Augusta Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
If you’ve experienced a serious injury in Georgia or South Carolina, we’re here to advocate for you and get you the compensation needed to recover.
Contact the compassionate Augusta personal injury attorneys at M. Austin Jackson to begin your recovery with confidence and peace of mind.
Reach out for a free consultation today. Fill out the form, or call 706-981-9286 to share your story and explore your legal options.
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If you or a loved one has suffered catastrophic injuries in an accident, know you’re not alone. The compassionate attorneys at M. Austin Jackson dedicate themselves to securing compensation for your injuries and guiding you through the legal process so you can focus on healing and rediscovering your joy in life.
At M. Austin Jackson, we strive to make every interaction you have with our firm warm and personal. Our attorneys specialize in handling complex cases, tirelessly pursuing justice to help our Georgia and South Carolina neighbors who have been involved in catastrophic accidents.
If you’re facing mounting medical bills and a long road to recovery, we’re here to be your legal advocate. Let us take some of the weight off your shoulders so you or your loved one can begin rebuilding.
We understand the challenges our clients are facing, and we know how to secure results on their behalf.
We charge our clients nothing until we secure them a financial recovery.
Not only is our practice based in Augusta, GA, but so are we. We live right where our clients are.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a catastrophic injury, reach out to us today for a free consultation.
Your Rights After a Catastrophic Injury in Augusta
After a catastrophic injury, you have the right to seek compensation—not just for physical damages, but for the mental and emotional toll your accident has had on you as well. This may include compensation for:
- Medical expenses: These are past, present, and future medical expenses related to your injury, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medical equipment, and ongoing care.
- Lost wages: Victims can seek compensation for lost wages, both past and future, including lost earning potential and diminished capacity to earn in the future.
- Pain and suffering: You or your loved one can recover compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by injuries, including compensation for permanent disabilities, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Loss of consortium: If your spouse has been injured, you may be able to claim compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and support due to their injury.
Contact an Augusta personal injury lawyer like M. Austin Jackson to help protect your rights. From the moment we pick up the phone, we’ll treat you with empathy and compassion, carefully listening to your story to determine the damages you may be entitled to and the right next step for you and your family.
Do I Have a Catastrophic Injury Claim?
If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury caused by another person’s negligence, you will likely be able to receive compensation. However, various factors impact the validity and value of your claim:
- The severity of the injury. Severe, life-altering injuries like a traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injuries, amputations, and permanent disabilities typically lead to stronger claims.
- Liability and negligence. Establishing clear liability and proving the defendant’s negligence or wrongdoing is critical in a catastrophic injury claim. You must prove there was a breach of duty and that the breach of duty caused your incident.
- The extent of the damages. Higher medical expenses (past, present, and future) and lost wages caused by the injury add value to the claim. Non-monetary damages from pain and suffering can also strengthen a personal injury claim.
- Statute of limitations. To recover damages, victims must file a catastrophic injury claim within two years in Georgia and three years in South Carolina.
No one should have to experience the trauma of a catastrophic injury while also worrying about covering expenses and caring for their families. M. Austin Jackson and his team will give your case priority attention, meticulously documenting every aspect of your injury to ensure your recovery reflects the full scope of your damages.
If you’re unsure whether you have a personal injury claim, reach out to our team for a free consultation and tell us your story.
Do I Need an Attorney After Suffering a Catastrophic Injury?
The effects of a catastrophic injury may cause lifelong suffering. When injuries are this severe, you need a trusted advocate who can stand by your side through the aftermath and represent your right to receive fair financial compensation.
Unfortunately, even the most well-meaning insurance companies undervalue catastrophic injury claims. Others may attempt to minimize the damages you’ve suffered or place part of the blame on you. When facing the complexity of legal procedures and overwhelming paperwork, you may be tempted to settle for the first offer—even if it isn’t a fair settlement.
As your attorney, M. Austin Jackson will calculate the full extent of your damages, navigating the complexities of your claim and working tirelessly to ensure you get nothing short of what you are owed. We’ll also provide encouragement and keep you in the loop every step of the way, so you always know the status of your claim and the best path forward.
Since 2013, M. Austin Jackson has been helping his injured neighbors throughout Georgia and South Carolina.
Those who work with Austin can attest to his deep dedication to his neighbors. An Augusta native, Austin founded his practice more than a decade ago to give those who’ve been injured a place to turn for compassionate advice and strong legal representation.
Since starting his practice, Austin has recovered millions for victims of even the most complex catastrophic injury cases. No matter the scale of the case, he’s committed to offering excellence, persistence, and personalized attention to his clients—something we take great pride in that many major firms can’t promise.
Since 2013, M. Austin Jackson has been helping his injured neighbors throughout Georgia and South Carolina.
The first and most important thing to do is seek medical attention. Request emergency medical care to stabilize your condition and get treated for your injuries. Catastrophic injuries can become life-threatening if not treated immediately.
Here are some additional steps you or your loved one should take after suffering a catastrophic injury:
If possible, document the circumstances that led to your catastrophic injury, or ask a witness, friend, or family member to help. Take photos, collect witness statements, and preserve any relevant evidence.
