Top Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Austin and How to Seek Justice

• May 26
• EVANS / DESHAZO / REILLEY
• Personal Injury

Every day in Austin and throughout the state of Texas, accidents happen. It’s a fact of life.  The impact of these incidents ranges from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering, catastrophic injuries, the costs of which are exorbitant.

In situations where the cause of an accident was negligence by another person or organization, Texas law provides recourse for compensation through personal injury lawsuits.

Partnering with an experienced and reputable catastrophic personal injury attorney is a wise decision; those who have been hurt typically don’t have the time or capacity to manage the legal process on their own.

The Knowledge Necessary to Move Forward

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

While all injuries are inconvenient, painful, and costly, the impacts of catastrophic injuries are life-changing in every respect. Physically, they cause significant impairments, including loss of limbs, spinal cord damage, burns, and traumatic brain injuries.  Paralysis is a very real possible outcome. Finally, the injured may face a lifetime of disability and all the challenges that accompany it.

Top Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Austin

When a catastrophic injury results from the negligence of another individual or entity, a personal injury lawsuit can be filed in pursuit of compensation. The reason for the injuries is an important component.  In Austin, there are several common causes of catastrophic injuries. Those seen most often are shared below.

Vehicular Accidents: 

With the number of cars, trucks, and motorcycles utilizing Austin roadways, it is no surprise that vehicle accidents rank at the top of causes of catastrophic injuries.

Unfortunately, not all drivers exercise care and caution on the road. Many operating automobiles ignore speed limit laws, drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and even text or drive while distracted.

Motorcycle accidents also often occur.  While they may result from the similar irresponsible actions as those who drive cars, these incidents are not always the fault of the bike operator. Many are caused by people in automobiles who do not take appropriate care when driving.

Finally, truck accidents are a regular event. Truck drivers may also drive erratically, and many drive when they are tired. Truck accidents also result from other issues, including improper vehicle loading and poor maintenance. Here, and in all cases of vehicular accidents, more than one party may have been negligent and can be held liable.

Defective Products: 

Nobody expects to be hurt when appropriately using something they purchased. Yet, every year many are critically injured when defective products, like automobiles, medical devices, tools and appliances malfunction. Manufacturers are responsible for the safety of the goods they produce, yet issues like assembly line defects, design flaws, toxic chemicals, and inadequate product warnings on labels cause accidents that result in injuries, many of which are catastrophic. A defective product lawyer experienced in maximizing settlements for catastrophic injuries is an excellent resource for those who have been hurt.

Work Accidents:

Texas employers are mandated to provide safe working environments. Sadly, most organizations are more concerned with profitability than protecting their employees.  This negligence results in accidents involving electrocution, heavy machinery incidents, and falling from great heights. Both the construction and agricultural industries are prominent in Texas, and these injuries happen often to workers in those fields.

While the three areas above cover some of the most common causes of catastrophic injuries, they don’t represent all incidents.  Slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, and other issues also cause tragic catastrophic injuries.

The Road to Justice Is Challenging

How to File a Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit

The time following a catastrophic injury is filled with questions and concerns, many of which focus on the exorbitant costs resulting from accidents like these. Even realizing that compensation may be available through legal action cannot relieve the extreme stress. Most injured individuals and their families are overwhelmed with the process of recovery; they have no idea how to begin and manage a catastrophic injury lawsuit.

This, combined with the technical complexity of the legal process, is the primary reason why engaging a seasoned personal injury attorney who has proven success in handling catastrophic injury cases is a must.  Gathering evidence; completing and filing forms with the court; identifying, calculating, and substantiating life-altering injuries; negotiating with insurance companies; and going to court, if necessary, are time consuming and complicated.  Victims must focus on their recovery and their family. Identifying and engaging a catastrophic injury lawyer in Texas should be the first thing they do after they are medically stable.

Skilled catastrophic injury attorneys know how to manage complex cases. They review all accident reports, personally interview witnesses, gather medical documentation, and engage experts where necessary.  These professionals know how to identify all relevant costs, including those victims have not yet recognized (including future care, medication and therapy, home renovations, and long-term lost wages and benefits). They also leverage the knowledge of specialists to help reconstruct accidents and substantiate the totality of victims’ losses.

Your attorney will identify the responsible party or parties. Be aware that there can be, and often is, more than one.  In the case of a truck accident, for example, those responsible may include the truck driver, trucking company, truck manufacturer or even the city/state that manages road maintenance. Making sure they file your claim within the statute of limitations and can prove negligence is an important component of your lawyer’s responsibility.

In most cases, catastrophic injury lawsuits are settled during the negotiation phase with the liable parties.  Your attorneys will advocate for you vigorously, aiming to maximize your settlement. In those cases where an appropriate agreement cannot be reached, your case will go to court and your lawyer will represent you at trial.

You can rely on your catastrophic injury attorney to manage your case from start to finish, keep you apprised of its progress, and answer your questions.  Throughout the process, they are your representative, always pursuing an outcome in your best interests.

Evans/Deshazo/Reilley Can Help You

Handling Catastrophic Injury Cases With Grace

If you or your loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, engaging quality legal representation is crucial. The team at Evans/Deshazo/Reilley has an in-depth knowledge of Texas personal injury law, decades of experience handling complex cases, and a stellar reputation for providing compassionate legal representation. The firm was founded on the belief that individuals and organizations are responsible for their behaviors and must be held accountable for the impact of their negligence.

The firm recognizes that no amount of money can turn back the clock and restore your life to the way it was before the accident, but they can help you obtain compensation to help you manage things going forward.

Share your story with these Austin personal injury attorneys, see how they interact with their clients, and learn how they can represent you.