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Natural Disasters And Negligence

Personal Injury

In the aftermath of a natural disaster, many often lose their homes, livelihoods, and even their health. It can be hard to know what to do after a disaster has struck, but if you have suffered lesiones catastroficas due to a natural disaster, you may have a claim on your hands. Our friends at Unidos Legales have put together more information on this topic below:

Man-Made Injuries

Natural disasters often reveal the inadequacies of man-made structures such as houses or office buildings. While these sites must follow strict construction codes to withstand natural disasters, sometimes contractors can cut corners to increase their bottom line or just due to laziness. Those cut corners can lead to loss of life and catastrophic injuries when mother nature causes a disaster. It is important to seek legal representation if you have suffered an injury in a disaster that could have been prevented by following the correct building codes.

Insurance Claims

Some people may have insurance that covers them in the event of a natural disaster and a subsequent catastrophic injury. However, insurance companies are notorious for lowball settlements and denied claims. These companies are out to protect themselves and not necessarily their customers. Contact an experienced attorney if you have filed an insurance claim for a catastrophic injury from a natural disaster that has been denied.

Medical Malpractice

Just as it can happen in everyday life, medical malpractice can also occur during natural disasters. This malpractice can then lead to a catastrophic injury. For example, if a person’s back is injured in a flood, they might have to undergo an operation. Spinal surgery is complicated, and if a surgeon is not on top of their game, they might make a mistake which leads their patient to become paralyzed. It’s important to work with a qualified attorney who understands the laws around medical malpractice, natural disasters, and catastrophic injuries. They will be up to date on the latest laws and procedures in order to get you the compensation you deserve.

Premise Liability

Just as a property owner has a duty to keep up the maintenance of their properties under normal circumstances, they also must do so after a natural disaster. Premise liability laws vary from state to state, and it is no secret that natural disasters complicate the laws. However, if enough time has passed after the disaster and the property owner has not maintained their property, someone could get injured. As an example, a leaky roof from a hurricane could lead to a catastrophic injury if someone slips, falls, and slams their head onto the ground, thus receiving a traumatic brain injury.

Dog Bites

Although not common, pets can get loose in storms. Feeling scared, they may lash out at anyone that tries to approach them. If you or someone you love is bitten by a dog and it leads to a catastrophic injury such as a limb amputation, you should contact an attorney for help. The laws will vary in each location, but if a dog gets loose during a natural disaster and the owner knows that it is loose — and does nothing to try and recapture it — they could potentially be held liable for the bite.

Natural disasters are a confusing time, but if you suffer an injury during a disaster, it’s best to contact a catastrophic injury lawyer near you for help to determine if you are eligible to receive compensation.