When Are Accidents and Injuries Considered Catastrophic?

Accidents and injuries of all kinds can be devastating and life-altering, but not all injuries are considered “catastrophic.” Catastrophic injuries have the most significant impact on an individual’s quality of life, ability to work, and daily activities. These injuries are often severe and can require extensive medical treatment and long-term care.

Someone who has suffered a catastrophic injury, often has their life permanently changed, sometimes drastically. Personal injury attorneys aim to help these victims receive compensation for these injuries so they aren’t financially burdened by life care requirements from the injuries, including medical bills and other expenses. Damages for physical and mental harm may also be recovered.

What is a Catastrophic Injury?

“Catastrophic injury” is a term used to describe an injury that results in permanent disability, inability to work, long-term medical care, or a shortened life expectancy. These injuries can include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe burns, amputations, and multiple fractures. Catastrophic injuries can happen in a variety of settings, including car accidents, workplace accidents, nursing home failure to provide required care, and more.

In addition to physical injuries, catastrophic accidents can also result in emotional and psychological trauma for victims and their families. For example, victims may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression as a result of the accident and the resulting injuries.

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of catastrophic injuries, with head-on collisions, rollovers, and high-speed crashes being the most dangerous. These injuries often include brain injuries, loss of limbs, severe burns, and paralysis. Catastrophic car accidents can occur due to a variety of reasons, including speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, and reckless driving. Catastrophic accidents can also occur in the workplace, especially in industries such as construction or manufacturing, where heavy machinery, dangerous conditions and hazardous toxic substances are present.

Catastrophic Head Injuries

A catastrophic head injury is an injury that affects the brain and can result in permanent disability, inability to work, or death. These injuries can occur due to blunt force trauma to the head, such as in a car accident or a fall. Symptoms of a catastrophic head injury can include loss of consciousness, seizures, paralysis, and cognitive impairment. These injuries are some of the most devastating for victims and their families because they can permanently alter the victim’s personality and may even rob them of their ability to speak, write, walk, and do other daily tasks.

Olympia Catastrophic Injury Attorneys

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, it’s important to seek legal representation from a catastrophic injury attorney at Ron Meyers & Associates to ensure that you receive the compensation and support you need to move forward. Our catastrophic injury law firm can help you collect evidence and provide you with the support and guidance you need throughout the legal process. It can be difficult to anticipate just how impactful this type of injury will be, so an attorney can also help you obtain full compensation for the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, past and future lost wages, and past and future care needs. Contact our compassionate, knowledgeable attorneys today to get started building your case.

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