Catastrophic Injury

A catastrophic injury is one that leaves its victim with injuries so severe that their recovery period is lengthy and often results in lifetime pain, emotional trauma, and disability. The high costs of medical bills, ongoing physical and cognitive therapies, prescription medications, and the burden of lost wages can quickly devastate a family’s financial health. Victims of catastrophic injuries can claim compensation when their injuries are caused by the negligence or intentional actions of another person.

Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries should be reviewed by an experienced personal injury lawyer. Upon review of the details related to the injuries, an attorney can advise you of your legal rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

The most common causes of catastrophic injuries include:

  • Cars, trucks, trailers, and motorcycle accidents
  • Pedestrian accidents
  • Falls
  • Work injuries
  • Construction accidents
  • Mining accidents
  • Acts of violence, such as gunshot wounds, stabbings, and physical trauma
  • Drowning and swimming accidents
  • Fires
  • Gas drilling accidents

Victims of a catastrophic injury can hold those responsible liable for the medical costs associated with the injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, and lifetime disabilities. Even when catastrophic injuries occur due to an accident, victims can still hold all those responsible for the injuries liable when they are a direct result of negligence and carelessness.

Types of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries result in long recovery periods, high medical costs, and can leave victims temporarily or permanently disabled. The most common types of catastrophic injuries include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
  • Internal organ damage
  • Amputation of limbs
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Blindness
  • Deafness
  • Cognitive impairment from lack of oxygen or trauma
  • Burn injuries
  • Scarring from severe cuts and lacerations
  • Terminal illnesses, such as mesothelioma and other cancers
  • Nerve damage

A catastrophic injury is rarely one that heals quickly or without complications. In some cases, there can be more than one catastrophic injury. Car and truck accidents can leave a victim with spinal cord injuries, brain trauma, and severe burns. These victims suffer physically, but the emotional pain and trauma of the accident often last longer than the physical pain.

Claiming Compensation for a Catastrophic Injury

An experienced lawyer can ensure that victims of catastrophic injuries claim the maximum amount of compensation available. When injuries are caused by the negligence or carelessness of another person, victims can hold those responsible liable through a catastrophic injury lawsuit.

When insurance companies are involved in this type of lawsuit, their legal teams are prepared to fight the claims to reduce their liability and limit the significant costs associated with the victim’s injuries.

Victims of catastrophic injury can expect to be compensated for the cost of their medical bills; pain and suffering associated with the injuries; mental and emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder; permanent disability; lost wages, as well as the loss of potential wages; and loss of limbs or disfigurement. Victims may also be able to claim compensation for the loss of the quality of life.

Catastrophic injury lawsuits are often settled outside of the courtroom when insurance companies and lawyers work together to assess the extent of the damages suffered by the injured victim. The plaintiff may also be found partially responsible for the accident that led to their injuries. In this case, the settlement amount for the lawsuit could be reduced.

DC Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Help Severely Injured Victims Claim Compensation

If you suffered a catastrophic injury, call the DC car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King at 202-331-1963, or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today. Our lawyers are committed to protecting your legal rights and will help you claim the maximum amount of compensation available. Located in Washington, DC, we serve clients throughout DC and Maryland.

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