Reno Catastrophic Injuries Lawyer
Getting into an accident often results in a personal injury that can affect your life for weeks to months. In some cases, personal injuries can take years to recover from. When an injury impacts the rest of your life significantly and permanently, it is often referred to as a catastrophic injury.
Calculating the true costs of a catastrophic injury can be difficult, especially considering that insurance companies will do everything in their power to pay you as little as possible. To make sure that you get the money that you deserve for your injuries, contact a Reno catastrophic injury lawyer from Lerner and Rowe at 775-644-4444 for a free consultation.
The Legal Definition of a Catastrophic Injury
Different states use different standards to classify a catastrophic injury. Nevada has very specific criteria as listed in NRS 616A.077. According to the statute, a Nevada catastrophic injury is one that results in one or more of the following:
- The total loss of sight in one or both eyes
- The total loss of hearing in one or both ears
- The loss by separation of any arm or leg
- An injury to the head or spine which results in paralysis of the legs, the arms, or both the legs and arms
- An injury to the head which results in severe cognitive impairment, as determined by a nationally recognized method of objective psychological testing
- An injury consisting of second or third degree burns on 50 percent or more of the body, both hands, or the face
- The total loss of or significant and permanent impairment of speech
- A coma or vegetative state
- The loss or significant impairment of function of one or more vital internal organs or organ systems
- The mangling, crushing, or amputation of a major portion of an extremity
- An injury which the insurer and the injured employee agree should be administered as a claim for a catastrophic injury
- An injury determined to be a catastrophic injury pursuant to NRS 616C.703
- Any other category of injury deemed to be catastrophic as determined by the Administrator
The last two items aren’t as specific as the previous ones, and insurance companies will often try to use the vagueness in order to pressure you into accepting a settlement quickly. Accepting an initial settlement before consulting with a Reno catastrophic injuries lawyer is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. In almost all cases, it pays to work with an experienced Reno personal injury attorney to maximize your settlement.
Contact a Reno Catastrophic Injuries Lawyer
One reason catastrophic injury cases can be so complex is that it can take some time to determine the true extent of your injuries and what it will cost to help you live as normal a life as possible. In addition to the typical costs of medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages, there may be unusual expenses such as home improvements required to help you move about your home or ongoing therapy that will last the rest of your life. Lerner and Rowe can make sure that you get the highest settlement possible.
You can reach the Reno personal injury lawyer at Lerner and Rowe 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone at 775-644-4444 and online through LiveChat or encrypted contact form.
Our Reno injury attorney lives in Reno and works steps away from Reno Justice Court. Lerner and Rowe has a proven track record of winning billions for our clients while providing unmatched support to help them carry the burden of their injuries. If you’ve suffered any type of injury in Washoe County and believe that it was caused by the negligence or recklessness of another party, don’t hesitate to contact us immediately.