A catastrophic injury is a life-altering event that impacts both you and your family. You may spend weeks or months recovering and adjusting, sometimes even setting new life goals. At the same time, your partner, parents, and children must also adapt to these changes.
The legal process can feel burdensome and difficult to manage, and you may wonder whether you or your loved one has a claim that is still within the statute of limitations in Baton Rouge catastrophic injury cases. Our injury attorneys can help you learn more about the compensation you need and how to demand it.
What Are Catastrophic Injuries?
Lawyers use the term catastrophic for any severe injury that permanently alters a person’s ability to function in their daily life. A life-altering injury could be:
- A spinal cord injury or nerve damage that causes paralysis
- Loss of a finger, toe, or limb
- Extensive scars or burns that disfigure a person and destroy nerve and/or muscle tissue
- A traumatic brain injury resulting in permanent cognitive damage, such as personality changes and loss of coordination
Any accident, no matter how minor it seems, could potentially become catastrophic. An infected dog bite may require amputation. A person who slipped and fell may have hit their head on the floor. Speak with our attorneys at Tomeny | Best in Baton Rouge about your catastrophic injury case and get the help you need, including guidance on the statute of limitations and how it may affect your right to file a claim.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injuries?
In Baton Rouge, the statute of limitations for catastrophic injury cases determines how long a person has to bring a legal claim. Any victim of an accident on or after July 1, 2024, has two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit, according to Louisiana Civil Code Art. 3493.1. In this state, courts refer to the statute of limitations as either a prescriptive period or a liberative prescription.
The statute has some narrow exceptions. For example, the two-year timeline begins when the injured person first becomes aware of their harm, although life-altering injuries are usually apparent immediately.
Insurance companies usually have much shorter deadlines for filing claims. They require notification within days or weeks, depending on the particular policy. Anyone who has suffered a catastrophic injury will most likely want to get compensation as quickly as possible.
The Costs of Life-Altering Injuries
Emergency medical treatment alone can cost thousands of dollars within hours. To protect your right to recover the expenses of catastrophic injuries in Baton Rouge, you must file a claim within the statute of limitations. Depending on the type and the severity of the harm, you may also need:
- Long-term physical rehabilitation
- Wheelchairs, prosthetics, accessibility renovations, or other adaptive technology
- Surgeries for severe burns, reconstructive surgery, or deep-tissue wounds
- Counseling and/or other therapies for PTSD and other psychological issues
You may also lose months of wages or income and have to retrain for a new job if you can work again. These challenges can place a heavy burden on your immediate family, especially if you had been providing financial support before the accident.
Call Us To Learn More About the Statute of Limitations for Your Life-Altering Injury Claim in Baton Rouge
If you are adjusting to a devastating injury, or sharing your life with someone who is, these may be the most challenging days you will experience. Our lawyers at Tomeny | Best believe that you deserve the strength, support, and counsel you need to rebuild your life.
Schedule a free consultation to learn more about the statute of limitations in Baton Rouge catastrophic injury cases and how our team can help you meet this deadline.