Catastrophic Injuries

Personal injury accidents occur all too frequently. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 40 million people visit the emergency room each year, and over 68 million people seek injury treatment from a physician. Accidents involving catastrophic injuries are relatively commonplace as well, with an estimated 1.7 million people sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) annually. Unfortunately, for patients who experience severe injuries, the ongoing medical costs for rehabilitation and treatment, combined with lost earning potential, can also have a dramatic effect on their financial well-being and stability.

The attorneys at Impact Law can draw from a wealth of experience in helping victims who have suffered catastrophic injuries pursue justice through our legal system.

However, if the injury was caused or intensified by another party's negligent or careless actions, they may be held financially liable in a court of law. The attorneys at Impact Law can draw from a wealth of experience in helping victims who have suffered catastrophic injuries pursue justice through our legal system. We can help you determine who may be at fault for your injury accident and the appropriate amount of damages to seek. If you have been injured and are in need of legal guidance, please contact Impact Law to schedule a complimentary case evaluation.

Catastrophic injury litigation infographic

Types of Catastrophic Injuries

Any injury that requires extensive treatment or severely disrupts your life can be considered catastrophic. There are a few injury types that are inherently considered to be catastrophic because of the way they affect victims.

Brain Injury

Brain injuries can be among the most devastating personal injuries due to the wide range of problems that result. Many victims suffer long-lasting effects that can severely impair their ability to perform daily activities as they normally would. Traumatic brain injuries can be divided into two main types: open and closed. An open injury is caused by an external impact on the skull, while a closed injury occurs when the brain moves and makes an impact against the skull. The severity of the symptoms is often dependent on what caused the injury and on how the brain was affected.

Spinal Cord Injury

Injuries to the spinal cord can also have devastating effects on the victim's life. The spinal column connects the brain to the rest of the body, allowing nerve signals to communicate sensory information and coordinate movements. When a spinal injury occurs, the victim may lose all feeling and mobility in their body. Depending on how severely the spinal cord was damaged, victims may suffer a partial or total loss of movement and sensation below the injury.

Burn Injury

Depending on the severity and depth of the injury, burns can be classified as first-, second-, or third-degree. Serious burn injuries often involve severe damage to the skin, respiratory problems, disfigurement, and emotional trauma. Second- and third-degree injuries commonly require extensive treatment, including skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and rehabilitation therapy.

Causes of Catastrophic Injury

Although a catastrophic injury can occur in any accident, there are several circumstances most commonly associated with these types of injuries, including:

Catastrophic Injury Claims

Victims of catastrophic injuries have the right to pursue compensation from those who may be responsible. Establishing liability, however, can be a very difficult process for someone without experience or familiarity with the legal system. A personal injury lawyer can help you determine which other parties may have contributed to your accident and the appropriate amount of damages to pursue.

Many victims do not understand the long-term costs of their injuries. Catastrophic injuries commonly require ongoing treatment and may diminish an individual's earning capacity. Injury claims typically involve several types of damages, including:

Medical Bills: Victims in catastrophic injury lawsuits can pursue compensation for the medical costs that they have incurred, or will incur in the future, as a result of their injuries. Experienced attorneys can help to estimate the future costs associated with a specific injury.
Lost Wages: This type of claim can include any time missed from work because of the injury and any lost earning potential in the future. The experience and knowledge of a reputable attorney can be invaluable in determining the correct amount to pursue.
Loss of Consortium: The spouse of an injury victim can pursue damages for the loss of intangible aspects of a marriage, including affection, comfort, companionship, and a sexual relationship.
Pain and Suffering: Victims in any type of injury accident can pursue compensation for their pain and suffering. Because catastrophic injuries typically involve more extensive anguish and discomfort, the damages that are sought are often much greater as well.
Punitive Damages: Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant for inflicting the victim's injuries. This type of compensation is not awarded as part of every personal injury case and is typically only used to deter particularly egregious or dangerous behavior.

Speak With a Catastrophic Injury Attorney

Individuals who suffer a catastrophic injury should seek legal counsel immediately to protect their legal rights. Impact Law's nationwide network of experienced and reputable attorneys can help you begin to put the pieces of your life back together after a tragedy. Please contact us online to arrange a complimentary case evaluation.