Catastrophic Injuries
Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia

If you’ve been involved in a serious accident and have suffered a catastrophic injury as a result of another’s negligent, reckless, or intentional acts, then you may have a cause of action against the defendant for damages under the law. The difference between a straightforward personal injury case and catastrophic injuries is rather substantial. The damages may be an order of magnitude larger. This can increase the complexity of handling the case. Though the potential compensation and the desperate circumstances surrounding the injury typically make litigating such a dispute worthwhile.

Handling a Wide Range of Disputes

Attorney Gabriel represents a range of clients, including those who have been subject to life-altering impairments due to:

• Traumatic Brain Injury

• Burn Injuries

• Wrongful Death

• and More

Catastrophic injuries may feature different underlying circumstances, but the fundamental challenges are essentially the same. The breadth of our litigation experiences has therefore deepened our insight into what works (and what doesn’t) when navigating the complexity of a catastrophic injury dispute. This is regardless of the circumstantial differences influencing the case at hand.

Multiple Sources of Recovery May Be Necessary 

In catastrophic injury disputes, the damages may be so high that a single defendant (including their insurance coverage and their assets) cannot cover the range of losses that the plaintiff has suffered. As such, effective representation requires that the plaintiff’s attorney identify other avenues of recovery. And pursue actionable claims against those who may have more comprehensive insurance coverage or “deeper pockets.”

In catastrophic injury disputes, the damages may be so high that a single defendant (including their insurance coverage and their assets) cannot cover the range of losses that the plaintiff has suffered. As such, effective representation requires that the plaintiff’s attorney identify other avenues of recovery and pursue actionable claims against those who may have more comprehensive insurance coverage or “deeper pockets.”

For example, suppose that you have sustained catastrophic injuries in a truck accident due to a reckless driver. The driver may not have sufficient insurance coverage to fully compensate you for your losses. But if you can impose vicarious liability on their employer. Then you may gain access to a more sufficient source of damages.

Catastrophic Injury Litigation Requires Deft Handling

Though no two cases are the same, there are certainly observable trends. In the catastrophic injury context, many plaintiffs encounter similar issues. They may be struggling with expenses due to their inability to work. They may be emotionally overwhelmed by the prospect of having to change their lifestyle. And they may be concerned about litigating their case due to how much is riding on its success.

At the Law Firm of Walter Gabriel, LLC, Mr. Gabriel understands these factors and is careful in guiding the plaintiff through litigation to ensure that nothing is thrown out of balance (to the extent possible). For example, he is willing and able to take a case to trial, if necessary. This willingness ensures that the defendant must take your claim seriously. And the defendant will therefore be more likely to negotiate a favorable settlement compromise early in the litigation process.

Schedule a Free Consultation with An Experienced Catastrophic Injuries Attorney

The Law Firm of Walter Gabriel, LLC is a personal injury firm located in Atlanta and Alexandria, Louisiana, and serving clients throughout the state of Louisiana, and in the Atlanta metro area, too.

He has extensive experience handling litigation involving a variety of defendants. Experience ranges from individuals to small, local businesses to large multinational corporations with substantial resources at their disposal.

If you’d like to speak to an experienced Atlanta catastrophic injury attorney about your claims, he encourages you to call or submit a case evaluation form to schedule a free and confidential consultation. He looks forward to working with you.

Catastrophic Injury Attorney Protecting the Rights of Atlanta Injured Victims

A serious injury does more than just hurt. A serious injury will change someone for the rest of his or her life. These injuries are often ones that substantially affect, impair, or result in the loss of a body organ, damage to one’s cognitive capacity, or result in permanent and severe disfigurement. Examples include traumatic brain injuries, fractured limbs, loss of vision or hearing, a broken back, and severe burns.

If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury, you need serious legal representation. Contact an Atlanta serious injury attorney today to get answers to your questions and help protect your rights. Catastrophic injuries often have a profound and lasting effect on victims and their families. You may be facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and a long road to recovery. An experienced serious injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you need and deserve.

Don’t try to navigate the legal system alone after suffering a catastrophic injury. Let an Atlanta serious injury attorney fight for you. Call today for a free consultation.

Any personal injury claim must allege and prove:

• The defendant owed a duty of care to the victim (e.g., to exercise ordinary care).

• The defendant breached the duty of care (by negligent conduct).

• The breach was the legal or proximate cause of the plaintiff or victim’s injuries; and

• The plaintiff or victim suffered damages.

Complex issues regarding proof of serious injuries and their impact on your life are not uncommon in any personal injury case but especially where substantial damages are alleged. As of 2017, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recorded 5,147 fatal work injuries in Georgia.

Personal injury cases can be complex, particularly when substantial damages are at stake. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, it is important to understand the elements that must be present for your claim to be successful.

To recover damages, you must be able to prove that the defendant owed you a duty of care, breached that duty and that the breach was the proximate cause of your injuries. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you have suffered some type of harm as a result of the accident.

