Under the legal definition, catastrophic injuries are those that render the victim incapable of maintaining gainful employment. Car or commercial truck accidents, slip and fall incidents, and construction or industrial accidents may result in a catastrophic injury. Victims may face years of rehabilitation and intensive treatment.
The 4 most common types of catastrophic injuries are:
- Severe burns. Third and fourth-degree burns over large areas of the body are considered catastrophic. They affect both layers of skin, known as the epidermis and dermis, the layer of fat beneath the skin, known as the adipose tissue, and may even reach down to the bones, muscles, and organs. Victims may suffer permanent nerve damage, scarring, disfigurement, impaired range of motion, and chronic pain. Medications, skin grafts, physical therapy, and surgery may be required to treat severe burns.
- Spinal cord injuries. The spinal cord is responsible for sending signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Injuries to the spinal cord could result in complete loss of movement and sensation. Paraplegia is paralysis of the lower limbs, and quadriplegia is paralysis of all limbs.
- Traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries are caused by blunt force trauma to the head. This could lead to swelling, bleeding, bruising, and inflammation of the brain. Victims could suffer a variety of short-term symptoms, such as pain, nausea, dizziness, coma, and bleeding from the head wound. Long-term symptoms include cognitive impairment, difficulty understanding language, impaired senses, vision loss, tinnitus, memory loss, inability to recognize common items, personality changes, depression, anxiety, and inability to concentrate.
- Traumatic orthopedic injuries. Traumatic orthopedic injuries are fractures or dislocations that require multiple surgeries to correct. Severe cases may even lead to amputation of the injured limb. Long-term symptoms of traumatic orthopedic injuries include pain, stiffness, nerve damage, and limited range of motion.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to for a Catastrophic Injury
If you or a loved one have suffered a catastrophic injury, you may be facing years of medical expenses and lost wages, which can make it difficult to put food on the table. Our firm has extensive experience, and represents clients who have suffered spinal cord damage and traumatic brain injuries. Depending on the situation, you may be able to receive a settlement for lost wages, all medical bills, loss of earning potential, disability, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other damages. Punitive damages may also be awarded if the defendant acted with gross negligence or egregious behavior.
If You Have Suffered a Catastrophic Injury, Call Our Catastrophic Injury Attorneys Today at (386) 333-6613
At Politis & Matovina, P.A., we are committed to providing the best possible representation to our clients. Our Daytona Beach personal injury lawyers will discuss your options and fight for justice on your behalf. We will handle the legal issues of your case so you can focus on healing.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our firm.