A catastrophic injury can disrupt the lives of victims and their families in profound and permanent ways.
A catastrophic injury can disrupt the lives of victims and their families in profound and permanent ways. Federal law defines catastrophic injuries as “an injury, the direct and proximate consequences of which permanently prevent an individual from performing any gainful work.” Generally, an injury is deemed “catastrophic” when it takes away the victim’s ability to work. Here is a quick overview of catastrophic injuries.
Examples of Catastrophic Injuries
Some injuries are considered more catastrophic than others based on their impact on the victim’s life. The most common catastrophic injuries are:
Amputations: This occurs when trauma to a specific body part is so severe that it can not be saved, and it may require amputation, so the rest of the body is not affected. In some cases, the accident itself can cause the loss of a body part, such as the foot, arm, or hand.
Traumatic Brain Injuries: These are the result of sudden impact or trauma to the head. These types of injuries can include loss of consciousness, memory loss, cognitive issues, and problems regarding bodily function.
Spinal Cord Injuries: When the spinal cord is damaged, it can result in paralysis. Paralysis can be partial or total depending on the severity of the injury, impacting either a portion of or the entire body. This causes a loss of function in the affected area below the point of the damage.
Burn Injuries: Severe burns can leave the skin with a leathery feel and travel deeper into the layers of the body, damaging tissue, muscle, and nerves. This often requires long-term treatment, including surgery or skin grafts.
What Causes Catastrophic Injuries?
Unfortunately, catastrophic accidents happen every day, causing severe injury to those involved. Even going about our daily routine, we still run the risk of experiencing a tragic accident. Some of the common causes of catastrophic injuries include:
- Vehicle accidents
- Acts of violence
- Slips or falls
- Animal attacks
Should You File a Catastrophic Injury Claim?
Unfortunately, victims of catastrophic injuries rarely make a full recovery. However, catastrophic injuries are often the result of someone else’s negligence, which means the victim may have a right to seek legal action against the negligent party. If you have sustained a catastrophic injury, you may be eligible for compensation. If you file a catastrophic injury lawsuit due to an accident that was not your fault, you may be able to receive compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Missed wages
- Pain and suffering, and more.
Contact The Snyder Law Group Today
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our experienced Baltimore attorneys understand the frustration that comes with an insurance company, medical professional, or other party that refuses to accept liability for negligent or reckless behavior. You can take heart in knowing there are talented and experienced lawyers ready to work for you. We are experienced in handling personal injury claims of medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car and truck accidents, and have secured hundreds of millions in verdicts and settlements. Please visit our website, www.410thefirm.com, or call us at 410-843-3476, for more information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.