. Let Mabra Law family help ease the burden and help secure your future during such a difficult period for you and your family.
What Makes an Injury "Catastrophic"?
So, what makes an injury “catastrophic”? As we said above, a catastrophic injury is one that negatively impacts a person’s daily life—from their ability to work to their ability to spend meaningful time with their friends and loved ones. Catastrophic injuries are life-changing, and the changes they cause are often permanent. This means that managing their costs and coping with their effects can be a lifelong process, and this makes it essential for victims and their families to work with an experienced Atlanta catastrophic injury attorney who can help them recover the full compensation they deserve.
The effects of catastrophic injuries fall into three broad categories:
Physical Effects of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries always have a significant physical component. This physical component may or may not be visible. For example, with severe burns and bone fractures, accident victims will have highly visible injuries—and their scarring and disfigurement may continue to serve as visible reminders of their accidents for the rest of their lives.
Other physical injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and organ damage, won’t necessarily be visible, but their physical effects can be just as severe—and they can be even more severe in many cases. These types of internal injuries are still very much physical in nature, and they can still have many types of physical impacts on accident victims’ day-to-day lives. From limited mobility to loss of motor control and sensory functions, these injuries frequently have a lifetime of adverse consequences.
Of course, pain is a very real physical effect as well. Many accident victims who suffer catastrophic injuries also deal with pain for the remainder of their lifetime. This pain may be constant and throbbing, or it may come and go with certain movements or bodily functions. In either scenario, this physical pain is another type of “loss” that victims can recover with the help of an Atlanta catastrophic injury attorney, as we discuss below.
Psychological Effects of Catastrophic Injuries
Along with physical effects, catastrophic injuries will typically have serious psychological effects as well. This is completely normal, and as an accident victim it is important not to ignore the need for treatment. Many catastrophic injury victims find themselves needing treatment for psychological effects including (but not limited to):
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Feelings of sadness, anger, guilt and helplessness
- Post-traumatic stress
- Sleeping difficulties
These psychological effects, among others, can have drastic effects on many accident victims’ lives, and they can indirectly impact spouses, partners, parents and other family members’ lives as well. Just like physical injuries themselves, the treatment options for the psychological effects of these injuries can vary widely, and finding the right form of treatment for an individual patient’s needs is a key first step toward coping and recovery.
Financial Effects of Catastrophic Injuries
The physical and psychological effects of catastrophic injuries will lead to financial effects in the form of medical bills, prescription costs and other treatment-related expenses. They will also lead to loss of income, loss of benefits and loss of future earning capacity in many cases. The financial costs of catastrophic injuries can be substantial—far more than most individuals and families can afford—and this makes it critical for victims and their families to take legal action when it is warranted.
All of these effects—physical, psychological and financial—can entitle victims and their families to just compensation. Under Georgia law, those who have personal injury claims are entitled to just compensation for their financial and non-financial losses. This includes not only the costs of treatment and loss of income as discussed above, but also pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, emotional trauma, post-traumatic stress, loss of consortium and companionship, and loss of enjoyment of life.
An Atlanta Serious Injury Attorney Can Help
Regardless of the costs you are facing, an experienced Atlanta catastrophic injury attorney can help. At Mabra Law, our attorneys rely on extensive experience representing individuals and families in catastrophic injury cases to help our clients seek just compensation for their injury-related losses. No matter what happened—and no matter what it takes to secure the financial compensation you and your loved ones deserve—you can count on us to take all necessary legal action on your behalf.
Catastrophic injuries are life-altering injuries that significantly and permanently impact the lives of the injured party. The injuries are so severe that the quality of life is greatly impacted. These injuries might include:
- Herniated discs that require a spinal fusion
- Full or partial paralysis from a spinal cord injury
- Broken bones corrected with plates, rods, pins, and screws to begin healing
- Third-degree burns requiring an extended hospitalization
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) that altered the injured party’s mental state
- Amputations or loss of a limb
- Any injuries requiring prolonged in-patient hospitalization or treatment
- Severe neck injuries resulting in loss of movement
These injuries are so severe that they may leave you with disfiguring injuries, mental suffering, loss of hearing, loss of vision, loss of income, or a diminished quality of life.
These injuries can happen in a variety of types of accidents including auto accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, and more.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can take many different forms. However, all forms of TBI are serious, and all forms of TBI present risks for long-term (if not permanent) consequences. From hemorrhages and hematomas to penetrating brain injuries, many forms of TBI can also be fatal if not treated promptly.
