A catastrophic injury is a sudden, life-shattering injury that frequently leads to long0term impairment. These are some of the most tragic cases – affecting not only the victim but his/her family as well. A person who was once able to care for his/her family suddenly can no longer contribute in a meaningful way. Victims of catastrophic injuries must not only contend with the ongoing physical or mental effects of their injuries, but they frequently develop emotional conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Catastrophic injuries produce long-term repercussions and are often permanently disabling physically or psychologically.
Some of the most common categories of catastrophic injuries include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
TBIs can vary in severity. Effects may include severe headaches, issues with memory, cognitive deficits, abnormal speech and language, personality changes, emotional problems, and other lifelong difficulties.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Can include partial or complete paralysis, which as a devastating impact on the life of the injured person. The ability to physically function, work and enjoy life and relationships will all be affected.
Severe Bone Fractures, Crush Injuries, or Amputations
These types of injuries often happen in motor vehicle and workplace accidents.
Burn Injuries
Thermal, electrical, and chemical urns can all lead to infections, limb loss, and other permanent scarring and disfigurement.
Toxic Chemical Exposure
Exposure to toxic substances can cause hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain) or permanent organ damage.
Limb Loss/Amputation
There are a variety of accidents that can lead to the loss of a limb or a required amputation. In addition to physical limitations, the loss of a limb can lead to emotional and psychological challenges for amputees, as well as the people in their lives.
Scarring/Disfigurement
Injuries such as burns or deep lacerations can produce visible and permanent scarring, which can negatively impact an injured person psychologically in addition to physically.
Wrongful death
When negligent actions cause the death of another person.
A catastrophic injury is more than just “severe,” as they often have lifelong effects. When determining the value of a claim, future difficulties must be taken into account.
There are many different types of accidents that can lead to catastrophic injuries, including the following:
Accidents that are preventable, yet caused by the negligence of another person, give victims the right to take legal action and recover compensation from the responsible party.
Any sudden, long-term, life-altering injury could be considered a catastrophic injury. Some common examples include:
Victims of catastrophic injuries may require multiple surgeries, special adaptive equipment, extensive therapy or rehabilitation, long-term care, and ongoing medical treatment. They may need emotional support from psychiatrists or they may need help doing everyday tasks that once were easy to accomplish. Every aspect of the victim’s life could be affected by a catastrophic injury.
Compensation for any catastrophic injury case should take into account the immediate needs of the victim and his/her family as well as all future expenses including medical bills, rehabilitation or therapy, adaptive equipment, lost earning capacity, and long-term care if needed. Victims may also be entitled to seek punitive damages, pain and suffering, and other compensation against the at-fault party. In some cases, the victim’s family can seek restitution for loss of consortium (companionship) or a wrongful death claim if the injuries lead to the passing of their loved one. Contact an experienced catastrophic injury attorney today to evaluate your case and help you get all the compensation you are entitled to.
Never accept any payment fro the insurance company before consulting with an attorney – especially if you or your loved one has suffered a severe injury. If you accept compensation now, you may be giving up your right to file additional claims in the future. Only an experienced catastrophic injury attorney can help you determine the full value of your case in terms of past, present, and future medical bills, past and future lost income, and additional losses for you and your family. Call us immediately to investigate you catastrophic injury claim to ensure you get all the compensation you deserve.
Flor Templeton Stuart Accident Injury Lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means we only get paid if you get paid in your catastrophic injury case. Call catastrophic injuries attorney Flora Templeton Stuart at (888) 782-9090 for a free initial consultation twenty0four hours a day/seven days a week.