Accidents can cause a range of injuries from mild to severe. Many injuries are serious but can be recovered from in a relatively short period of time. However, a catastrophic injury is categorized as an injury that is so substantial that it leaves the victim damaged permanently or for a long time.
Those that have suffered injuries to their brain and/or spinal cord are more susceptible to long-term permanent damage than other injuries. No matter where the injury occurs on the body, if it is serious enough to cause a long-term or lifelong deformity or debilitation, it can be considered catastrophic.
If you or a loved one has suffered such an injury due to the fault of another person, the lawyers Fasig and Brooks recommend that you contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. These types of injuries can cause expensive medical bills, limit you from making an income, and be detrimental to mental health. Learn more below about catastrophic injuries.
When May be Entitled to a Catastrophic Injury Settlement
Winning a settlement for a catastrophic injury will require that you meet a few criteria. While not all-inclusive, listed below are a few of the indicators that you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
- The injury was serious enough to need surgery, long-term rehabilitation, long-term medical care, or the permanent need for a medical device and/or medication as a result of the injury.
- You are cannot work for a substantial period of time or are permanently unable to hold a job due to the injuries.
- There has been severe psychological damage due to the accident
Catastrophic injuries can change the outlook on your entire life and have a major impact on your family. Any injury that has a major impact on your finances, health, and career can be considered serious and catastrophic.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries
In general, catastrophic injuries fall into three categories. They are either physical injuries, spinal cord injuries, or brain injuries. Listed below are the most common types of catastrophic injuries.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries causing paralysis or other types of permanent nerve damage
- Severe burns
- Injuries that call for amputation
- Severe injuries to major organs
- Loss of sight
- Severe disfigurement
- Acquired deafness or partial loss of hearing
- General loss of function on any part of the body
Type of Accidents That Can Cause Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries can occur in any type of personal injury accident. Some of the most common include car accidents, slip and fall cases, intentional physical acts, fires, fall from heights, etc.
It can sometimes take a while to know whether or not an injury is catastrophic. However, the longer it takes to recover (if you are able to recover), the more money and time you and your family will have to spend until you are able to secure a fair settlement for your injuries.
Should You Work With a Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you have suffered a catastrophic injury in an accident due to the complete or partial fault of another person or party, you may be entitled to compensation. However, receiving maximum compensation for your damages is not always easy.
While you can pursue a personal injury claim on your own, it is not recommended. Proving liability, collecting evidence, interviewing eyewitnesses, connecting with expert witnesses, and negotiating with the insurance company can be very difficult to accomplish under the constraints of a catastrophic injury. Working with an attorney can increase your chances of a favorable outcome and recovering the damages that you deserve.