Many injuries sustained in an accident may heal over a period of weeks or months, but others may require long-term or even life-long treatment. These types of injuries, which are otherwise known as catastrophic injuries, often receive higher amounts of compensation. Unfortunately, the pursuit of such claims can be complex, and there is always the risk of a denied or reduced settlement. Thankfully, there are some things that victims can do to mitigate such risks. Learn more with help from the following information.
Common Catastrophic Injuries
Although catastrophic injuries can include almost any type of injury requiring long-term treatment, some are more common than others. Examples include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI),
- Burn injuries,
- Electrocution injuries,
- Wrongful death,
- Spinal injuries,
- Broken bones,
- Disfigurement,
- Dismemberment, and
- Back or neck injuries.
Victims may also experience catastrophic mental and emotional injuries, which may also require long-term treatment. Examples of these injuries may include:
- Posttraumatic stress disorder,
- Anxiety,
- Depression, and
- Sleep disturbances.
How Treatment Needs Can Impact a Case
Catastrophic injury payments are typically higher for several reasons. First, there is the amount of treatment needed to help bring the victim to as “whole” as possible (which may not ever occur), which can be expensive and emotionally or physically taxing on the victim. Then there is the amount of time that the victim may be out of work, which may be permanently in cases involving disability or death. Victims can also lose vitality of life, which may also be factored into their settlement.
It is important that victims understand that not all factors are a “given” in personal injury cases. Many require documentation (victims carry a burden of proof). Others require the victim and their attorney to look far enough ahead into the future to estimate the impact that the accident has and will have on the victim’s life. In nearly all cases, there is a potential for unforeseen consequences, which is why an attorney is recommended for catastrophic injury cases.
Hiring an Attorney for Your Catastrophic Injury Case
Personal injury lawyers can do more than simply represent your best interests and protect your rights; they are also familiar with the nature and impact of catastrophic injury cases. They are more apt to understand the potential impact that such injuries can have on your life, both now, and in the future. Ultimately, this knowledge can mean the difference between a reduced payout and full compensation.
Do not take the risk of going uncompensated for an element in your case. Instead, contact Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. for assistance. Seasoned and knowledgeable, our Green Bay personal injury lawyers will fight aggressively to ensure you get the most compensation possible for your accident. Schedule a free consultation to learn more. Call 920-739-7366 today.
Source:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3699059/
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/mobile-phone-possible-distraction-in-crash-that-left-toddler-with-catastrophic-injuries-35846992.html