Stick closely to the treatment plan your medical professionals prescribe. Attend follow-up appointments and follow instructions for rehabilitation and recovery.
Since your rehabilitation needs will likely be complex, make sure you explore all options to support your recovery and help you adapt to your new reality. Our team at M. Austin Jackson can help you with this!
Don’t be afraid to seek counseling or join a support group to help process your emotions.
Keep detailed records of medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and any other financial losses you experience due to your injuries. Our team can help you with this, too!
Your memory may fade, but writing down the pain you’re enduring in real time, along with taking photos of visible injuries, will help you remember what you went through when asked in the future.
Call M. Austin Jackson as soon as you’re ready to discuss your case and start planning your next steps.
Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries
The following injuries may be considered catastrophic:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Injuries that result in partial or full paralysis
- Severe burns
- Loss of limbs
- Injuries that result in disfigurement or substantial scarring
If your life has been changed by a catastrophic injury, the attorneys at M. Austin Jackson are here to represent you. We’ve helped victims throughout Georgia and South Carolina preserve their rights and recover millions in damages.
Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Catastrophic Injury
While many insurers require prompt reporting of accidents or incidents that may lead to a claim, you’ll want to be careful what you say—even to your own insurance company!
It’s not uncommon for insurance adjusters to request a recorded statement or make a lowball settlement offer. If this happens, politely decline making a statement or accepting an offer until you’ve spoken with your attorney. Anything you say to the adjuster may be used to diminish or deny your claim, so it’s always a good idea to stick to the basic facts.
To guarantee the best outcome, you’ll want an experienced attorney who’s represented catastrophic injury victims to handle all negotiations. M. Austin Jackson communicates directly with insurers, advocating for your best interests and fighting for fair compensation.
While it’s not always a quick process, M. Austin Jackson has the patience and persistence to see your case through to a successful recovery. We’ll ensure that you get fair compensation and have what you need to heal.
Our Catastrophic Injury Client Stories & Case Results
After Camden was dropped on his head at daycare, his family spent years getting Camden treatment to minimize the long-term effects of the incident. M. Austin Jackson recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars for the family due to the daycare’s negligent behavior.
Hear Camden’s Story
On her way to work, Constance was rear-ended in a multi-vehicle car accident. She sustained injuries to her neck, back, and shoulder, and M. Austin Jackson recovered a six-figure settlement on her behalf.
Hear Constance’s Story
Kim and Kimberly were involved in a serious accident with a logging truck in South Carolina and suffered life-threatening injuries. M. Austin Jackson recovered millions for their injuries.
Hear Their StoryTypes of Catastrophic Injury Cases We Handle
Accidents and incidents that cause serious, often permanent injuries include:
- Motor vehicle accidents (car, truck, motorcycle, pedestrian)
- Slip and fall accidents on uneven surfaces
- Falls from heights
- Workplace or industrial accidents
- Sports and recreational accidents
- Natural disasters
- Fires and explosions
- Chemical exposure
M. Austin Jackson gives your case dedicated attention, taking the time to listen to your story and empathize with your situation. No matter how you or a loved one were injured, our experienced catastrophic injury attorneys will ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages.
Contact M. Austin Jackson, an Augusta law firm with a reputation for helping those injured in Georgia and South Carolina get back on their feet. We have deep roots in this community, and we’re completely dedicated to helping our neighbors receive justice and fair compensation, and start on the road to recovery.
FAQs on Catastrophic Injuries in Augusta
A catastrophic injury is any damage that has serious, long-term effects on the victim. These injuries are life-altering and may require multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, or lifelong use of a medical device or medication.
You must show that the other party owed you a duty of care, which is a legal obligation to act reasonably and avoid causing harm to others. You must also demonstrate the other party breached this duty of care through their actions or inactions. Finally, you must prove the other party’s breach of duty was the direct cause of your catastrophic injury and provide evidence of the damages you suffered as a result.
Types of compensation often include economic damages like medical expenses and lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. In Georgia and South Carolina, you can also pursue punitive damages, which are meant to punish the offender and may be awarded if the defendant’s conduct was especially egregious.
You have two years to file a claim in Georgia and three years to file a claim in South Carolina.
Not without discussing your claim with an attorney. Anything you say to the insurance company can be used to devalue your claim, which is why you should always consult with a trained catastrophic injury attorney first.
Yes. In Georgia and South Carolina, family members (known as heirs)—including the deceased’s spouse, children, or parents—can file a wrongful death claim. The administrator or executor of the deceased’s estate can also file a claim for the pain and suffering of the deceased. Damages include medical expenses incurred before death, funeral and burial expenses, pain and suffering experienced by the deceased, and loss of companionship for family members.
First, you’ll need to obtain medical evidence of incapacity from medical professionals to prove your loved one lacks the mental capacity to make decisions about their legal affairs and healthcare. Next, if you live in Georgia or South Carolina, you can petition the probate court to be appointed as a legal guardian or conservator for your loved one.
An experienced attorney can help guide you through this process and ensure you’re honoring your loved one’s wishes.