Symptoms of a Brain Injury
Given the risks involved, it is important for anyone who has been involved in a serious accident (or who has a loved one who has been involved in a serious accident) to be aware of the symptoms of TBI. While the symptoms of specific forms of TBI vary, some of the most common symptoms include:
- Convulsions or seizures
- Blurred or double vision
- Difficulty balancing
- Dilated pupils
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Weakness in the arms, legs or face
If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms (or any other concerning) symptoms after a serious accident, you should seek medical attention right away. In many cases, prompt treatment can be essential for mitigating the risk of irreversible effects.
Spinal Cord/Back Injuries
Just like traumatic brain injuries, back and spinal cord injuries can vary widely in terms of both their lifelong effects and their potential forms of treatment. While some types of back and spinal cord injuries are treatable, others are permanent. Doctors cannot treat nerve damage in the spine in many cases, meaning that accident victims who suffer nerve damage in the spine can face full or partial paralysis (depending on where in the spine the damage occurs), among other permanent consequences.
Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury
When back and spinal cord injuries are treatable, prompt medical intervention can be critical for preventing unnecessary effects. With this in mind, if you or a loved one is experiencing any of the following symptoms after a serious accident, you should seek treatment right away:
- Pain or pressure in the back or neck
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Loss of coordination
- Loss of muscle control or muscle weakness
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Trouble breathing
- Trouble maintaining balance or walking
While these are among the most common symptoms of serious back and spinal cord injuries, these are by no means the only symptoms that accident victims may experience. If you have concerns about a potential back or spinal cord injury for any reason, you should seek treatment as soon as possible.
The Issue of Degenerative Disc Disease
Some accident victims who come to us have questions about degenerative disc disease. Specifically, they want to know if their degenerative disc disease limits their ability to seek just compensation with the help of an Atlanta catastrophic injury attorney. If you already have a diagnosed medical condition when you suffer spinal trauma in an accident, does this limit your ability to seek just compensation?
The short answer is, “No.” If you have degenerative disc disease (or any other medical condition) when someone causes you harm, this does not impact your legal rights. Even if you wouldn’t have been injured were it not for your pre-existing condition, you are still entitled to just compensation for your accident-related losses under Georgia law.
Severe Burn Injuries
Severe burns are a common form of catastrophic injury in vehicle collisions and certain other types of serious accidents. Burns that are typically classified as catastrophic injuries (or “major burns”) include:
- Second-degree burns (burns that cause redness, swelling and blistering) that are more than two inches wide or that affect the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks or a major joint; and,
- Third-degree burns (burns that affect the deep layers of the skin) and that cause white or blackened skin along with numbness.
Severe burns are categorized as catastrophic injuries for three reasons: (i) they can cause severe pain and emotional trauma; (ii) surgical intervention will often be necessary; and, (iii) even with surgery, patients can still experience chronic pain and permanent disfigurement. Coping with the effects of severe burns is often a lifelong process, and it is a process that can be physically and emotionally challenging for victims as well as emotionally challenging for their close family members.
Disfigurement and Burn Injuries
Along with chronic pain, severe burns will result in permanent disfigurement in many cases. This disfigurement can result either from burns themselves or from reconstructive surgery. Permanent disfigurement can have a variety of psychological effects; and, once again, these are effects for which victims and their families can—and should—seek financial compensation with the help of an experienced Atlanta catastrophic injury attorney.
Cognitive Injuries
For accident victims diagnosed with TBI, cognitive injuries are a serious concern as well. In some cases, brain trauma can have cognitive effects immediately. In others, cognitive effects can develop over time without effective medical intervention. Once again, this makes it critical to seek treatment at the first sign of symptoms. While cognitive effects of brain trauma can be prevented in some cases, they generally cannot be undone.
But, even if cognitive impairments from a TBI cannot be prevented, treatment is still available. In this scenario, treatment focuses on coping with the effects of the victim’s cognitive impairments and maintaining as much independence as possible. For those who have personal injury claims, all of these costs should be covered, and it is critical to work with an experienced Atlanta catastrophic injury attorney who can help ensure that you are seeking the maximum compensation available.
What Are Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries?
A reckless decision can permanently affect someone’s life in the blink of an eye. In all personal injury cases, the incident that caused the accident injuries could’ve been avoided, had the responsible party made better decisions. Whether or not it was accidental, the injury was the direct result of someone else’s negligent behavior.
Catastrophic injuries can happen anywhere and at any time. These injuries could occur during an accident that takes place in your home, at the mall, during your shift at work, or while you are on vacation.
