Catastrophic injuries have the power to alter your entire life. Between medical bills, reduced ability to earn an income, and the specific care needs you may have after a serious injury, this can be an extremely challenging situation. That’s why it’s so vital to have a catastrophic injury lawyer in your corner. Keep reading to learn about the legal definition of catastrophic injury, the role a catastrophic injury lawyer plays in advocating for your rights and interests, and the top resources to consult if you’ve sustained this type of injury.
Catastrophic Injuries and Long-Term Care
What is the definition of a catastrophic injury? These types of injuries can happen virtually anywhere, whether you’re driving to work, on the job, or simply doing some cleaning up around the house. An injury is catastrophic when its effects are permanent and life-changing and when it requires ongoing treatment and long-term care.
Here are a few common examples of catastrophic injuries to help you expand your knowledge:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Serious brain injuries caused by blows or penetrating forces to the head can lead to permanent disability, including issues with mobility, speech, cognitive abilities, memories, light and noise sensitivity, and more.
- Spinal injury: Injuries to the spinal cord are often catastrophic, such as in cases of partial or complete paralysis, or where the damage leads to heart and circulatory problems, blood clots, respiratory issues, and chronic pain.
- Severe burns: Extensive burn injuries typically require intensive treatment, invasive surgeries, and long-term hospitalization. They can result in permanent challenges, such as infections, loss of sensation, limited mobility, and disfigurement.
- Loss of limbs: When a limb is lost outside of a controlled, surgical setting, it’s known as a traumatic amputation. Severe infections and blood loss are common in these cases, and the physical and emotional toll of living without a limb poses its own challenges.
- Organ damage: Accidental damage to the organs can result in life-threatening problems, both immediately and in the long term.
Regardless of the type of catastrophic injury sustained, long-term care is usually needed. This may include surgeries, physical therapy, cognitive/occupational therapy, and ongoing medication. People who survive catastrophic injury typically cannot return to work and earn an income — they need support to get the care they need.
Role of a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
A catastrophic injury lawyer is one of your greatest assets when it comes to securing your future after sustaining serious harm. Not only will they advocate for their rights, but they’ll also help you quantify your long-term care needs when it’s time to negotiate with your insurance provider and other parties.
Advocating for the rights of individuals with catastrophic injuries
The main responsibility of a catastrophic injury lawyer is to advocate for their clients. They’ll begin by learning about your situation and building a strong case, which involves gathering medical documentation, witness and expert testimony, and establishing fault for the injury. This legal groundwork is the foundation of pursuing compensation on your behalf.
Assessing the long-term care needs of clients
Your catastrophic injury lawyer will assess and determine all the long-term care needs. There are several potential impacts of a catastrophic injury, such as:
- Ongoing medical procedures, such as surgeries and physical rehabilitation
- Lost wages due to being unable to work
- Emotional distress
- Financial hardships caused by medical bills and other unforeseen expenses
Negotiating with insurance companies and other parties to secure necessary care and support
With your case assembled, your lawyer will pursue compensation from your insurance company or any other parties that you’re seeking a settlement from. Using their legal expertise and courtroom experience, they’ll take your case to trial, present all evidence and testimony, and seek the maximum possible compensation on your behalf.
Legal Considerations for Long-Term Care Needs
There are many kinds of compensation you can receive for long-term care related to a catastrophic injury. You can also earn more than one kind of compensation for the same incident. This might include compensation for:
- Medical expenses (e.g., hospital bills, surgeries, prescriptions, therapy, physical rehabilitation, etc.).
- Lost wages and lost future earnings due to lost earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering (for emotional and physical distress).
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Home modifications or assistive devices to help you live with your injury (e.g., wheelchair access modifications, prosthetics, etc.).
- If the injury results in death, wrongful death damages (e.g., loss of financial support, funeral services, etc.).
In order to secure this compensation and ensure as comfortable a life as possible after a catastrophic injury, you’ll need to work with a qualified, experienced Los Angeles injury lawyer.
Resources and Support for Individuals with Catastrophic Injuries
While pursuing compensation is a major concern for people who have survived serious injuries, we understand that it doesn’t entirely address your day-to-day needs. Here are a few other support resources for individuals with catastrophic injuries:
- Medical specialists: One of the most important post-injury resources is your team of medical experts, such as neurologists, surgeons, physical therapists, and mental healthcare professionals.
- Advocacy and support organizations: There are countless organizations across the country that support people dealing with specific injuries, such as the Brain Injury Association of America (for traumatic brain injuries) and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation (for spinal cord injuries), which offer support, education, and advocacy for people with catastrophic injuries.
- Assistive technology: Cutting edge technology can help victims of catastrophic injury live far easier, more comfortable lives. Groups such as the National Rehabilitation Information Centre can be instrumental in helping people access the adaptive and assistive technology they need.
Contact The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury due to the negligence of another person or organization, the law offices of Jacob Emrani can help you secure the financial compensation you deserve. Learn more about the process and take the first steps by calling (888) 912-7115 to set up your no-cost case evaluation!