Every year, hundreds of Nevada residents fall victim to different types of catastrophic injuries caused by car accidents, slips and falls, and other types of accidents. Common injuries include spinal cord damage, amputation, third-degree burns, paralysis, nerve damage, and blindness, to name a few.
Therefore, catastrophic injury cases are typically more complex and last longer since victims generally require long-term active medical care. As a result, it is often difficult to determine the permanent prognosis and treatment recommendations. Hence, many victims and Nevada personal injury lawyers wait before filing a suit for an unforeseeable period.
In general, catastrophic injury claims can easily take up to a year or longer to resolve. However, there’s no set timeline for the process as the legal procedures are affected by several factors, which we’ll highlight in this post.
Settlement or Trial?
Catastrophic injury cases can either end with a settlement or go to trial. However, most insurance companies are anxious to settle to protect their insured, as juries can easily pass a verdict and demand defendants to pay a huge sum of money. A fair settlement also makes the process more convenient for plaintiffs, especially those recovering from the injuries.
Victim’s Death Due to Injuries
Sometimes, catastrophic injury cases can take longer if the victim dies after filing a lawsuit. In this case, a substitute plaintiff, usually a family member, takes over the lawsuit. However, instead of compensation for economic and non-economic damages, the plaintiffs can now sue for wrongful death or survival action.
In most cases, lawyers would have to re-plead catastrophic injury cases if their clients die, increasing the timeline of the claim process.
Plaintiff’s Life Expectancy
Life expectancy is an important factor the courts in Nevada consider when determining the value of each case. Young victims are usually entitled to higher compensation since most catastrophic injuries can affect every aspect of their life. As a result, settlement processes can take longer than usual due to the complexities involved in predicting life expectancy before they can be used to influence a claim’s value.
Contact a Nevada Catastrophic Lawyer Right Away!
Are you looking for legal representation following an accident or incident that resulted in a catastrophic injury? The Bourassa Law Group is at your disposal and can help you take the necessary steps to seek maximum compensation while you recover.
Our experienced Nevada catastrophic injury lawyers will leave no stone unturned when fighting your case and do their best to reduce the resolution timeline as much as possible, even if cases go to trial.
So, give us a call at (800)870-8910 for a free consultation to learn about our legal services, and let us plan and execute your injury claim.
1-800-870-8910