Catastrophic Injury

Catastrophic injuries are those that prevent the victim from caring for herself or himself. This disability often results in the need for the victim’s family members to help care for the victim upon the victim’s return home from the hospital. A catastrophic injury may prevent its victim from functioning both physically and mentally, especially if a head wound was inflicted. Such injuries result in severe emotional harm as well. We are experts at marshalling the evidence necessary to prove those harms, and at maximizing victims’ recovery because they have been suffered.

Catastrophic injuries take many forms. Damage to the internal organs, bone fractures, and severe burns are a few of the most common. Spinal cord injuries that result in paralysis, traumatic brain injuries that result in diminished mental capacity and limb amputations are considered to be the most serious. These injuries and more can result in lifelong disability and greatly reduced quality of life. But a person often suffers a lifetime of symptoms from even lesser symptoms.

When it comes to catastrophic injuries, compensation is normally determined by a combination of past and future economic damages (bills for medical care, long-term care, lost income and other economic damages), and the impact on the victim’s quality of life. For example, a person who loses a limb may still be able to work, but may not be able to perform the functions of their current job. Their prospects for other employment may also be severely limited.

A person who suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may not be able to function independently. A victim of TBI may require personalized care for the rest of his or her life.

Another factor in determining compensation is whether or not the person or company responsible for the accident knew there was a risk.