While catastrophic injuries are rare on a statistical scale, they can happen at any time to anybody. This often means that a devastating and life-altering injury will come as a shock to victims, derailing the expected course of their lives and threatening them with financial problems and, in some cases, loss of body functionality. Navigating the fallout of a catastrophic injury is often impossible to do alone, as the physical, mental, and legal difficulties that arise may be more than the individual can handle with their injury. Many people rely on their friends and family for support after a catastrophic injury.
However, this does not necessarily cover the legal aspect of a catastrophic injury. While friends and family can provide invaluable help and support as a community, it is unlikely that they are equipped to handle complex legal issues. For those seeking compensation for catastrophic injuries, ensuring that each detail is properly managed and that the case as a whole is proceeding forward is paramount. This is why many people suffering from catastrophic injuries trust a catastrophic injury attorney with injury claims and legal challenges.
A skilled Wilmington personal injury attorney from Zavodnick & Lasky may be able to help with a catastrophic injury case by evaluating the details of the case and compiling evidence to argue for compensation. Consider scheduling a free initial consultation today by calling the office at (215) 999-6742.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
For injured parties seeking compensation for damages, it can be important to understand the nature of the injuries. Different cases are often pursued in different ways, and may require different sets of skills depending on the type of damages. This is why catastrophic injury lawyers may have slightly different skills from a standard personal injury lawyer. Rightly classifying an injury may help avoid potential pitfalls and help strengthen a case.
A catastrophic injury is generally one that has negative and permanent effects on the individual’s life and livelihood. For example, injuries involving the nervous system often have far-reaching effects because the human nervous system does not heal in the same way that other tissue does. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and other neurological damage may all be considered catastrophic injuries. Damage to sense organs like the eyes and ears, leading to vision and hearing loss, as well as severe burns and scarring on the skin, could be considered catastrophic. Other injuries, such as compound or multiple fractures, organ damage, and amputations, may also fall in this category. Essentially, injuries that drastically alter or reduce an individual’s quality of life permanently could be considered catastrophic.
Understanding the Impact of a Catastrophic Injury
Because catastrophic injuries have far-reaching consequences, many additional complications may be involved in a catastrophic injury case. For example, the impact of a catastrophic injury may lead to ongoing expenses for the injured party, as well as a loss of enjoyment of life. Someone with a catastrophic injury may need long-term medical rehabilitation or assisted living. Even if they can live independently, extensive home and vehicle modifications may be required. The cost of these needs, as well as the potential of a reduced earning capacity, may need to be taken into account when constructing a compensation case.
However, physical and financial concerns are not the end of the story. Catastrophic injuries are generally the result of traumatic accidents or violent acts, which may take a severe mental and emotional toll on a victim. Victims of catastrophic accidents may require intensive therapy or counseling to adjust to a new normal. Additionally, the loss of enjoyment and quality of life may also be a significant factor in the victim’s ongoing mental wellness.
What Makes Catastrophic Injury Cases Different?
Many people may wonder if there really is a difference between a catastrophic injury case and a standard personal injury case. While both are attempting to prove the liability of the defendant and acquire fair compensation for injuries, the key difference is the types of damages. With a straightforward injury that will heal without long-term effects, the damages in question may be primarily financial. The concern of the individual is to recover what was lost to medical bills, property damage, and missed wages.
However, the damages in a catastrophic injury case may be more intangible or emotional. While financial damages are nearly always a factor, individuals suffering from catastrophic injury face a radically altered future and pain and suffering, as referenced by Del. Code Ann. 18 § 6864. They may have decreased earning capacity or decreased enjoyment of life. These losses are difficult to measure and translate into financial compensation. In addition to those challenges, the new ongoing expenses after the accident itself may factor into compensation. This may require a unique set of skills on the part of a catastrophic injury attorney to help navigate and calculate these damages, presenting a coherent argument for the injured party’s needs.
Related Experience: Brain Injuries, Medical Malpractice & Wrongful Death
While each catastrophic injury is unique, many share similar threads that connect them. Other personal injury cases, such as brain injuries, medical malpractice, and wrongful death, can share similar features with catastrophic injury cases. Catastrophic injury cases can involve brain injuries, medical malpractice, and other adjacent fields of law. A catastrophic injury could be caused by a surgical error, or a brain injury from a car accident could cause significant and permanent impairment. Understanding how these fields may intersect may help clarify how to pursue compensation for an injury.
Contact a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer in Wilmington Today
Catastrophic injuries can leave victims in unspeakable pain and drastically alter the shape of their futures. Navigating the fallout of this and taking steps to find a new normal can be isolating, frightening, and overwhelming. While financial compensation often cannot fully repair the damage and frustration that these individuals must cope with, compensation can help cover costs for medical treatment, lost earning capacity, and even navigating new solutions to help find a higher quality of life. A skilled Wilmington catastrophic injury attorney from Zavodnick & Lasky is dedicated to helping you find that fair compensation. Consider scheduling a free consultation today to discuss legal options by calling the office at (215) 999-6742 for details.
