Life changes instantly after a catastrophic injury. Whether caused by a serious car accident, a fall, a violent attack, or medical negligence, these types of injuries often leave victims and families overwhelmed, scared, and facing financial devastation. One of the first questions you may ask after emergency care is: Can I sue?
If you or your loved one suffered a spinal cord injury or another life-altering trauma anywhere in Mississippi, you may have the right to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. At Barrett Law, PLLC, we help victims of catastrophic injuries fight for the financial recovery they deserve. Led by Jonathan Barrett, our firm has decades of experience representing injured Mississippians and holding negligent parties accountable.
Let’s break down the legal process, the types of injuries that qualify, and how Mississippi law protects victims.
Understanding Catastrophic Injuries in Mississippi
Catastrophic injuries are not typical injuries—they are life-altering. They often lead to long-term or permanent disability and impact every aspect of a person’s life. Common catastrophic injuries include:
-
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) resulting in partial or full paralysis
-
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) affecting memory, speech, and function
-
Severe burns requiring skin grafts or leading to disfigurement
-
Amputations or loss of limbs
-
Crush injuries to internal organs
-
Loss of eyesight or hearing
-
Multiple complex fractures
Many of our clients come to us after auto accidents, falls, workplace disasters, or violent incidents. In all of these cases, a central legal question is whether someone else’s negligence caused or contributed to the injury.
When Can You File a Lawsuit in Mississippi After a Catastrophic Injury?
To sue after a catastrophic injury in Mississippi, four key legal elements must be present:
-
Duty of care – The other party had a legal obligation to act reasonably.
-
Breach of duty – They failed in that duty (e.g., a driver ran a red light).
-
Causation – That breach caused the injury.
-
Damages – You suffered losses (medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, etc.).
If these factors are present, you likely have grounds for a lawsuit. A skilled attorney will review the facts of your case to determine the best legal path forward.
Statute of Limitations for Catastrophic Injury Lawsuits in Mississippi
Under Mississippi law (Miss. Code § 15-1-49), you generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, your case may be dismissed regardless of how strong your claim is.
However, there are some exceptions:
-
If the injured person was a minor or mentally incapacitated, the clock may not start right away.
-
Claims against government agencies (such as a city or school district) must be filed under different, shorter timelines, sometimes within 1 year and with advance notice.
An experienced Mississippi catastrophic injury lawyer like Jonathan Barrett can make sure your claim is filed on time and correctly.
Who Is Affected and Why Legal Help Matters
Catastrophic injuries don’t just affect the person harmed—they affect entire families.
You may be:
-
A parent caring for a child with a spinal cord injury
-
A spouse whose partner suffered a traumatic brain injury in a crash
-
A breadwinner who can no longer work due to amputation or paralysis
-
A victim struggling with permanent disability and depression
In these situations, financial resources matter. Insurance companies often undervalue or deny claims, especially when the costs of care will extend for years or decades. That’s why working with a law firm that understands the full scope of your losses is essential.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Mississippi Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit?
Every case is different, but victims of catastrophic injuries in Mississippi can pursue:
-
Medical expenses (past and future)
-
Loss of income and earning capacity
-
Pain and suffering
-
Disfigurement or loss of enjoyment of life
-
Loss of consortium (spouse or family impact)
-
Home modifications or assistive care needs
-
Wrongful death damages (if the injury led to death)
Some cases may also justify punitive damages if the other party acted with extreme negligence or recklessness.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord and Catastrophic Injuries in Mississippi
We’ve represented clients in catastrophic injury cases involving:
-
Car accidents caused by drunk or distracted drivers
-
Motorcycle wrecks involving failure to yield
-
18-wheeler crashes on interstates like I-55 or I-20
-
Falls on unsafe properties (negligent maintenance or code violations)
-
Violent crimes or shootings in commercial establishments
-
Defective products causing explosions or amputations
-
Medical malpractice or surgical errors
-
Workplace injuries where third-party negligence is involved
No matter how the injury happened, we investigate thoroughly and preserve key evidence before it disappears.
Bad Faith Insurance Denials After Catastrophic Injuries
Insurance companies are supposed to help—but sometimes they make things worse.
If an insurer unreasonably delays or denies your claim, refuses to pay valid benefits, or pressures you to accept a lowball offer, that could be bad faith.
Under Mississippi law, you may be entitled to extra damages for bad faith, including:
-
Emotional distress
-
Attorney’s fees
-
Punitive damages
Barrett Law, PLLC has experience holding insurers accountable for bad faith tactics. We don’t let powerful companies bully our clients into accepting less than they deserve.
Practical Advice: What to Do After a Catastrophic Injury
If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury, here’s what to do immediately:
-
Get medical attention and follow your treatment plan
-
Document everything – medical bills, lost work, daily struggles
-
Don’t talk to the insurance company alone
-
Avoid posting details on social media
-
Call a lawyer immediately – early legal action can preserve evidence and strengthen your case
FAQs About Catastrophic Injury Lawsuits in Mississippi
How do I know if my injury qualifies as “catastrophic”?
Catastrophic injuries typically result in long-term or permanent disability, such as paralysis, brain trauma, amputations, or severe burns. If your injury has a profound and lasting impact on your ability to function or earn a living, you may qualify.
Can I afford a lawyer for my spinal cord injury lawsuit?
Yes. Barrett Law, PLLC works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
How long will my lawsuit take?
The timeline varies, but catastrophic injury cases often take 12 to 24 months or more. Complex injuries require expert evaluations and time to fully understand the long-term effects.
Will my case go to trial?
Many personal injury lawsuits settle out of court, but we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your lawyer is ready to fight.
What if the person who hurt me doesn’t have insurance?
There may be other avenues for recovery, such as uninsured motorist coverage, employer liability, or claims against third parties.
Can I sue on behalf of a family member who’s incapacitated?
Yes. If your loved one cannot file a lawsuit due to brain injury or paralysis, you may be able to file as a guardian or conservator.
What if the injury happened at work?
You may be eligible for workers’ compensation, but if a third party (like a contractor or manufacturer) was responsible, you could also file a personal injury lawsuit.
What damages can I recover in a spinal cord injury case?
Medical costs, therapy, home care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even future earnings or modifications to your home or vehicle.
What’s the deadline to file a lawsuit in Mississippi?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of injury. Government cases or other unique circumstances may have shorter deadlines.
How do I start my case?
Contact Barrett Law, PLLC. We’ll review your case for free and explain your legal options clearly. Don’t wait—the sooner you act, the stronger your claim.
Have You or Your Loved One Suffered a Spinal Cord Injury in Mississippi? Call Mississippi Spinal Cord Injury Claim Attorney Jonathan Barrett 24/7/365 at (601) 790-1505 for Your FREE Consultation
Barrett Law, PLLC is dedicated to helping catastrophic injury victims recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. Whether your injury occurred in Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Oxford, or anywhere else in Mississippi, we are ready to stand with you.
We proudly represent clients across:
-
The Mississippi Gulf Coast
-
Central Mississippi
-
Northern Mississippi
-
Including Southaven, Biloxi, Olive Branch, Meridian, Clinton, Brandon, Tupelo, and more.
Jonathan Barrett Fights for Mississippians – Call 24/7/365 at (601) 790-1505 to Receive Your FREE Consultation
Let Barrett Law, PLLC help you protect your rights, get justice, and reclaim your future.
