Rapid City Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
Severe Injury Claims in South Dakota
A serious injury can negatively affect nearly every aspect of your life, from your physical well-being to your employment to your ability to care for yourself and provide for your family. At Beardsley, Jensen & Lee, we understand the devastating impact severe injuries have on victims and their loved ones. Our Rapid City catastrophic injury lawyers are committed to fighting for the maximum compensation you are owed for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and future expenses.
Since 1997, we have been providing dedicated legal representation to injured individuals throughout South Dakota. We are happy to discuss your case with you during a free initial consultation, and we do not collect any attorneys’ fees unless/until we win your case.
Contact us online or call our office today at (605) 777-7466 to get started.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
While there is no specific definition of a “catastrophic injury,” injuries that result in significant and/or permanent disability, impairment, or disfigurement are generally considered catastrophic.
Some examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Amputated limbs
- Burns
- Disfigurement
- Paralysis
- Partial or total loss of hearing or vision
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Typically, catastrophic injuries result from traumatic events, such as car accidents, serious falls, work-related accidents, and dog/animal bites and attacks. These injuries often result in considerable damages, including exorbitant medical bills, lost employment, and immense physical pain and emotional distress.
What Makes Catastrophic Injury Claims Different from Other Personal Injury Cases?
The main difference between catastrophic injury claims and other personal injury claims is the severity and extent of the victims’ damages.
Catastrophic injury victims often experience the following:
- Hospitalization
- Ongoing surgeries, physical and/or cognitive rehabilitation therapy, and other treatments
- Loss of employment and income/wages
- Temporary or permanent partial or total disability
- Chronic and severe physical pain
- Emotional trauma, distress, and suffering
- Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health disorders
Depending on the severity of the injury, victims may never make a full recovery nor be able to return to their once-normal lives. Even when they do recover, they are likely to face numerous significant challenges in getting back on their feet.
In a practical sense, catastrophic injury claims operate in an identical way to standard personal injury cases. In most cases, you will need to prove that another person or party owed you a duty of care, that they breached this duty of care, and that you suffered injuries and damages because of the breach of the duty of care. This typically involves proving that another person or party was negligent or acted wrongfully, and that this conduct caused your catastrophic injuries.
It is important to note that catastrophic injury claims tend to be high in value due to the severity of victims’ damages. As such, insurance companies have a significant motive to dispute or deny these claims. Because of this, it is important that you work with an attorney who is not only experienced in catastrophic injury claims but who also knows how to effectively fight back against insurance companies’ tactics and attempts to avoid paying out valid claims.
Put an Entire Team of Attorneys on Your Side
Catastrophic injury cases are complex and require a certain nuanced understanding of the law that not every attorney has. At Beardsley, Jensen & Lee, we have well over two decades of experience representing clients throughout South Dakota in complicated accident cases involving devastating, life-altering injuries. We pool our collective knowledge, resources, and skills to put the full power of our team behind every case. We are known for aggressively advocating for our clients, seeking fair settlements from liable insurance companies, and, when necessary, representing our clients in court.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured due to the negligent or wrongful conduct of another person or party, reach out to the Rapid City catastrophic injury lawyers at Beardsley, Jensen & Lee to learn how we can help.
Schedule a free consultation today; call (605) 777-7466 or submit an online contact form.
