Whether an injury is catastrophic does not depend on how the injury occurred; instead, the results of the injury determine whether it is catastrophic. Injuries that lead to disability, scars, disfigurement, amputations, and death all qualify. So do any injuries leading to a dramatic difference in a person’s quality of life or loss of earning capacity.
The severity separates these injuries from other types of personal injury claims. It impacts what type of financial recovery is necessary to make the injured person whole. In addition to current medical bills and lost wages, injured parties may require ongoing medical care, have a loss in earning ability, and have substantial pain and suffering. A Pace catastrophic injury lawyer can help injured individuals and their families understand the various types of compensation available. Call today to schedule an initial consultation with one of our compassionate injury attorneys.
Any accident has the potential to cause severe, lifelong harm. However, some accidents are more likely to lead to life-altering injuries than others.
It should come as no surprise that motor vehicle collisions top that list. In an auto accident, one or more vehicles weighing thousands of pounds collide with something or someone. It is not shocking that they sometimes lead to severe injuries—it is more surprising that they do not always lead to those injuries.
Some other potential causes of catastrophic damages include:
However, even if a category is not high-risk, it can still lead to severe injuries.
Workplace injuries are another high-risk category. Warehouses, construction sites, and jobs involving physical labor increase the risk. When people use heavy equipment, dangerous tools, or machinery, the likelihood of an injury increases. It is even riskier if the employer is negligent and does not provide adequate safety equipment. Worker’s compensation insurance can complicate these claims, making it essential for injured workers to seek help from a qualified Pace lawyer with experience handling catastrophic injury claims.
For an injury to be catastrophic, it should be permanent and life-changing. A permanent injury does not mean the person will never heal from any component of the injury; instead, it means the person will never fully heal from all the injuries.
Life-changing means that a person’s life changes in a significant way. Losing the ability to work, to care for oneself, to have sex, to drive, or to use their home without modifications are all examples of significant life changes.
Whether an injury is permanent and life-changing is a question of fact. A skilled Pace catastrophic injury attorney will present evidence of the injury and of how the injury impacts the injured individual’s life. The factfinder will then determine whether the injury classifies as permanent and life-changing.
While there is no all-inclusive list of potential catastrophic injuries, there are some injuries that most people consider disastrous. They include:
Of course, when an injury leads to the person’s death, that is also a catastrophic injury.
The more severe the injury, the more critical it is to consult with an attorney about your rights and responsibilities as soon as possible. Severe injuries often come with substantial price tags and ongoing costs of care. Rushing into a settlement can leave a person at a severe disadvantage. The same is true for surviving family members following a wrongful death—you need to have a complete picture of your financial and emotional loss to value your claim.
A Pace catastrophic injury lawyer could help adequately value a claim. They examine similar injuries in the area to determine the settlement or jury award range. Then, they look at the other party’s degree of negligence. Combining those factors, they can estimate an appropriate settlement range based on lifelong care costs. Meeting with a knowledgeable attorney is essential to protect yourself now and in the future. Call our office today.