Introduction: What is a catastrophic injury?
Thousands of people sustain injuries in accidents every year. In most cases, injuries are minor and there are no lasting consequences. For some people, however, accidents can be life-changing. Catastrophic injuries are severe injuries, which can be life-altering or limiting, or even potentially fatal. CDC statistics show that more than 200,000 people died from unintentional injuries in the US in 2020 (source).
What are the most common types of accidents that cause catastrophic injuries?
There are multiple causes of catastrophic injuries. The most common types of accidents include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Construction site accidents
- Workplace incidents
- Falls from height
- Animal attacks
- Slips and falls
- Medical malpractice
Examples of catastrophic injuries
Catastrophic injuries cause severe effects. They can be fatal, life-changing or life-limiting, and they often require individuals to make drastic changes to the way they live their lives. Many people are unable to work, for example, or they have to rely on others for medical or nursing care.
Examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputation
- Loss of sight
- Hearing loss
- Facial injuries
- Birth injuries
Do I need a catastrophic injury lawyer after an accident?
If you’ve been involved in an accident and you sustained catastrophic injuries, you may be able to claim compensation. If you were not at fault for the accident, and you can prove that another party was liable, it’s wise to consult a catastrophic injury lawyer. Here are some reasons why you need a catastrophic injury lawyer:
Legal knowledge and expertise
Experienced lawyers have the expertise required to build a strong case and they understand the complexities of the law and how best to represent their clients. If you’re in Washington and need assistance, consider consulting an accident lawyer in Everett for specialized help.
Take the stress out of the claims process
Hiring a catastrophic injury lawyer can provide reassurance, relief and support at a difficult time for the individual and their family. Your lawyer is there to guide and advise you and they will take over the hard work for you, gathering evidence and information to support your cause. The best injury lawyers work efficiently to secure optimum outcomes while offering advice and guidance for clients at what is likely to be an extremely tough time. Severe injuries can change lives. Your legal team is there to make the process of claiming compensation as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Securing the best outcomes for the client
In addition to reducing stress for the client, expert catastrophic injury lawyers also know what it takes to get the best results. Your lawyer will go the extra mile to ensure that you get all the damages to which you are entitled.
How do I know if I’ve got a viable catastrophic injury claim?
Many people sustain injuries as a result of accidents that are inevitable, but in some cases, injuries occur due to negligence on the part of others. If you think you may be eligible for compensation, it’s important to answer these essential questions:
- Do you have severe injuries?
- Was the accident caused by negligence on the part of another party?
- Do you have strong evidence to support your claim?
If you answer yes to these questions, it’s beneficial to contact a catastrophic injury lawyer. Your lawyer will discuss the details of the incident with you and advise you whether or not you have a viable claim. If you decide to proceed with the case, your lawyer will collect evidence, such as photographs, medical reports, police reports, camera footage and eyewitness statements, to build your case.
Catastrophic injury damages
If you have life-limiting or life-changing, severe injuries, it’s critical that you get the full amount of compensation you deserve. The damages awarded to the individual will vary from one case to another but some common examples include:
- Medical bills: this includes bills already incurred as well as future costs
- Loss of income: this covers loss of earnings since the accident and future income
- Physical pain and emotional distress
- Loss of financial support for others, for example, if the individual was the primary earner in the household
- Expenses related to the accident
- Property damage
Conclusion
Catastrophic injuries are severe, and they can even be fatal. If you’ve sustained serious injuries after an accident, which wasn’t your fault, you could claim compensation.
If you need advice, or you’d like to talk to an experienced injury lawyer, don’t hesitate to contact Wells Trumbull today. You can call us or get in touch online to schedule a free consultation.