Recovering Damages for Life-Altering Injuries
In many unforeseen incidents, the possibility of sustaining an injury is high, and often, these come with life-altering implications. Those who suffered a catastrophic injury may face several years of rigorous treatment and circumstances that can affect every aspect of their life.
Catastrophic injuries cause long-term damage, disability, or incapacity to an individual. In most cases, these injuries cause permanent disabilities and require lengthy recovery periods, rehabilitation, and other costly measures to be taken.
Examples of Catastrophic Injuries
Many injuries may be classified as catastrophic, and ultimately, the treating physician determines whether the injury sustained is permanent or otherwise requires extensive medical care. Some of the most common kinds of catastrophic injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Severe burns
- Limb amputation
- Injuries that result in permanent disfigurement or scarring.
While each of these can significantly impact overall health, they can also affect how someone can manage their day-to-day routines and life.
How Catastrophic Injuries Can Affect Other Aspects of Life
Since catastrophic injuries result in permanent disability, they can significantly impact the ability of someone to perform their job functions — depending on the industry. Keeping the job from before the incident or looking for a new job may become more challenging for many patients. In many cases, victims may require vocational rehabilitation to learn new skills to continue working despite their disability.
Another aspect to consider is whether the victim’s living situation is accessible. For example, if someone suffers a spinal cord injury and requires the permanent use of a wheelchair, significant adjustments may need to be made around the home to ensure that it is fit for use. Countertops and cabinets may need to be lowered, ramps may need to be installed, and hallways may need to be widened if the wheelchair cannot fit through.
Should the catastrophic injury have happened to an adolescent, that may require more lifestyle changes for the entire family, especially if a parent will be the primary caregiver. In this situation, the family may need to consider alternative schooling options, lifelong treatment and care costs, and whether one parent will be leaving their job to care for the child.
These implications have costs that can very quickly start to add up. After sustaining a catastrophic injury that another individual caused, it's crucial to look at these long-term effects when considering whether or not to pursue legal representation. Working with an attorney can help you understand the importance of factoring in these potential circumstances and help ensure that you receive the compensation needed for situations like these.
Working With an Attorney Helps Maximize Compensation
Sustaining a life-altering injury can come with many questions regarding how to hold someone responsible for the injury they caused and what damages may be awarded. It's important to recognize that this is not a fight you will want to handle alone. Working with an attorney can ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to and protect your rights.
Related Article: Choosing The Right Lawyer For Your Catastrophic Injury Case
When you have a severe injury, you need attorneys who understand how to maximize your recovery and that includes a working understanding of the cost of treatment in addition to the impact your injuries have on daily living over time. The attorneys at Lyons & Simmons, LLP have decades of experience holding negligent parties accountable for the damages they cause and helping victims and their families put their lives back together.
Lyons & Simmons, LLP is a trial firm representing victims of personal injury and wrongful death nationwide. If you’ve sustained a catastrophic injury, schedule a free consultation with a member of our team by calling (844) 297-8898 or filling out this short form.