More often than not, it is the result of a motor vehicle accident or an injury that takes place at work. These injuries can also be the result of slip and fall accidents or an accident where a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle. It is also possible that the injury was sustained during a case of medical malpractice.
Many catastrophic injury victims are left facing a new normal that can include permanent disabilities, severe burns, loss of enjoyment, loss of consortium, emotional suffering, and other chronic conditions. Some of the most common causes of these injuries (and their life-altering effects) include:
Serious Car Accidents
Most car accidents are relatively minor. But, some are not. When serious car accidents happen, drivers and passengers can suffer life-altering catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common types of serious car accidents include:
- T-Bone Collisions
- High-Speed Rear-End Collisions
- Head-On Collisions
When these types of accidents result in catastrophic injuries, determining their cause is the first step toward recovering just compensation. While aggressive driving, distracted driving, and drunk driving are all common factors, non-driver-related factors (i.e., brake failures and roadway safety hazards) play a role in many serious car accidents as well.
Serious Motorcycle Accidents
Serious motorcycle accidents are also a common cause of catastrophic injuries in Georgia. Even when motorcycle riders are wearing a helmet (as required by Georgia law), they can still suffer TBI and other serious injuries in the event of a crash. Spinal cord injuries, burns and other disfiguring injuries are all common, and they can all leave riders and their families facing a lifetime of consequences.
Contrary to popular belief, riding a motorcycle isn’t particularly dangerous on its own. Riders who stay within their limits and observe the rules of the road will be able to keep themselves safe—as long as no one else puts them in harm’s way. As a result, when serious motorcycle accidents happen, it is usually someone else (i.e., a negligent driver) that is responsible. This means that injured riders will be entitled to just compensation in most cases, and this means that injured riders will want to speak with an experienced Atlanta catastrophic injury attorney as soon as possible.
Accidents Involving Commercial Trucks
Due to their substantial size and weight, commercial trucks can create far more force in the event of a collision than “normal” cars, pickup trucks and SUVs. This means that collisions involving commercial trucks are far more likely to result in catastrophic injuries. We regularly speak with individuals who are struggling to cope with the life-altering effects of these accidents, and we have had substantial success recovering just compensation for victims and families in these cases.
Pedestrian, Bicycle and Scooter Accidents
Pedestrian, bicycle and scooter accidents can result in catastrophic injuries regardless of the size and weight of the vehicle involved. Pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders who get hit are helpless to protect themselves, and they lack the protections that seatbelts, airbags and motorcycle helmets afford. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and other types of catastrophic injuries are all common in these cases.
Accidents Involving Equipment and Machinery
Along with accidents involving vehicles, accidents involving equipment and machinery can (and frequently do) result in catastrophic injuries as well. These include accidents involving elevators and escalators as well as accidents involving construction equipment and industrial machinery. From TBI and spinal cord injuries to severe burns and loss of limbs, these types of accidents can have a variety of life-altering consequences.
I Suffered a Catastrophic Injury, What Happens Next?
There is nothing easy about catastrophic injuries. From the financial burden from medical costs that you will face to the chronic pain and suffering that you are dealing with, it can feel like you are at the end of your rope.
If you (or a loved one) are no longer able to work because of the injury, you may feel the financial strain immediately. These types of injuries require medical care, and in some cases an extended hospitalization.
Having the best possible insurance policy may not help if the accident was someone else’s fault. If the responsible party doesn’t have great insurance, you may be stuck with the brunt of the medical bills. Your partner, spouse, or family may become stressed trying to make ends meet while making sure that you are taken care of.
These injuries cause a lot of pain for accident victims. From surgery and recovery to rehabilitation and therapy, it’s going to hurt. The worst thing is knowing that the injury was avoidable had the negligent party been more cautious and careful with their chosen behaviors.
You may find yourself in a situation where you must file a catastrophic injury lawsuit against the party responsible for your injuries. Do not file a lawsuit alone.
A personal injury attorney with Mabra Law can help you make sure that you’re doing everything you need to in order to receive maximum compensation.
Filing a Lawsuit Due to a Catastrophic Injury Accident
To file a compensatory lawsuit as a result of a catastrophic injury in Georgia means that certain things need to be proven.
- The responsible party has to know their negligent behavior.
- The injured party was acting safely and responsibly.
Georgia is a modified comparative law state. The law requires that the injured party is less than 50% responsible for their injuries.
