Being involved in an accident that results in injuries is a traumatic experience. That said, some injuries are worse than others and, if they are particularly severe, they may be considered catastrophic in the eyes of the law. Catastrophic injuries fall under the personal injury umbrella, but they are far more severe, involve greater damages, and require skilled legal representation.
Understanding the Difference
In a personal injury case, the injuries involved may be serious, but generally do not result in permanent damage. Injuries like broken bones, bruising, and lacerations tend to fit within this category since survivors are usually able to achieve a full recovery. Emotional injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are also considered personal injuries. On the other hand, catastrophic injuries impact a survivor’s life forever.
Below is a list of some of the most common catastrophic injuries:
- Disfigurement
- Severe burn injuries
- Traumatic amputation or loss of limb
- Loss of eyesight or hearing
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Many of these injuries prevent a survivor from returning to work and, in many cases, result in chronic pain, discomfort, or disabilities that make it impossible to enjoy the life they once had. Moreover, many of these life-altering injuries are also incredibly expensive to treat, often requiring additional operations, medication, assistive devices, and more. As a result, compensation in a catastrophic injury case is generally quite substantial, considering the costs incurred by such injuries.
Below is a list of accidents that frequently result in catastrophic injuries:
- Truck accidents
- Falls from great heights
- Recreational activities and sports
- Medical mistakes
- Car accidents
Given the damages at stake in a catastrophic injury case, it is essential to hire an attorney with experience in handling such complex legal matters.
Reach Out to Our Experienced Personal Injury Attorney for Skilled Legal Guidance
Catastrophic injuries change a person’s life forever. After experiencing such terrible incidents, survivors often cannot return to work, partake in their favorite hobbies, or resume life as they once knew it. If you were injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you need to hire a knowledgeable legal professional to represent you. At Eliot Reiner, APLC, our personal injury attorney is backed by more than three decades of experience. You can rely on us to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Call our law office today at (916) 778-3228 to set up a free initial consultation to discuss the details of your catastrophic injury case.