Catastrophic injuries can lead to long-term impairments that affect a person’s ability to carry out routine housekeeping and dishwashing activities. In turn, the impairment has serious consequences on the physical and psychological health of the affected party.
As a plaintiff, you are required to prove the current and future impact your injury has and will have on your life. Seek the assistance of Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorneys for consultation and legal representation on such cases.
What is a catastrophic injury, according to the law?
Catastrophic injury cases are different from ordinary personal injury claims. They can simply be defined as injuries that alter an individual’s life permanently. Such injuries require the attention of an expert medical team to treat.
This is because they can disrupt crucial body systems that could lead to death. Most of these injuries affect the nervous system and the brain. Damage could be severe, that you need rehabilitation and medical care to recover.
Even if you recover, there are risks that you could endure a lifetime of chronic pain. Examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Severe burn injuries
- Spinal cord injuries that cause partial or total paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries or other serious injuries to the head
- Injuries that cause significant scarring or disfigurement
- Injuries that cause permanent disability in an individual’s life
Relative cases regarding severe harm
Some cases qualify automatically to be classified as catastrophic. However, other cases will vary depending on who suffered the injury. The court will also seek to determine the impact of the injury on a person’s life.
For example, a single mother who loses the capacity to earn will be considered to have suffered a catastrophic injury because she was the breadwinner of all her children. Additionally, a professional skier who suffers from fractures in both legs and loses the ability to return to his profession will be said to have suffered a catastrophic injury.
Compensation in catastrophic injury
As discussed above, catastrophic injuries have varying effects on people’s lives. Therefore, compensation is based on the severity of these effects. More severe injuries attract more compensation because of their injuries. However, it is the plaintiff’s burden to prove the extent of damages using facts, arguments, and evidence.
Catastrophic injuries can involve a long process of recovery, which will involve huge amounts of medical bills. You will need a lawyer to help you determine anticipated costs and impact on your ability to learn. You will also be compensated for the pain and suffering you experience after an injury.
Working with the right personal injury attorney
If you have been involved in a catastrophic accident that affected your health or financial stability, contact an experienced personal injury attorney for expert legal representation. Working with the right attorney is essential to ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact the offices of El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers to speak with personal injury attorneys with over 30 years of experience. Call their offices at (844) 445-5341 to schedule a free consultation.