Catastrophic Injury Attorney Serving Boise and Meridian, Idaho

Catastrophic injuries are severe and life-altering events that often result in long-term or permanent disabilities. These injuries can stem from various causes and may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. 

When it comes to advocating for your rights following a catastrophic injury, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney is of the utmost importance. At Shep Law Group, we understand the impact a catastrophic injury can have on your life. Our attorney offers personalized assistance to protect your rights and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. 

Located in Meridian, Idaho, Shep Law Group serves clients in Boise, Ada County, Canyon County, and throughout the state. Reach out today for professional legal support. 

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury is an extremely severe injury that may result in long-term medical conditions, permanent disability, or a reduced quality of life. These injuries can occur in various environments and situations, from traffic collisions and industrial accidents to recreational activities and even violent crimes. 

Some common scenarios that result in catastrophic injuries include: 

• Motor vehicle accidents 

• Construction site accidents 

• Falls from heights 

• Medical errors 

• Assault and battery 

Catastrophic injuries are often related to negligence or intentional harm by other individuals or entities. For example, negligent driving, unsafe working conditions, or medical negligence can all contribute to causing these devastating injuries.  

Types of Catastrophic Injuries

The types of catastrophic injuries can vary widely in nature and severity. Some common types of catastrophic injuries include: 

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) 

• Spinal cord injuries 

• Severe burns 

• Amputations 

• Multiple fractures 

Understanding the various factors that contribute to catastrophic injuries is crucial for pursuing compensation and holding the responsible parties accountable. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine your options for pursuing compensation and your ability to file a claim.

Should You File a Catastrophic Injury Claim?

Determining whether to file a catastrophic injury claim is often challenging, but it can provide relief and peace of mind if your claim is successful. Before filing a catastrophic injury claim, you should consider the following: 

• The severity of your injuries: If the catastrophic injury led to significant disability that impacted your financial standing or well-being, it's important to hold the responsible party accountable. 

• Medical costs: Filing a claim can help recover costs related to your medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation. 

• Lost wages: If your injury has caused you to miss work, filing a claim can help you recover lost income or lost potential income if you cannot return to work. 

• Future care needs: Catastrophic injuries often require ongoing medical care and assistance. Filing a claim can help address the long-term financial needs for future medical care and support. 

Apart from the physical and financial impacts of a catastrophic injury, you will also need to evaluate the circumstances surrounding the injury itself. If the incident was a result of negligence or intentional harm by another party, you might have a strong case for compensation. 

Understanding Negligence in Idaho

Negligence refers to the failure to exercise reasonable care under a particular circumstance, resulting in harm or injury to another person. Idaho follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if you're found to be partially responsible for your injuries, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.  

For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault for the accident that caused your catastrophic injury, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages. 

To prove negligence in a catastrophic injury claim, you must demonstrate that the responsible party had a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused injuries and damages as a direct result of that breach. These can include medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other tangible or intangible impacts the accident has had on your life. 

By demonstrating these elements, often with the help of a skilled personal injury attorney, you can make a compelling case for pursuing compensation for your damages. 

How to File a Catastrophic Injury Claim in Idaho

If you've decided to pursue a catastrophic injury claim, there are several steps you will need to take to make sure the process goes smoothly. These steps include: 

1. Seek medical attention: Receive immediate medical care for your injuries. Doing so prioritizes your health and generates medical records that document the extent of your injuries. You will need these documents to prove negligence and damages. 

2. Report the incident: Notify the appropriate parties about the incident as soon as possible. This can include law enforcement, your employer, or the party responsible for your injury. Obtain a written report if available and keep a copy for your records. 

3. Gather evidence: Collect evidence from the scene, including photographs, witness statements, and any other relevant information that can support your claim. 

4. Consult with a personal injury attorney: Schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who can evaluate your case and guide you through the claims process. 

5. File a claim: Your attorney will help you file the necessary paperwork to initiate your catastrophic injury claim, making sure it meets the necessary deadlines and requirements. 

Idaho Statute of Limitations for Catastrophic Injuries

In Idaho, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including catastrophic injuries, is generally two years from the date of the injury (Idaho Code § 5-219.4 (2023)). If you fail to file a lawsuit within this period, you could lose your right to pursue compensation.  

There may be exceptions to this rule depending on the circumstances of your case. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand the statute of limitations and how it applies to your specific situation. 

Why Choose Shep Law Group?

At Shep Law Group, our team is dedicated to providing personalized and effective legal representation. We have extensive experience handling catastrophic injury claims and are committed to advocating for your rights.  

We understand that every client's experience with a catastrophic injury is unique. Our team is dedicated to making sure each case receives the attention it deserves. We take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and involve you in the decision-making process. Additionally, we will help you gather evidence and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. 

Based in Meridian, Idaho, we are well-versed in the local laws and court systems, and we will leverage them to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. By choosing Shep Law Group, you are opting for a firm that is committed to fighting for your rights and delivering the best possible outcome for your catastrophic injury claim.