Proving these elements can be difficult, especially if you are dealing with serious injuries that have had a significant impact on your life. If you are in this situation, it is important to seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the process and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious type of head injury. A blow to the head can cause the brain to move within the skull and strike the inside of the skull cavity, damaging cells and causing temporary cognitive impairment in most cases. In serious blows, the damage can be permanent. You need not have suffered any visible damage to your head to sustain a concussion or even have lost consciousness.

Contre-coup injuries are similar, but in such cases, the brain moves and hits

The symptoms of TBI can vary depending on the severity of the injury. For example, milder concussions may cause headaches and dizziness, while more severe TBI can lead to unconsciousness, coma, or even death.

Other Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries Include:

• Diffuse axonal injury: The nerve cells are sheared and stretched and consequently suffer serious damage. This can disrupt the flow of information to the brain and how it is processed.

• Subarachnoid hemorrhaging: Blunt force trauma causes bleeding in the space surrounding the brain. Arteries tear during the injury and blood seeps and flows over the brain surface causing widespread damage including leaving the victim in a coma or causing paralysis.

• Hematoma: A blow to the head can create a blood clot when a blood vessel ruptures and compresses the brain tissue. This can cause pressure on the brain, which can lead to serious damage or death.

• Skull fractures: A blow to the head can cause the skull to crack or shatter. This can lead to damage to the brain tissue and bleeding.

• Concussion: A concussion is a brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head or a jolting force. Concussions can cause mild to severe symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and memory problems.

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. These injuries can have lifelong consequences and can be very difficult to recover from. If you have any questions about your rights or options, please contact an experienced personal injury attorney to learn more.

Symptoms of a Brain Injury

If you or a loved one has been in an accident, it’s important to be aware of the potential for a brain injury. Symptoms of a brain injury may not always be immediately apparent and can develop over a few days or weeks. Knowing what to look for can help you get the treatment you need as soon as possible.

Some common symptoms of a brain injury include:

• Nausea

• Fatigue

• Blurry vision

• Loss of memory

• Confusion and loss of orientation

• Irritability

• Reduced attention span

• Unusual changes in mood

• Difficulty with balance

• Difficulty with sleeping

• Severe headaches

• Sensitivity to noise or light

• Inability to focus

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms after an accident, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment of a brain injury can make a big difference in the long-term prognosis.

Spinal Cord/Back Injuries

Spinal cord and back injuries are some of the most serious types of injuries that a person can sustain. Spinal injuries can easily cause life-long agony and disability, seriously interfering with routine daily activities and your overall enjoyment of life.

Types of spinal injuries include:

• Upper neck injuries: Injuries like bulging discs which can be caused by rapid acceleration/deceleration motion of your neck in a rear-end collision.

• Disc herniation: A disc rupture where trauma causes the jelly-like substance in the center of the disc to leak out and press against the spinal nerves. This can cause debilitating pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness.

• Spinal fractures: A break in one or more vertebrae. This can be caused by a fall, car accident, or sports injury.

If you have sustained a spinal cord or back injury, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. These injuries can require surgery and/or long-term rehabilitation. If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. An experienced disability attorney can help you navigate the application process and give you the best chance of getting the benefits you need and deserve.

A spine or back injury can be extremely serious, and diagnosis is often made through imaging methods such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. A neurological exam can help to determine the extent of the injury, as well as muscle strength, movement, and sensation.

Treatment for a spinal cord injury frequently includes surgery (to remove bone splinters, fuse the spine, or remove a damaged intervertebral disc), steroid injections to reduce inflammation, and stem cells to potentially regenerate damaged tissue. If you have suffered a spine or back injury, it is important to seek medical attention immediately in order to receive the best possible care.

Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Injury

Injury symptoms may include:

• Loss of sensation or inability to feel heat or cold

• Numbness or tingling sensation in hands, fingers, and toes

• Loss of bowel or bladder control

• Muscle spasms

• Change in sexual function and sensitivity

• Loss of movement

• Difficulty breathing or coughing

A serious injury to the cervical or neck above the C-4 level may result in quadriplegia and require a ventilator for the victim to breathe. The most common cause of death to serious spinal cord injury victims is respiratory complications or mainly pneumonia. An Atlanta serious injury attorney cares and wants to help you if you have suffered a spinal cord injury. If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, please reach out today for a free consultation.

Issue of Degenerative Disc Disease

One common issue that arises in car accident cases is the question of degenerative disc disease. Degenerative disc disease is a process whereby the discs between the vertebrae break down over time, potentially leading to stenosis (a narrowing of the disc space between vertebrae). This degenerative process is a natural part of aging, and almost every human experiences some degree of changes in their spine as they age.

