Catastrophic Injury
A catastrophic injury is one that leaves the victim with a permanent disability or disfigurement that forever changes the way they live. While there is no fix to make a person who has been through a severe injury whole again, a personal injury claim can minimize the financial burden of an injury that was caused by another person’s negligence. With an experienced attorney’s help, a victim will receive compensation that will allow them to seek all of the medical attention they need and set them up for what the future holds.
Examples of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries are life-altering for the victim and their family members too. Beyond long hospital stays, the victim may require life-long care or will have to adjust to a whole new way of navigating the world. Examples include:
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Spinal cord injuries including paralysis;
- Loss of sight or hearing;
- Amputation;
- Severe organ damage;
- Multiple bone fractures; and
- Severe burns over a large percentage of the body.
The Costs of A Catastrophic Injury
The medical treatment required for a catastrophic injury can easily be tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. According to Business Insider, the average cost of a hospital stay for someone with a traumatic brain injury is $19,539. However, the financial loss extends well beyond the hospital. There will be future medical expenses to predict, including medications and surgeries. Someone with a catastrophic injury will have to take time off work to recover, and depending on their injuries, may not be able to return to work again. The loss of income is factored into a personal injury claim too. Depending on the incident, property damage, such as a wrecked bicycle or car, may also be included in the list of damages. In addition to the economic damages, there are non-economic damages such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of joy in life, and more.
Common Causes of Catastrophic Injury
Industrial Safety and Hygiene News reported in 2016 that there were 30,000 traumatic amputations each year in the United States, with the most common cause being traffic accidents. While motor vehicle crashes are a common cause of catastrophic injuries, the truth is that they can occur anywhere and to anyone. The following events could lead to catastrophic injuries the are caused by a liable party:
- Motor vehicle collisions;
- Defective products;
- Slip and fall accidents;
- Construction accidents;
- Violent crime;
- Negligent security cases;
- Fires; and
- More.
The Office of Mark H. Wright, PLLC Can Help
If you have been involved in an accident that resulted in a catastrophic injury, you need to focus all your attention on recovering and adjusting to your new way of life. You need legal counsel with experience in severe injuries, who can take the stress of an ongoing legal case away from you and advocate strongly on your behalf so that you get the compensation you deserve. Contact the office of Mark H. Wright, PLLC at 813-425-2020 to schedule a free consultation today.
