Vancouver Personal Injury Lawyers Providing Advice on Serious & Catastrophic Accident Injuries
Serious and catastrophic accident injuries have a devastating physical and emotional effect on the injured person and their loved ones. The long-term treatment associated with these injuries causes upheaval to a person’s life and career and can create significant financial hardship for their family.
For over three decades, the dedicated personal injury team at Meridian Law Group has helped clients recover compensation for their serious and catastrophic accident injuries. The firm recognizes that while money cannot resolve the personal impact these injuries have on a person’s life, it can provide critical support while they focus on their recovery and healing.
Brain Injuries
Brain injuries are caused by trauma to a person’s head. They can occur in numerous situations, including motor vehicle collisions or worksite accidents. Brain injuries cause complex cognitive, behavioural, physical, and emotional effects that make the healing process extremely difficult. Individuals suffering from a serious brain injury may be unable to work ever again and require extensive medical and personal support in their everyday lives.
A brain injury may not be readily apparent in the aftermath of a serious accident, particularly where the accident has caused multiple traumas to the injured individual. In some cases, the extent of the brain injury may go undetected for some time. Therefore, the injured person should contact a personal injury lawyer immediately upon learning of their injury so they can preserve their legal rights and avoid missing a limitation period for filing a claim.
Degenerative Conditions
Degenerative conditions are chronic medical conditions that worsen over time (for example, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, or arthritis). These conditions can have catastrophic effects on a person’s quality of life. Family members are often required to change their own lives substantially to provide permanent care and assistance as their loved one’s condition progresses.
A common degenerative condition that arises in personal injury cases is degenerative disc disease. Degenerative disc disease causes pain and loss of mobility throughout the spine and lower back and can be created or worsened by trauma, such as a hard fall or car accident.
A person may face liability where their misconduct or negligence has caused or aggravated another person’s degenerative condition. This principle applies even when the injured person had a pre-existing generative condition unknown to the responsible party.
Orthopaedic Injuries
Serious accidents can cause severe trauma to an individual’s musculoskeletal system. These injuries to a person’s bones, joints, or muscles are referred to as “orthopaedic injuries”. Some examples include:
- Fractured bones;
- Soft tissue damage;
- Spinal trauma, such as whiplash and herniated discs;
- Torn ligaments and tendons; and
- Sprains and strains of joints.
There are numerous types of orthopaedic injuries, all with varying symptoms, side effects, and medical treatments. A severe accident can create multiple orthopaedic injuries, along with other harm (such as a brain injury). The compound effect of multiple injuries can be complex, long-term pain and other impacts on a person’s health and well-being.
Compensation for Serious & Catastrophic Accident Injuries
Individuals with a serious or catastrophic injury face substantial financial burdens in the aftermath of their accident. Pursuing a personal injury claim is the only way to obtain the compensation necessary to alleviate significant injury-related expenses.
Claims for compensation for serious and catastrophic accident injuries may include costs associated with:
- Medical care, rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, mental health care, or any other required treatments;
- Lost wages and lost or diminished earning potential;
- Pain and suffering (general damages);
- Housekeeping and caregiving services, whether provided professionally or by friends and family;
- Home modifications for accessibility; and
- Medical devices.
Personal injury claims involve a myriad of evidence, medical assessments, and legal analysis. Engaging the services of an experienced personal injury lawyer helps ensure the injured person understands their entitlements and avoids missed claim deadlines.
Wrongful Death Claims Under the Family Compensation Act
When a person’s death is caused by another person’s wrongful or illegal act or negligence, the deceased’s family members may bring a wrongful death claim under British Columbia’s Family Compensation Act.
Some examples of compensation that can be claimed under the Family Compensation Act include the loss of the deceased’s:
- Companionship;
- Assistance with housekeeping;
- Labour contributions – i.e. maintenance and repair to the household;
- Financial support and income; and
- Funeral expenses.
Family members eligible for compensation under the Family Compensation Act vary depending on the circumstances and may include the deceased’s spouse, children, stepchildren, parents, stepparents, and grandparents. These family members are entitled to be put in the same financial position they would be in had the death not occurred.
Contact Meridian Law Group in Vancouver for Trustworthy Advice on Personal Injury Matters
Meridian Law Group understands the devastating effect that serious and catastrophic accident injuries have on an injured person and their loved ones. The firm’s personal injury lawyers understand the complex evidentiary and legal considerations involved in accident injuries and fight to obtain the maximum compensation possible for each client.
Since 1988, the lawyers of Meridian Law Group have been a cornerstone of the British Columbia legal community. Prominently located in downtown Vancouver, the firm proudly serves clients throughout British Columbia, including Vancouver, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Coquitlam, Penticton, Kelowna, Richmond, New Westminster, Burnaby, Surrey, Langley, and White Rock. The firm also represents clients across Canada and internationally. Call (604) 687-2277 or reach out online to schedule a confidential consultation.
