Severe, life-changing injuries—whether sustained from an accident or act of violence—are often identified as catastrophic injuries. These serious injuries typically involve an extensive recovery process, and in many cases, a person will never fully recover from a catastrophic injury. The severity of these injuries may cause temporary disability or even permanent disability, and in some cases, catastrophic injuries are fatal.
A death from catastrophic injury may result immediately or soon after the accident, or the injury may shorten a person’s life span, causing death from complications in the weeks, months, or years following the accident.
For most people affected by catastrophic injury, there is a significant financial burden of temporary or permanent disability that may prevent a person from returning to work or ever seeking gainful employment, and this loss of income can make the accompanying medical bills seem impossible to pay.
With the help of a Durham personal injury lawyer, those injured and their families can fight to obtain financial compensation through a settlement or judgment against those responsible for their injuries.
Classifications of Injuries
Any type of severe injury that causes long-term or permanent disability is a catastrophic injury. Often, catastrophic injuries are associated with damage to the central nervous system, either through a traumatic brain injury or a spinal cord injury.
Other complex injuries include chemical or thermal burn injuries, amputation or dismemberment, crush injuries or multiple fractures, vital organ damage, and serious eye injuries resulting in blindness or loss of the eye.
Typically, catastrophic injuries will necessitate a prolonged inability to work and often, a person who suffers a catastrophic injury will become permanently disabled and will never be able to work again. The costs of emergency medical care and ongoing treatment, therapy, and rehabilitation can be extraordinary. When coupled with lost income and earning potential, the financial implications of a catastrophic injury can be devastating. It is important to quickly speak with a Durham catastrophic injury attorney to find out how to achieve maximum compensation from those liable for your injuries and losses.
For a free legal consultation with a catastrophic injury lawyer serving Durham, call (800)785-5000
Common Causes of Injuries
Any accident or intentional act that causes personal injury can cause catastrophic injury. However, some types of accidents are generally more likely to cause severe and traumatic injuries:
- Motor vehicle accidents, including car, motorcycle, and transportation accidents
- Industrial and construction accidents
- Falls
- Falling objects
- Recreational accidents like bicycle accidents, sports injuries, diving accidents
- Violent crimes
If a person is critically injured in a serious accident, immediate medical attention is of utmost importance. For catastrophically injured people, medical care does not stop in the emergency room. Typically, these people will endure weeks or months of hospitalization, and upon release, may require a lifetime of therapeutic care.
Working with a catastrophic injury lawyer in Durham can help injured accident victims to understand the potential future costs associated with the injury to ensure they receive full and fair compensation.
Durham Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Near Me (800)785-5000
How An Attorney Can Help
Determining all potential sources of fault and liability can be difficult. Providing sufficient medical evidence and documentation of the nature of the injuries may be complex. Speaking with insurance adjusters and at-fault parties is frustrating and could jeopardize your ability to obtain full compensation. Finding a catastrophic injury lawyer in Durham with the experience to handle these difficult tasks can allow you to focus on your family and your recovery.
Call (800)785-5000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form