Can Families of Car Accident Coma Victims Sue Those Responsible?
Car accidents can have devastating consequences, especially when they’re caused by a negligent driver. Common injuries include spine damage, broken bones, and head trauma, which all have long-lasting consequences and could permanently diminish your enjoyment of life. In the worst-case scenario, a victim could end up comatose.
When a family member finds themselves in this situation, their future might be uncertain. That’s why you should seek compensation with the guidance of the lawyers at Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP. Car accident laws give you the opportunity to sue the responsible party.
Who Can Proceed on Behalf of a Loved One?
Coma victims are unable to represent themselves and gather the evidence needed to be compensated. In this scenario, the following parties can proceed on their behalf and obtain a settlement:
- Immediate family members
- A regular caregiver
- Parents if the victim is a minor
- A guardian
- The representative of the victim’s estate
Unfortunately, choosing who can represent the victim and obtaining the power to legally do so can be a difficult path, as you may be unclear on your first or best steps without the extensive knowledge of the law a lawyer can provide. You may need to speak with an attorney to explore your options and proceed in your loved one’s best interest.
What Damages Can Be Recovered for a Car Accident?
All damages that would be included in the victim’s settlement can be recovered by the person appointed to represent them. This includes both economic and non-economic damages or the financial and emotional costs they may have suffered because of the accident.
Family members can also seek additional damages caused by their loved one’s comatose state, like loss of economic stability if the victim was the sole or main provider of the household. The spouse may also have the ability to include as an important part of the claim supplementary non-economic damages, like loss of consortium.
Don’t Wait for Answers
It’s not uncommon for family members to wait for their loved one to recover instead of pursuing compensation. When it comes to personal injury claims, waiting is not the answer; There’s the possibility of losing important evidence, which can hurt your ability to prove your loved one is due compensation.
It’s impossible to establish how and when a patient is going to recover. If it takes a significant amount of time, they could still exhibit symptoms from brain damage and be unable to proceed legally, which would put them in a disadvantageous position.
Keep in mind that the statute of limitations is also moving forward. If you don’t act within this deadline, you and your loved one may lose the opportunity to seek compensation for your suffering.
Connect with an Experienced Injury Attorney
Dealing with everything that comes with a comatose family member can be considerably difficult, both emotionally and financially. A reputable injury attorney can help you choose the best way to proceed and will work hard to provide you with the money you deserve.
Our legal team at Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP puts your best interests first. We won’t stop negotiating until you have everything you need to take care of your loved one. To schedule your free consultation, call our office at 1-800-VICTIM2 (842-8462) or fill out the online contact form.