However, when an insurer for a negligent driver tries to use this argument against a victim who has suffered spinal injuries in an accident, it can be very frustrating. The reality is that just because someone has degenerative disc disease does not mean that they are automatically at fault for their injuries. If you have been involved in a car accident and the other driver is trying to blame your injuries on degenerative disc disease, it is important to contact an experienced Atlanta car accident attorney who can help you fight back against these false claims.

Severe Burn Injuries

Severe burn injuries can be extremely painful and debilitating. There are three different types of burns, classified by the degree of severity: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree. First-degree burns damage the outer layer of skin and are typically not overly painful or harmful.

Second-degree burns damage the outer layer of skin as well as the layer underneath (the dermis), and are usually quite painful and swollen, with blisters forming. Third-degree burns destroy both the outer layer of skin and the inner layer (the epidermis), often appearing black, brown, yellow, or white. The nerve endings are also destroyed, so there is no sensation of pain. Skin grafting and reconstructive surgery may be necessary for third-degree burns.

If you or someone you know has suffered a severe burn injury, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Burns can be very serious and even life-threatening, so it is crucial to get the proper treatment as soon as possible.

Severe burn injuries are some of the most painful and debilitating injuries a person can suffer. They can occur in many different types of accidents, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, scooter accidents, and even apartment fires.

Burn injuries can be caused by thermal contact with hot metal or flames, electrical contact with live wires or highly charged electric fences, or chemical contact with strong acids or solvents. No matter how they occur, severe burns can have a profound effect on a victim’s life.

Victims of severe burns often suffer from extensive physical pain, scarring, and emotional trauma. They may require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts and surgery. In some cases, they may never fully recover from their injuries.

If you have suffered a severe burn injury in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and options. Don’t try to navigate the legal system on your own, let an experienced advocate fight for you.

Disfigurement and Burn Injuries

Disfigurement and burn injuries can be some of the most devastating injuries a person can suffer. Disfigurement can cause physical pain and suffering, as well as extreme emotional distress and long-term psychological difficulties. Deep scarring can also interfere with motor functions from nerve or spinal cord damage.

There are many causes of disfigurement and burn injuries, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, burns from friction burns or contact with hot objects, electrical fences, or wiring, and birth injuries causing facial contortions. Exposure to hazardous materials can also cause these types of injuries.

If you or someone you love has suffered disfigurement or burn injury due to the negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and options and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact a personal injury lawyer today to learn more.

How Long Will My Atlanta Catastrophic Injury Case Take?

If you’ve been seriously injured in an accident, you may be wondering how long it will take to resolve your case. The answer depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the insurance company’s willingness to cooperate, and the court’s schedule.

In general, an Atlanta catastrophic injury case can take anywhere from several months to several years to resolve. The most important factor in determining how long your case will take is the severity of your injuries. If you’ve suffered life-threatening or permanently disabling injuries, your case is likely to take longer than if your injuries are minor.

Another important factor in determining the length of your case is the insurance company’s willingness to cooperate. If the insurance company denies your claim or refuses to settle for a fair amount, your case is likely to take longer. In some cases, insurance companies will drag their feet in the hopes that you’ll give up and accept a low settlement offer.

Finally, the court’s schedule can also affect how long your case takes. If there are already a lot of cases ahead of yours on the court’s docket, it may take longer for your case to be heard.

If you’ve been seriously injured in an accident, it’s important to contact an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you investigate your accident, gather evidence, and build a strong compensation case. The sooner you get started on your case, the better your chances of recovering the full amount of compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been seriously injured in an accident, contact the experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney at The Walter Gabriel Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation. He can help you understand your legal rights and options and fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait – call today.

At The Walter Gabriel Law Firm, the experienced personal injury attorney has represented clients in a wide variety of catastrophic injury cases, including those involving car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and more. He knows what it takes to build a strong case and get results. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

How Much Will My Atlanta Catastrophic Injury Case Cost?

There is no one answer to how much an Atlanta catastrophic injury case will cost. Every case is different, and the amount of money that needs to be spent on medical care, rehabilitation, and other damages can vary widely. However, some general guidelines can help you estimate the cost of your case.

First, it is important to understand that you will likely need to spend a significant amount of money on medical care. If you have suffered a catastrophic injury, you will likely need extensive medical treatment. This could include surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and more. The costs of these medical expenses can add up quickly, so it is important to be prepared for them.

In addition to medical expenses, you may also need to miss work due to your injury. This lost income can add up over time, and it may be difficult to make ends meet if you are not able to work. If your injuries are severe, you may not be able to return to work at all. In these cases, it is important to have a solid understanding of the workers’ compensation system in Georgia so that you can get the benefits you deserve.

Finally, you may be entitled to receive damages for pain and suffering. These damages are intended to compensate you for the physical and emotional anguish that you have suffered as a result of your injuries. The amount of these damages will vary depending on the severity of your injuries, but they can add up quickly.

If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to speak with an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options, and they can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact The Walter Gabriel Law Firm Atlanta today for a free consultation.