Experiencing a catastrophic accident is one of life’s moments you never see coming. Between recovery time, extensive medical bills and major alterations to your daily life, injuries can be devastating for both you and your family. However, when the unexpected happens and you or a loved one is severely injured, it is important to understand what that means for your life. The attorneys at MHM are here to help you pinpoint the differences between catastrophic and personal injuries so you can obtain the best possible outcome.
What is a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury is a serious, incapacitating injury that has considerable impact on the victim’s lifestyle following the incident. These injuries can impair essential motor functions, cause a permanent physical or mental disability or lead to death.
The most common catastrophic injury examples include:
- Traumatic brain injuries resulting in the damage of a person’s cognition, memory, emotions or sensations;
- Paralysis of the lower extremities or entire body from immense damage to the spinal cord;
- Amputation of one’s leg, arm, hand or foot;
- Severe burns causing mobility issues or disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death.
Common Catastrophic Accidents Leading to Injury
Whether you are on the job, driving a car or having a surgical procedure, serious injuries can happen anywhere and under any circumstance. The most common catastrophic accidents include:
- Car accidents
- Trucking accidents
- Fires and explosions
- Slips and falls
- Bike riding accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Defectively manufactured products
Do I have a Personal Injury or Catastrophic Accident Case?
Catastrophic injury cases can leave someone severely injured after an accident. Here are common characteristics that our attorneys will pursue.
Compensation
After being severely injured, your family may have to adjust to meet your or a loved one’s needs and the overall impact can be devastating. From loss of earnings after being on an extensive leave from work to purchasing in-home assistance devices to piles of medical bills, an injury leaves more expenses behind for families to address.
Damages and Impact on Families
After being severely injured, your family may have to adjust to meet your or a loved one’s needs and the overall impact can be devastating. From loss of earnings after being on an extensive leave from work to purchasing in-home assistance devices to piles of medical bills, an injury leaves more expenses behind for families to address.
Length of Disability
Many catastrophic accidents cause life-long damages. Victims typically experience permanent losses or disabilities that affect them for the rest of their lives. This could also lead to a longer period away from work or an inability to return to work due to a disability.
Types of Testimony
Claims for catastrophic injury tend to be more complex than a typical personal injury case. You will need testimony from experts who can speak on all aspects of your claim for damages. They may include medical and scientific experts about the injury, occupational and psychological therapists, rehabilitation specialists and economic experts to assess your financial damages.
Your Catastrophic Accident Attorneys
When situations happen and life gets stressful following a catastrophic accident, our experienced attorneys seek to pursue justice by consulting experts to prepare your case for trial. We fight to help you gain justice for the devastation you and your family experienced. Contact our catastrophic injury attorneys to help guide you through your case.