Dealing With Permanent Disabilities After an Accident
Suffering a permanent disability after an accident can change your life in profound ways. From handling daily activities to maintaining financial stability, the challenges are multifaceted. If your injury resulted from someone else’s negligence, you may have legal options to seek compensation to help address these difficulties, but securing the right amount of compensation is difficult and requires a thorough understanding of the law and how personal injury claims are valued. At Burke, Schultz, Harman & Jenkinson, we assist West Virginia accident victims in pursuing justice and obtaining the resources they need for the future. If you or a loved one suffered a permanent disability due to a motor vehicle accident, construction accident, or other incident, contact our office to speak with a skilled and experienced Martinsburg personal injury lawyer.
Facts About Permanent Disabilities
Permanent disabilities can take many forms, including physical impairments, chronic pain, cognitive challenges, or emotional trauma. Common causes include car accidents, workplace injuries, slip-and-fall incidents, or medical malpractice. These injuries often require ongoing medical care, adaptive equipment, and home modifications, all of which can be costly. The legal process can provide avenues to recover compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Including surgeries, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and long-term care.
- Lost Income and Earning Capacity: Reflecting the inability to work or the need to take a lower-paying job.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensating for physical and emotional hardships.
- Home Modifications and Accessibility Needs: Such as wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms, or special vehicles.
Adjusting to life with a permanent disability involves more than just physical recovery. Here are some steps that may help:
- Focus on Rehabilitation: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling can help you adapt and regain independence.
- Build a Support System: Surround yourself with friends, family, and support groups to stay connected and motivated.
- Explore Assistive Technologies: Modern devices and tools can simplify tasks and improve mobility or communication.
- Advocate for Your Rights: Ensure you have access to workplace accommodations, public services, and legal remedies.
Pursuing Compensation Through a Personal Injury Claim
If your accident was caused by another party’s negligence, you may have a right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. These claims aim to make you whole by addressing the financial and emotional toll of your injury. Key steps in any personal injury claim include proving liability (fault) and damages. In the case of a permanent disability, calculating damages is extremely important to accurately assess the current and future costs of your disability, including both economic and non-economic damages. The assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer is vital, and several experts may need to be consulted as well, such as economists, physiatrists, and life care planners.
Burke, Schultz, Harman & Jenkinson work to build a comprehensive and compelling case by investigating the accident and collecting all relevant evidence such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements. With the facts in hand and a long history of successfully resolving personal injury claims in West Virginia, we take a strong position in negotiating with insurers to ensure you receive a full and fair settlement. If negotiations fail to achieve the right result, pursuing litigation may be the best option for full compensation, and our team is fully prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Dealing with the aftermath of a serious injury can be overwhelming, especially while navigating the complexities of a personal injury claim. An experienced attorney understands how to build a strong case, counter tactics from insurance companies, and advocate for the maximum compensation you deserve.
At Burke, Schultz, Harman & Jenkinson, we provide personalized legal support tailored to your unique needs. Whether through negotiation or courtroom advocacy, our Martinsburg personal injury attorneys are dedicated to securing justice for accident victims across West Virginia.
Let Us Help You Move Forward
While no amount of money can truly compensate for a permanent disability, obtaining financial recovery can provide the stability and resources necessary to adapt to your new circumstances. If you or a loved one has been permanently disabled due to an accident in West Virginia, contact Burke, Schultz, Harman & Jenkinson at 304-263-0900 for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your options, and guide you every step of the way.