Pittsburgh Catastrophic Injury Settlement

A catastrophic injury can affect every part of a person’s life, from earning a living to taking care of day-to-day tasks. These conditions are so severe that their consequences are typically permanent. If you are living with a catastrophic injury caused by another person, you could be entitled to compensation.

These cases frequently settle, but that doesn’t mean getting the compensation you deserve will be easy. Instead of pursuing Pittsburgh catastrophic injury settlements on your own, you should rely on the support of our skilled attorneys.

What Damages Are Available in a Catastrophic Injury Settlement?

Every catastrophic injury case is different, so there isn’t a standard amount that a claim is worth. If you are able to negotiate a settlement in a Pittsburgh catastrophic injury case, you could be entitled to the following damages:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Home or vehicle modifications
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

Catastrophic injuries often create expenses that continue for years or even decades after the accident. It’s vital that you only accept a settlement when you are sure it will meet your long-term needs.

When Settlements Are Most Common?

Although a case can settle at almost any point, certain stages of the legal process tend to produce the most settlement activity.

Before the Lawsuit Is Filed

Some catastrophic injury cases settle before a lawsuit becomes necessary. This often occurs when liability is clear, the injuries are well documented, and both sides have enough information to evaluate the claim. Some parties are able to reach an agreement within a matter of weeks after the initial demand is made.

During Discovery

Many settlements occur during the discovery phase of a lawsuit. Discovery is the process during which both sides exchange information, documents, and evidence that is likely to be used at trial. As discovery progresses, each party gains a clearer understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the case. This frequently leads both sides to a point where they can reach an agreement on a fair resolution.

Just Before Trial

A significant number of catastrophic injury cases settle shortly before trial begins. By this stage, both sides have invested considerable time and resources in preparing their cases.

Trials involve uncertainty, and many insurance companies can’t stomach that risk. Even a strong case carries risk because no one can predict exactly how a jury will respond to the evidence. As the trial date approaches, it’s not uncommon for the parties to find grounds for a compromise.

Not Every Case Will Settle

While settlements are common, not every catastrophic injury case reaches an agreement. Sometimes the parties disagree about who caused the accident. In other situations, they may dispute the severity of the injuries or the value of future damages.

Insurance companies occasionally refuse to offer fair compensation despite strong evidence supporting the claim. When that happens, filing a lawsuit and proceeding to trial may become necessary to get the outcome you deserve.

The willingness to take a case to trial can also influence settlement negotiations. Defendants and insurers may be more likely to negotiate seriously when they understand that the injured party is prepared to present the case in court if necessary. In other words, you could benefit if your attorney approaches the case as if a trial were a certainty, even if it ultimately settles.