Seeking Maximum Compensation for Your Injuries
Suffering any type of injury can be difficult, but catastrophic injuries can be particularly problematic and expensive. Someone with a catastrophic injury has sustained physical or mental damage that is classified as permanent or disabling, and thus life-altering. These types of injuries often require extensive, regular medical care that can be costly, not to mention the emotional toll such an injury can take on the injured person and his or her family.
If you or someone you love suffered a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may have a personal injury case. Our Fresno catastrophic injury attorneys at BD&J understand what is at stake for you and your family. It is our goal to ensure you retain compensation for medical bills and other necessities to treat your condition.
What Caused Your Catastrophic Injury?
Any number of incidents may result in a catastrophic injury. Whether you were harmed by a defective product, injured in a car accident, or assaulted, if the resulting injury creates lasting and serious harm, it is considered catastrophic.
Examples of catastrophic injuries include, but are not limited to:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain injuries
- Nerve damage
- Vision loss
- Burn injuries
- Amputation
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
A TBI can be a type of catastrophic injury. It’s caused by a sudden injury to the brain. The severity of a TBI ranges from very mild to moderate to severe. There are four main types of TBIs:
- Concussion – Signs of a concussion include loss of consciousness, a headache that worsens, vomiting, and increased confusion.
- Contusion – A contusion is a bruise anywhere on the brain. It is a more specific injury than a concussion, and it can cause varying effects depending on where it’s located in the brain.
- Penetrating Injury – Penetrating brain injuries are always considered severe. One study found the fatality rate for this type of injury is around 92%.
- Anoxic Brain Injury – An anoxic brain injury is caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain. It’s usually preceded by a period of unconsciousness or coma. The longer the coma, the more likely there will be lasting damage.
If you have any of the above symptoms after an accident, it is very important to seek out medical attention right away.
The Importance of Financial Compensation
Treating serious injuries can be expensive, especially when the injury requires regular, ongoing care. Catastrophic injuries are either permanent or lasting, which means they typically require therapy, physical rehabilitation, in-home care, or costly medicines. In addition to medical costs, a catastrophic injury can also impact a person’s ability to earn a living, either in their chosen line of work or in any capacity. Some individuals may require the constant attention of a caretaker, thus impacting the family members of the injured person by forcing them to alter their daily routines to care for their injured loved one.
The injured person and their family will require adequate compensation in order to pay for:
- Current and ongoing medical treatment
- Medications
- Loss of wages
- Pain and suffering
You will likely be entitled to a catastrophic injury settlement if the following exists:
- You had to undergo surgeries or rehabilitation, or require permanent medical devices due to the injury you suffered
- The injury resulted in you being put out of work.
- You suffered serious emotional damage from the accident
