Author: David R. Lewis & Associates
Why Is Legal Help Vital for Catastrophic Injuries?
People who suffer from catastrophic injuries are typically saddled with exorbitant medical costs, lost income and other financial hardships. However, if someone else was at fault for causing your injury, you may have legal grounds to recover compensation.
What is a catastrophic injury?
Catastrophic injury means “consequences of an injury that permanently prevent an individual from performing any gainful work.”(42 USCS § 3796b)
Such injuries are extremely severe. They often result in long-lasting medical conditions that require multiple surgeries, rehabilitation and other long-term treatment. The disability is permanent and in some cases also results in a shorter life expectancy. Aside from financial hardship, the emotional impact can be overwhelming.
What are some examples of catastrophic injuries?
Examples of catastrophic injuries often include:
* Burn injuries. Burn injuries can disrupt the proper functioning of other bodily systems. They can also result in severe disfigurement or scarring.
* Traumatic brain injury. A traumatic brain injury can significantly alter an individual’s quality of life, resulting in speech difficulties, impaired cognitive functioning or even partial or complete paralysis. The victim may end up in a coma for long periods of time or suffer permanent brain damage.
* Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can cause partial paralysis (paraplegia, which is paralysis from the waist down) or complete paralysis (quadriplegia, which is paralysis from the neck down).
* Fractures. There are varying degrees of severity of fractures. All fractures should be considered as catastrophic injuries.
* Neck injury. Spinal fracture or herniated discs can result in extreme pain and make it difficult to hold a job or function normally.
* Back injury. Back injuries that affect the spinal cord or nervous system can result in loss of bowel control or bladder control. It can also cause impotence.
* Amputations. Accidental loss of limb or severe injury that makes amputation necessary leaves a person in a disabled state.
* Eye injury. Partial or complete blindness due to injury is life changing and can be incapacitating.
* Organ damage. Impact during an accident can injure internal organs, such as the spleen, liver, kidneys, liver, pancreas, colon and bladder. Depending on the extent of damage, it can impair the functioning of a number of bodily systems, diminish quality of life and in some cases eventually result in death.
Have you suffered from a catastrophic injury?
When your injuries are catastrophic and you believe another party was at fault, consult with an attorney as soon as possible and find out about your legal rights to recover compensation. The Law Offices of David R. Lewis offers a free consultation to discuss your injury and determine the prospects of suing for damages.