Catastrophic injuries affect not only the injured victims but also the lives of their families. That’s because these injuries are the most severe injuries imaginable. They require extensive medical care, ongoing treatment, and lifestyle changes.
When someone is catastrophically injured by another person’s negligence, they have the right to demand compensation for the many costs they face and will face in the future because of that injury. That compensation can mean the difference between financial ruin and a manageable, sustainable life.
At Parrish DeVaughn, our dedicated team of catastrophic injury lawyers is committed to helping you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, contact us today for a free consultation.
The Scope of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries are generally defined as injuries leading to long-term or permanent disabilities and impairments. These usually involve severe damage to vital body parts such as the brain, spinal cord, or other vital organs.
What sets catastrophic injuries apart from other types of injuries is the severity of their impact on a person’s life. Unlike minor injuries that may heal with time, catastrophic injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. These injuries can lead to a loss of independence, diminished quality of life, and the need for long-term assistance and support.
The long-term consequences of catastrophic injuries can be daunting for both the victims and their families. The physical and emotional challenges are often accompanied by significant financial burdens. Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost income can quickly accumulate, putting immense strain on the injured person and their loved ones.
Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries
Here are some common types of these severe and life-altering injuries, which can wreak havoc on a person’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being:
- Brain and Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be caused by severe blows to the head, falls, or accidents. TBIs can result in long-term cognitive impairments, memory loss, and even permanent disability.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis or loss of sensation and motor control. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, significantly affecting a person’s quality of life.
- Amputations: Losing a limb can have a devastating physical and psychological impact. Amputations often require ongoing medical care, prosthetic devices, and rehabilitation to help individuals regain independence and adapt to their new circumstances.
- Severe Burns: Severe burns can result from fires, chemicals, electricity, or hot liquids, causing extensive damage to the skin and underlying tissues. Burns often require prolonged hospital stays and multiple surgeries, including skin grafts, and can lead to permanent scarring, disfigurement, and significant emotional trauma.
- Disfiguration: Disfiguration can occur as a result of accidents, burns, surgical procedures, or diseases, leaving visible scars or changes to one’s appearance. Disfiguration can profoundly affect an individual’s self-esteem, lead to psychological distress, and require cosmetic or reconstructive surgery to improve functionality and appearance.
- Wrongful Death: Wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to the negligence or misconduct of another party. It leaves families without their loved one and often results in emotional anguish and loss of companionship, income, and support.
Seeking Damages in Catastrophic Injury Claims
Due to the severity of catastrophic injuries, the amount of compensation being pursued should reflect the comprehensive impact of the injury. Here are the key categories of damages to consider:
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the financial losses associated with the injury. This includes:
- Medical Expenses: Immediate and future medical costs for treatments, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any ongoing healthcare needs
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the income lost due to the inability to work while recovering
- Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation for the victim’s decreased ability to earn a living in the future
- Home Modification Costs: Compensation for the costs of home modifications to accommodate wheelchairs or other medical equipment
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for the non-financial impacts of the injury:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional distress caused by the injury
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for being prevented from engaging in hobbies, recreation, or other activities that brought joy before the accident
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact on the relationship between the victim and their spouse or partner due to the injury
Punitive Damages
In cases where the defendant’s actions were reckless or malicious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the negligent part and deter similar behavior in the future.
It’s important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help accurately assess the full extent of your damages and fight for the compensation you deserve. Catastrophic injuries can alter the course of your life, and obtaining just compensation is a critical step in facilitating your recovery and ensuring financial security for you and your family.
Contact Our Oklahoma City Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Today
There’s so much at stake in catastrophic injury claims. In many cases, the future of an injured person and their family depends on getting enough compensation to deal with the many challenges they’ll face together.
Make sure you look for legal representation that understands the importance of your situation and won’t treat you as just another case number. At Parrish DeVaughn, we take our role as advocates seriously.
We encourage you to schedule a free consultation with our team, so we can review your case and help you determine the best path forward. Contact us today to get started.
