A catastrophic injury is the most serious injury a person can suffer. These are also the most painful, debilitating, and costly, but they may not always be detected right away. If you or a loved one have experienced a catastrophic injury, you need serious legal representation. Our catastrophic injuries attorneys will explain the steps you need to take to win the compensation you need.
What Qualifies As A Catastrophic Injury?
Here are some examples of life-altering catastrophic injuries you should be aware of:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Skull fractures
- Spinal cord or disc injuries
- Serious burns
- Loss of limbs and amputation
- Internal organ damage
- Paralysis or nerve damage
- Loss of sight or hearing
- Other injuries requiring extensive hospitalization
Catastrophic injuries can result in altered or decreased cognitive abilities. They can also change a person’s mood or disposition. Examples of this include severe and anxiety and depression that last long after the accident. These injuries may also seriously impact a person’s enjoyment of life, and can have long-lasting or permanent effects.
How and in what circumstances these catastrophic injuries occur are varied. They may come about in an everyday setting such as a shopping mall or at home. Someone may be seriously injured while on vacation, or even at their place of employment. Most commonly, these injuries result from a major automobile accident.
How Can A Lawyer Help A Catastrophic Injury Claim?
The long-term physical, mental, and emotional consequences of catastrophic injuries can be painful and incalculable. They wreak significant financial havoc and cause the victim to incur substantial medical and other expenses. A victim may experience physical disfigurement and require extensive rehabilitation, even to regain the ability to perform routine daily tasks.
Before your case reaches court, your attorney will spend time gathering evidence and preparing arguments. There are several steps your lawyer will cover. First, your lawyer will ask you to explain the details of your injuries and the accident that caused them. Then, your attorney will interview family and friends for their perspective and statements on how the injuries affected you. This is especially useful if you have experienced changes in your mood or personality as a result of the injuries. Next comes meetings with doctors, rehabilitation specialists, and other health care professionals to get a medical explanation. These and other individuals will serve as expert witnesses who can explain your condition to the jury.
Catastrophic injury cases require other types of expert witnesses as well. These injuries result in costs that can be difficult to calculate. Therefore, it is important to have an economist or financial expert to help present a dollar value of the damages. A vocational expert can explain the loss of income earning capacity and the victim’s diminished skills. Finally, a life-care planner or rehabilitation expert can talk about the necessary costs of future care for a disabled victim.
One way to prepare for court is to help your lawyer gather all medical records pertaining to your injuries. Also, obtain documentation for lost wages and other expenses. Be sure to report changes in your condition to your primary care physician, therapist, or other health care professional. Keep a record of any changes in mood or behavior that develop after a catastrophic injury. This is especially important since many conditions do not manifest themselves until long after an accident.
The Professionals at Schneider Are Ready to Help With Your Case
If you or a loved one have experienced any of these injuries, contact an attorney to discuss your legal rights. There may be deadlines to take legal action, so the sooner a case is started the better. At Schneider Hammers, we are dedicated to achieving the best outcome for your health and financial future. Call our personal injury lawyers today to set up a consultation.
