Personal injuries are almost always traumatic. However, some injuries leave victims with long-term, life-changing consequences. These catastrophic injuries can affect how you move, where you can walk, and how long, if any, you can be physically active.

These serious injuries can prevent you from reaching your goals, working, or doing your daily activities. Catastrophic injuries may also require care from the victim’s family. If you are in this situation, consider talking to an experienced attorney who can help you get your life back on track.

Introduction to Catastrophic Injury Attorney

Catastrophic injuries can be life-changing and significantly impact the victim’s quality of life. These injury include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, severe burns, and more.

A catastrophic injury attorney is a legal professional who specializes in representing individuals who have suffered from these types of injuries. They work unstintingly to ensure their clients receive the compensation they deserve for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What Makes an Injury ‘Catastrophic?’

According to the Public Health and Welfare Code (Section 42 § 3796b), catastrophic injury means “the consequences of an injury that permanently prevent a person from engaging in any paid employment.”

This is such a serious injury that it leads to long-term deterioration in health or disability. In most cases, catastrophic trauma causes disability or deformity, whether mental or physical. Typically, these severe injuries force the victims to require multiple surgeries, extended medical care, and a lengthy recovery.

Why You Need a Catastrophic Injury Attorney

If you have suffered a catastrophic injury, hiring a catastrophic injury attorney is essential. These injuries can result in significant medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care needs.

A catastrophic injury attorney can help you navigate the complex legal system and fight for your rights. They will work with medical experts to regulate the full extent of your injuries and calculate the damages you are entitled to. They will also negotiate with insurance companies and other parties to ensure that you receive fair compensation.

What Are the Types of Catastrophic Injuries?

Various injuries are classified as catastrophic in nature and severity of their consequences. These include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Loss of limb
• Paralysis due to spinal cord or neck injuries
• Permanent disfigurement
• Organ damage, such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys
• Third or fourth-degree burns
• Permanent impairments such as deafness or loss of vision
• Multiple severe fractures

While most catastrophic injuries are immediately noticeable, some may go unnoticed for months or years. Victims can face huge medical bills for years and require rehabilitation. They may also be unable to return to their previous job or normal life due to a permanent disability.

An experienced accident attorney can guide you through the claims process and ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable for wrongdoing.

What Are the Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries?

Many different situations can lead to catastrophic injury, including:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Workplace accidents
• Fires and explosions
• Construction accidents
• Medical malpractice, including birth injuries
• Recreational accidents, like contact sports
• Defective products
• Dangerous drugs
• Toxic exposure

What to Look for in a Catastrophic Injury Attorney

When choosing a catastrophic injury attorney, looking for someone with experience handling these types of cases is essential. In addition, they should have a track record of success in obtaining client compensation.

It would be best to look for a compassionate lawyer who understands the physical and emotional toll that catastrophic injuries can take. In addition, they should be willing to listen to your concerns and communicate with you throughout the legal process.

How Do I Mitigate a Catastrophic Injury?

Mitigation of catastrophic damage can reduce its consequences and costs. To do this, it is wise to seek proper medical attention and follow the advice of a doctor. It is also important to record all of your claims-related expenses, such as prescriptions and hospital visits.

Proper containment ensures that you recover to the fullest extent possible. Ignoring this step could harm your catastrophic injury case. An excellent personal injury lawyer can also help you get the ongoing help you need while your case is pending without having to pay upfront costs.

Seek immediate medical attention if you are in any of the above situations.

Can I File a Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit?

In most cases, you can file a lawsuit against the person or organization responsible for your injury.

Such a claim aims to compensate you for the physical, psychological, and financial losses incurred. While most catastrophic injury victims never fully recover, litigation aims to “recover” with money so you can get as close to your position as before the accident.

The claim must also be filed within a certain time after the accident. You must file your claim before your state’s statute of limitations expires. This can be tricky, so it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

An experienced lawyer will guide you through the civil process, ensuring you understand what to expect before, during, and after the trial.

What if I Sustained the Injury at Work?

In 2021, employers reported 2.6 million injuries and illnesses, with 5,190 work-related fatalities, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition, the Working Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also reported about 13 worker deaths per day in the United States in 2020. Some of the workplace accidents that may have led to these alarming statistics include:

• Repetitive stress injuries
• Electrocution
• Falls from heights
• Entanglements
• Violence
• Car accidents
• Strikes by objects
• Overexertion injuries
• Slip and falls

Compensation for Catastrophic Injuries

Victims of catastrophic injuries may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

In addition, if the negligence of another party caused the injury, the victim may be entitled to punitive damages. Punitive costs are intended to punish the responsible party for their actions and deter similar behavior in the future.

Conclusion

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, it is important to seek the help of a catastrophic injury attorney. They can help you navigate the legal system and fight for your rights.

Remember to choose an attorney with experience in handling these cases who are compassionate and understanding of the physical and emotional toll that catastrophic injuries can take. Then, with the correct lawyer, you can focus on your recovery while they fight for the compensation you deserve.