Know Your Rights After a Catastrophic Injury
Who’s at Fault — and Why It Matters
Fault determines how and whether you can recover compensation.
What You May Be Owed
Economic: medical bills, lost wages.
Non-economic: pain, emotional distress.
Medical Liens Explained
Doctors can treat you now and get paid later from your settlement.
No Upfront Legal Fees
Qualified attorneys typically work on contingency: no win, no fee.
Why Crowdfunding Isn’t Enough
Public donations are uncertain — legal action ensures enforceable compensation.
Who’s at Fault — and Why It Matters
Fault: Legal responsibility for causing an accident or injury.
- Determines eligibility for compensation
- Affects amount and type of damages recoverable
- Varies by state laws (comparative vs. contributory negligence)
What You May Be Owed
Damages: The financial compensation awarded for losses caused by an injury.
- Medical bills (hospital, surgery, therapy)
- Lost wages and future income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Medical Liens Explained
Medical Lien: A legal agreement ensuring providers are paid from any recovery.
- Allows treatment without immediate payment
- Doctor is paid from settlement or verdict
- Must be disclosed in legal case
No Upfront Legal Fees
Contingency Fee: Attorney is paid only if the case is won.
- No payment unless you win
- Attorney’s fee is a percentage of the settlement
- Encourages attorneys to take strong cases
Why Crowdfunding Isn’t Enough
Crowdfunding: Public donation campaigns (e.g., GoFundMe) without legal guarantees.
- Unreliable and inconsistent donations
- No legal obligation for anyone to contribute
- Lawsuits result in enforceable, court-ordered compensation