A catastrophic injury is essentially any injury with permanent or long-term consequences. That could be permanent scarring, a mobility-limiting disability, loss of a limb or severe psychological trauma. Different accidents affect people in different ways, and there’s no one-size-fits-all rubric for determining how you’ve been impacted by a car accident, slip and fall or dog attack.
Some commonly discussed catastrophic injuries include things like head injuries and spine injuries. Head injuries often result in permanent cognitive deficits that can’t be solved even with years of physical therapy and occupational therapy. Injuries to the spinal cord can be similarly difficult or even impossible to fully heal.
Both of those injury categories affect more than just your ability to earn a living, perform tasks of daily living (like chores around the house) or care for your family. They can have a uniquely traumatic impact on your state of mind and quality of life.
This is a uniquely difficult and depressing question personal injury attorneys must frequently answer. There’s no accepted pricing guide. What is the dollar value of being able to ride a bike to an avid cross-country bike rider who is struck by a vehicle and suffers a paralyzing spinal injury?
The bike rider’s attorney would need to negotiate with the responsible driver’s insurance company to determine a realistic and acceptable figure – which could end up being extraordinarily high.
The cost of these injuries is one of the reasons insurance companies aggressively dispute catastrophic injury claims. They’re in the business of minimizing claim payouts whenever possible, especially expensive ones that will have a real impact on their bottom line.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI): TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, potentially causing cognitive impairment, memory loss, emotional and behavioral changes and other long-term neurological issues. All those consequences have the potential to permanently impact your ability to earn a living and your quality of life.
Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation and other complications. People who suffer spinal cord injuries often require lifelong care and assistance.
Severe burns: Third- and fourth-degree burns can lead to permanent disfigurement, scarring, chronic pain and loss of mobility, often necessitating multiple surgeries and skin grafts. Severe scarring can have traumatic psychological impacts on victims, including depression, embarrassment, anxiety about going into public and an overall reduced quality of life.
Amputations: Loss of a limb, whether through a traumatic injury or surgical amputation, can significantly impact a person's mobility, independence and ability to work or perform daily tasks.
Multiple fractures or compound fractures: Severe fractures may require multiple surgeries, extensive rehabilitation and may result in permanent disability or chronic pain. The degree to which a person can recover and the length of their recovery can have a significant impact on the damages they’re entitled to receive.
Internal organ damage: Damage to vital organs, such as the heart, lungs, liver or kidneys, can have lasting consequences, potentially leading to ongoing health problems or the need for organ transplants. These types of injuries can reduce the victim’s life expectancy or limit their endurance or ability to function normally in the future.
Disfigurement: Injuries that result in significant disfigurement, such as facial injuries or severe scarring, can impact a person's appearance, relationships, self-esteem and overall quality of life.
Nerve damage: Injuries to the peripheral nerves or central nervous system can cause chronic pain, loss of sensation or impaired motor function.
Loss of vision or hearing: Injuries that result in the partial or total loss of vision or hearing can have a profound impact on a person's ability to communicate, work and perform daily activities. The extent to which these disabilities may reduce a person’s quality of life may vary depending on their hobbies or career.
Severe psychological trauma: Some accidents can result in severe emotional and psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety or depression, potentially requiring long-term therapy and treatment. Many people with psychological trauma never fully recover and may live with the consequences for decades.
Suffering a catastrophic injury is almost always a nightmare scenario for accident victims. No one expects to happen, and adjusting to a new reality can be extraordinarily difficult. People in these situations deserve justice for what they’ve been forced to endure.
The Zdrilich Law Group is here to fight for you. Call us at (770) 931-9604 to schedule a free appointment.
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Zdrilich Injury Law is committed to helping injured Georgians receive the money they need to recover physically and financially after an accident.
Zdrilich Injury Law, LLC providers one-on-one representation to car accident, truck accident and workers’ compensation clients in Georgia.
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