Being involved in an accident of any kind can result in significant and life-altering repercussions, such as property damage, financial loss, and physical harm. Understanding what catastrophic injuries are and how they are handled in personal injury law is imperative after being involved in an accident. Continue reading and reach out to an experienced Middlesex County personal injury attorney to discuss your situation today.
What Are Catastrophic Injuries?
Catastrophic injuries are severe and life-changing harm that an individual sustains, resulting in long-term or permanent repercussions. These injuries generally involve substantial damage to the brain, spinal cord, limbs, or other vital organs and can cause permanent disability or even death. Catastrophic injuries can be caused by a variety of situations, most notably car accidents, falls, workplace accidents, construction site accidents, sports, and medical errors.
Catastrophic injuries are typically characterised by their severity and the long-lasting consequences that the victim sustains. Some common examples of catastrophic injuries include the following.
- Paralysis from damage to the spinal cord
- Severe burns and disfigurement
- Permanent disability, cognitive impairments, or memory loss from traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Amputations
- Multiple broken bones
- Damage to vital organs like the heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys
These injuries can be considered catastrophic not just because of the immediate pain and suffering they cause but also due to the victim’s diminished quality of life, financial burden, and need for ongoing care and treatment.
How Are Catastrophic Injuries Handled in Personal Injury Law?
Personal injury law is designed to provide compensation to individuals who were harmed due to another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions. The legal process does not necessarily change when dealing with catastrophic injuries, but the focus of the case is generally on the victim’s long-term damages and future expenses.
Catastrophic injuries require extensive medical documentation and evidence. Doctors, therapists, rehabilitation specialists, and other medical professionals may provide expert testimony speaking to the nature of the injury, required treatments, and the long-term effects the accident will have on the victim’s health and quality of life. It is crucial to establish the severity of the injury.
The victim’s economic damages are of the utmost importance, as catastrophic injuries typically yield significant financial losses. Victims could be facing substantial medical bills from their hospital stays, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. There are likely lost wages involved due to the victim being unable to work or earn an income during recovery. It is also important not to overlook other required costs like alterations to the home or vehicle, assistive devices, long-term care, and future medical expenses.
Noneconomic damages are just as important as financial losses. When a victim sustains a catastrophic injury, their whole life is changed. They are entitled to compensation for their physical pain, suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and other noneconomic losses they may suffer.
If you or someone you know has suffered a catastrophic injury, understanding the legal process and your rights is crucial. Speak with an experienced attorney for more information today.
