A catastrophic injury is any form of trauma that causes long-term or permanent disability that severely alters a person’s quality of life. Regardless of how it happened, you should know what steps to take immediately afterward so you can preserve your health and strengthen any future legal claims for compensation.
Seek Immediate Medical Help
After any injury, especially a catastrophic one, your first step should be getting medical care. Keep in mind, too, that not all major trauma is immediately apparent. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and spinal cord damage, can take time for symptoms to show up. They can also worsen over time if left alone.
Getting prompt medical attention ensures you get the care you need and creates a paper trail for your injuries. If you decide to file a lawsuit, you’ll need those records as evidence.
Document the Incident and Injuries
In the aftermath of a catastrophic injury, thorough documentation is key. By collecting evidence early, you can strengthen your case and establish liability.
As soon as you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, the equipment involved (if any), and your visible injuries. If possible, get statements from witnesses to describe what happened.
Also, make sure to keep detailed notes about your treatments, diagnosis, prescriptions, and rehab and therapy plans. All of this will prove critical when it comes time to establish the extent of your injuries and the financial impact they’ve had on your life.
Hire a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
Catastrophic injury cases can get complicated in a hurry since they require legal knowledge and medical expertise to present them well in court. Additionally, you’ll need to talk to and negotiate with insurance companies, which may try to get you to take the first lowball offer they send you.
Talk to an attorney who specializes in these types of cases. They’ll work to make sure your rights are protected throughout the process and that you get the payment you’re entitled to.
Contact Your Insurance Company
If your injury happened as a result of an accident, you’ll want to reach out to the insurance company as quickly as you can. Be careful about what you say because the company may try to use your words against you to give it a reason to minimize its payout.
A good lawyer knows their tricks and how to counter them. If you don’t feel comfortable dealing with this part of the claims process, ask your attorney to handle the interactions with the insurance company on your behalf.
Also, avoid talking about your accident or the details of whose fault it was until you’ve retained legal counsel. That goes for both the people around you and on social media. You never know when something might slip out and get back to the adjusters. If they think they can use it to their benefit, they will.
Focus on Rehab and Recovery
Victims of catastrophic injuries often need long-term rehab, physical therapy, surgeries, and ongoing treatments to be able to recover properly. Pursuing legal action is important, but focusing on your health and recovery should be your top priority.
With that in mind, make sure to follow your doctor’s advice and stick to your treatment plan. When you keep your health at the forefront of your mind, you can have the best chance of bouncing back from your injuries.
Throughout the process, don’t forget to keep track of all of your medical costs, too, including potential future care needs. These amounts will factor into any future legal claims for damages.
Prepare for Financial and Emotional Challenges
The physical pain of a catastrophic injury can be tough enough to deal with, but financial hardship and emotional trauma are often also part of the mix. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are commonly seen in the aftermath of major accidents.
Many people aren’t able to work for a long time, and some can’t return to work at all. Hospital bills and long-term care costs quickly add up, and the stress can wear you down in a hurry.
It’s important to work with your lawyer to get an estimate on your future expenses, such as lost wages and potential home modifications to accommodate disabilities. You can also look for support from counselors or support groups to cope with any emotional challenges you might face.
Get Legal Help for Your Case
You don’t have to face the challenges of your catastrophic injury alone. At The Trial Law Offices of Bradley I. Kramer, M.D., Esq., we’re committed to helping you get the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
Our team will fight to make sure you’re not left to bear the financial burden of an injury caused by someone else’s careless behavior. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you get on the road to recovery.