You might be wondering why some personal injuries are referred to as catastrophic injuries. There is not a universally approved legal definition for what classifies as a catastrophic injury. Usually, an injury that causes permanent disability and has a lifelong effect is considered a catastrophic injury. If you have suffered a catastrophic injury, you are unable to work and cannot financially support your family. If you have suffered such severe injuries, you need to consult with a catastrophic injury attorney.
Catastrophic Injuries are Devastating
A catastrophic injury can be devastating on many levels – emotionally, physically, financially, and legally. The accident victim may have suffered the loss of benefits and wages for the rest of his or her life. This can cause an accident victim to lose their sense of purpose that they previously had from working. Medical bills can add up quickly as well. A victim of a catastrophic injury might need expensive vocational retraining to learn new work skills to help them while they suffer from work-related limitations. However, many catastrophic injury victims cannot benefit from vocational retraining because there are no jobs they can perform because of the severity of their injuries.
Catastrophic Injury Affects More Than Employment
There are many aspects of an accident victim’s life that can be affected. Injuries can extend beyond on the inability to work and earn a living. Someone who is disabled may not be able to travel as often, exercise regularly, or participate in hobbies or activities that they had participated in previously. They might not even be able to perform daily activities or care for themselves as they should. The physical injuries could cause a victim to suffer mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and emotional anguish on top of the physical pain.
Different Kinds of Catastrophic Injuries
There are many ways by which an individual can suffer catastrophic injuries. Literally, any accident that causes physical trauma could cause a catastrophic injury. Here are some different kinds of accidents that might lead to catastrophic injuries:
- Auto Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Pharmacy Errors
- Swimming Pool Accidents or Drowning
- Defective Consumer Products
There are also several kinds of injuries that disrupt the central nervous system and lead to catastrophic consequences. Some catastrophic injuries are:
- Organ Damage
- Paralysis
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Severe Burns
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Multiple Bone Fractures
- Exposure to Hazardous Substances and Chemicals
- Amputations
A Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Can Help You Recover Damages
There are far-reaching implications from catastrophic injuries. Catastrophic injury claims often involve much higher damages than a regular personal injury claim. In these cases, a larger judgment or settlement may be warranted because the accident victim has suffered significantly. Here are some damages suffered in such serious accidents:
- Physical and Emotional Pain and Suffering
- Past and Future Medical Expenses
- A Lifetime of Lost Earnings
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
A catastrophic injury attorney will help an accident victim pursue a claim to recover some financial stability and security after having suffered what could prove to be lifelong damages. To speak with a catastrophic injury attorney in the greater Los Angeles area, call The Trial Offices of Bradley I. Kramer, M.D., Esq. at (310) 289-2600 for a free case evaluation.