If your actions caused the injury to occur, there is a chance that you cannot file a compensation claim. The percentage is directly apportioned based on the percentage of fault.
The injured party is entitled to compensation if the responsible party knew about the possibility of an injury happening while doing nothing to prevent it from happening. This includes compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and other types of damages.
Below, we will examine why you need a personal injury law firm in Atlanta.
Why Do I Need an Injury Lawyer?
Because of someone else’s negligent behavior, your life (or the life of a loved one) has completely changed. Now you have to deal with the fallout and the consequences of someone else’s reckless decisions.
You don’t have to struggle with the financial recovery. However, getting fair compensation for your catastrophic injuries isn’t going to be easy.
Not every catastrophic injury attorney out there is prepared to handle a legal claim like yours. At Mabra Law, we understand that this isn’t just another personal injury claim.
This injury has completely changed your life. You may not be able to work.
You might need extensive medical treatment. You are also likely experiencing emotional distress.
Here’s where this catastrophic injury attorney in Atlanta comes into play. You only have one shot at getting the complete compensation you deserve for the trauma you have gone through.
Our personal injury lawyers will work tirelessly to prepare you for your case. We will make sure that, before you leave the courtroom, all of your needs have been met through the ruling.
We’re Different. We’ve Got Your Back.
If you need help recovering just compensation for a catastrophic injury in Georgia, why should you choose the attorneys at Mabra Law? Simply put, we’re different. We take a different approach to handling our clients’ personal injury cases—an approach that focuses on doing what is best for our clients, no matter what.
This starts now. If you have any questions about your legal rights, we invite you to get in touch. Even if you don’t have a personal injury claim, we are more than happy to help you understand your situation so that you can make informed and confident decisions.
We also know that many accident victims simply don’t know where to start. With this in mind, if you don’t know what questions you need to be asking, we still strongly encourage you to speak with one of our attorneys. Is your answer to any of the following questions “Yes”? If so, contact us for a free consultation with an experienced Atlanta catastrophic injury attorney today:
- Have you been hurt and are getting taken advantage of by the insurance company? One of the biggest mistakes you can make after a serious accident is to trust the insurance companies. The insurance companies will take advantage of you—unless you hire an experienced attorney to deal with them on your behalf.
- Are you struggling to cope after being hurt in an accident? Many accident victims struggle to cope with the effects of their injuries. This is especially true for those who suffer catastrophic injuries in vehicle collisions and other accidents. If you are struggling to cope, it will be well worth speaking with an experienced attorney.
- Are you feeling overwhelmed? Even if you aren’t sure what questions you need to be asking, you probably know if you are feeling overwhelmed. This is also extremely common, and this is reason enough on its own to speak with an attorney who can help you.
If you are struggling to cope with the effects of your accident in any way—from struggling with its physical and psychological effects to feeling overwhelmed by the costs you are facing—you owe it to yourself to seek help. We are here for you, and under no circumstances will you ever be asked to pay anything out of pocket for our legal advice and representation.
Get to Know Our Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers
When you choose Mabra Law, you won’t just have an attorney—you will have a team of attorneys who are committed to helping you by all means available. Get to know the attorneys who will be representing you:
- Ronnie Mabra – Ronnie is our firm’s founding attorney. Since founding Mabra Law in 2007, he has won numerous awards and accolades for his legal representation, and he has helped his clients secure hundreds of millions of dollars in financial compensation.
- Laura Johnson Bailey – Laura is our firm’s Director of Litigation. Since she used to work for the insurance companies, she has an inside understanding of what it takes for catastrophic injury victims to recover the financial compensation they deserve.
- Tiffany Brown-Morris – Tiffany has well over a decade of legal experience. As an Atlanta catastrophic injury attorney, she relies on this experience to guide her clients through the recover process and make sure they do not settle for less than they deserve.
- Jarrod Burch – Jarrod has been an attorney with Mabra Law since 2017. As Managing Attorney of two of the firm’s offices and a U.S. Army veteran, he is a proven leader and a relentless advocate for victims and their families.
- Greg Roseboro – Greg spent nearly 30 years on the faculty and in leadership positions at the University of Georgia School of Law before joining Mabra Law as Of Counsel in 2023. He also brings prior experience as both a personal injury lawyer and a settlement negotiator for two major insurance companies to the firm.
Once you get in touch, we will arrange for you to speak with one of our attorneys about your situation as soon as possible. This initial consultation is both completely free and completely confidential. We truly want to help you, and our attorneys can explain everything you need to know so that you can feel confident about your next steps.
