Injuries often occur without warning and can change a life forever. While most injuries heal in a short time, catastrophic injuries are severe enough to create lasting impacts on the injured victim and their family. The term “catastrophic injury” is used for legal purposes to describe the severity of an injury. More importantly, “catastrophic” captures the impact of the injury on the individual and their loved ones who suffer.
Catastrophic injuries cause permanent disablement, often robbing a person of their ability to enjoy life, physically care for themselves, and earn a living. Family members of people with catastrophic injuries also face daunting challenges. They may assume the role of caregiver and the associated strain and adverse health outcomes that caregiving can bring. Family members may also need to take on more paid work to make up for the lost income, or need to dramatically change their lifestyle in response to their new reality.
Causes of Catastrophic Injuries
While acts of violence cause a small number of catastrophic injuries, the vast majority are a result of day-to-day activities. Catastrophic injuries are commonly caused by:
- Automobile accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian or bicycle accidents
- Workplace and construction Incidents
- Sports injuries
- Slip and fall accidents
- Defective products
- Medical malpractice
- Birth injuries
- Dog or pet attacks
Calculating the full cost of a catastrophic injury requires time and a skilled medical team familiar with the extensive care that will be needed going forward. Families and individuals dealing with catastrophic injuries face profound uncertainty as they reexamine their future and the impact this injury will have on their life.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries
The spectrum of catastrophic injuries can happen at any age and impact any part of the body. The defining factor of catastrophic injuries are their impact on quality of life. Types of catastrophic injuries include:
- Crushing injuries impacting the head, organs, or limbs
- Amputation
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury
- Paralysis
- Severe burns
- Hearing and vision loss
Medical advances may prevent fatality. However, people with catastrophic injuries may face serious health, mobility, and cognitive challenges. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may also accompany a catastrophic injury.
The Cost of Catastrophic Injuries
Most injuries have a treatment plan with an endpoint. Catastrophic injuries necessitate ongoing care, often requiring out-of-pocket expenses that lead to financial hardship, including high medical debt. Legal action often provides the best and only option to recover from the financial impacts of the injury and maintain an acceptable level of care for the injured individual. Common costs associated with catastrophic injuries include:
- Medications
- Ongoing medical procedures and treatments
- Physical and occupational therapies
- Speech and language therapies
- Travel to receive healthcare
- Medical and mobility assistance devices
- Live-in or part-time care
- Special education
- Nursing home or permanent living care facilities
- Household assistance and home modifications
Individuals who qualify may receive benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). To qualify, an injury must meet the strict definition provided under the Social Security Act. While disability payments may provide some financial help, SSDI describes the payments they offer as “modest.”
Determining Liability for Catastrophic Injuries
Determining liability and proving negligence is an intricate legal process. The laws and statutes of each state determine the ability to seek damages for catastrophic injuries. States of limitations also define the window of opportunity to pursue legal action and financial support. Regardless of the complexity of your circumstances, having an experienced, successful team of catastrophic injury attorneys working for your compensation can make the difference in how your future unfolds. While you care for your loved one or focus on recovery, let a catastrophic injury lawyer care for you by providing the legal representation you need to prove that negligence led to the catastrophic injuries impacting your life or the life of a loved one.
The Hidden Costs of Catastrophic Injuries
Bills, invoices, and receipts capture some of the expenses related to catastrophic injuries, but many of the most expensive costs have no defined dollar amount. These damages must be appropriately identified and assigned a value so your loved one can be compensated for the costs of:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
These losses leave devastating effects in their wake and can never be fully repaid. However, families and individuals living with catastrophic injuries can seek financial compensation for these devastating hidden costs.
Speak With an Experienced Catastrophic Injury Attorney
A total recovery from catastrophic injury may never be possible, but Shrader & Associates L.L.P. believes in your right to strive for the best attainable outcome possible. We provide national legal support to individuals who have suffered catastrophic injuries and their families, helping clients like you get the financial compensation you need to improve your quality of life now and plan for a better future.