The Importance of Seeking Legal Help for Catastrophic Injuries
When you are coping with the life-altering effects of a catastrophic injury, it makes sense to focus on your wellbeing. At this stage, you should be doing everything you possibly can to make sure the consequences of your accident are no greater than necessary—no matter how difficult this may be.
As you focus on your recovery, it is important to remember that help is available. This includes not only help with the physical and psychological aspects of your recovery, but help with the financial aspects as well. This is where hiring an experienced Atlanta catastrophic injury attorney comes into play.
Here are just a few of the reasons why it is important to seek help as soon as possible after suffering a catastrophic injury in a serious accident:
#1: Your Costs Will Start Adding Up Quickly
From medical bills to lost earnings, the financial costs of a catastrophic injury can start adding up remarkably quickly. If you have a personal injury claim, these are costs that you can—and should—recover, but you will need an experienced attorney to help you do so.
#2: Your Costs Will Continue Adding Up for the Rest of Your Life
Beyond your initial out-of-pocket costs, the costs of a catastrophic injury can continue adding up for the rest of your life. This includes not only medical expenses and lost earnings, but the non-financial costs we discussed above as well. Personal injury claimants in Georgia are entitled to just compensation for their present and future losses—and the future costs of catastrophic injuries will far exceed victims’ immediate losses in most cases.
#3: The Insurance Companies Are Not on Your Side
Despite what they say, the insurance companies are not on your side. This means that you cannot trust the insurance companies to pay the full financial compensation you deserve. To accurately calculate the present and future costs you are entitled to recover, and to ensure that you make an informed decision about when (and if) to accept a settlement, you need to rely on the advice and representation of an experienced attorney who has your best interests in mind.
You Ask, We Tell: Answers from an Atlanta Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
How Long Do I Have to Pursue a Personal Injury Claim in Georgia?
Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations for most types of personal injury claims (though there are exceptions, including exceptions that apply in cases involving child injuries). But, no matter how long you have to file, it is strongly in your best interests to take legal action right away.
Why? There are two main reasons. First, you need to take action before key evidence disappears. While our attorneys can work quickly to collect the evidence that is available, we can only do so once you get in touch. Second, taking legal action promptly will help ensure that you receive just compensation as quickly as possible. Once you receive just compensation, your personal injury claim will be over, and you will be able to focus on restoring as much of your normal life as possible.
Can I Recover Compensation for a Catastrophic Injury if I'm Partially To Blame for Causing My Injury?
In Georgia, you can recover compensation for a catastrophic injury even if you are partially to blame—as long as you are less than 50 percent responsible for what happened. In this scenario, the amount of your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault (i.e., if you were 10 percent at fault, you will still be able to recover 90 percent of your injury-related losses).
The insurance companies regularly blame serious accident victims for their own injuries; and, if the insurance companies accuse you of being partially responsible, you should not accept this as the final word on your legal rights. Remember, the insurance companies put their interests first, not yours. If you have concerns about being deemed partially at fault in your accident, you should discuss your concerns with an experienced Atlanta catastrophic injury attorney as soon as possible.
What Sort of Compensation Can Be Recovered for a Catastrophic Injury?
In catastrophic injury cases, accident victims can recover just compensation for their financial and non-financial losses. Financial losses include medical bills, other out-of-pocket costs, and lost earnings. Non-financial losses include things like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. When you hire an Atlanta catastrophic injury attorney at Mabra law to represent you, your attorney will carefully calculate the compensation you are entitled to recover so that you don’t leave any money on the table.
What's the Difference Between Catastrophic Injury Cases and Other Personal Injury Cases?
The difference between catastrophic injury cases and other personal injury cases has to do with the severity of the injuries involved. More severe injuries lead to more financial and non-financial costs—and this makes it even more important for victims to make sure they are seeking the full compensation they deserve in these cases. At Mabra Law, we have the experience required to effectively represent catastrophic injury victims and their families, and we can use our experience to help you seek the maximum compensation available for your (or your loved one’s) injury-related losses.
Speak with an Atlanta Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Near You
It takes time for an experienced attorney to build a solid catastrophic injury claim that will get you the financial compensation that you deserve for the pain and suffering you’re going through. After living through a catastrophic injury, it is important to get in touch with legal counsel as soon as possible.
Contact an experienced lawyer at Mabra Law today for the best legal representation from a catastrophic injury lawyer in Atlanta who knows what they are doing. We specialize in personal injury claims like yours and we will fight for you every step of the way.