What is a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury is an injury that is so severe that it results in permanent disability. A catastrophic injury may result in death, or it may result in permanent disability. A catastrophic injury can be caused by a single event, such as a car accident, or it can result from long-term damage to the body over time. A person who suffers a catastrophic injury may need extensive long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
Catastrophic injuries are not limited to physical injuries; they can also include mental disabilities that will last for an extended period or permanently. Mental disabilities considered catastrophic include brain damage and coma resulting from traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These injuries can be caused by accidents, falls, or violent acts like assault and battery.
If you have suffered a catastrophic injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact our Independence personal injury lawyers at Peterson & Associates, P.C., immediately to discuss your legal options.
What are the Types of Catastrophic Injuries?
A catastrophic injury has a long-term or permanent impact on your life.
Catastrophic injuries can be physical, mental, or both. They can also affect you emotionally, financially, and socially. Some common types of catastrophic injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain caused by trauma to the head. Unlike a concussion, TBIs can cause long-term brain damage, resulting in symptoms ranging from dizziness, headaches, and memory loss to coma and death. The severity of TBIs depends on the location of the injury and the part of the brain that got damaged. However, many people experience some disability after even a mild TBI. TBIs are among the most common types of sports-related traumatic injuries; they’re also more common among children than adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 2.5 million people sustain a TBI yearly in the United States alone.
- Spinal Cord Injury: Spinal cord injuries can affect people of any age, but they are most common in young adults. Spinal cord injuries can cause permanent damage to the cord and disrupt the signals that control movement, sensation, and consciousness in the body. This can lead to serious, long-term problems such as permanent paralysis or bladder or bowel control loss. Symptoms may include pain, numbness, and weakness in one or more limbs; difficulty walking; loss of bladder, bowel, or sexual function; and feeling sleepy or dizzy. Spinal cord injury is a trauma to the vertebral column (spine), which includes the bones of the skull and vertebrae plus ligaments that attach each vertebra in a column. The spinal cord is located within the spinal canal between the two sides of the vertebrae. When there is a traumatic impact on the spine, some of it can be displaced through the spinal canal by a small amount. A larger impact will displace more of it and potentially cause a complete tear in which all or part of the cord is disrupted.
- Traumatic Amputation: Traumatic amputation occurs due to damage to a body part following trauma. It involves the removal of a limb due to an extremely violent blow to the top of the foot or ankle. The most common cause of traumatic amputation is being hit by a car when crossing the street, but more severe cases can also occur after being struck by another person. Traumatic amputation is particularly dangerous because it can affect both the upper and lower parts of the body, leaving one with no functioning hands or feet, which means they cannot control any movement in those areas. Traumatic amputation can have a devastating impact on one’s quality of life.
Burns: Burns is a traumatic injury caused by the excessive heating of the skin or tissue. They result from two types of heat exposure: thermal damage and fire damage. Thermal damage is caused by direct contact with heat sources, such as hot liquids, steam, fire, or radiation. Fire damage is caused by contact with flames or hot surfaces. Burns can be classified into three main categories: first-, second-, and third-degree burns. First-degree burns involve only the outer layer of the skin and do not result in any loss of function. Second-degree burns involve partial to a complete loss of skin layers and may cause pain, blisters, and severe bleeding. Third-degree burns cover the entire surface of the body and may cause death if not treated quickly. The most common causes of burns are clothing that’s too tight or too short, electrical accidents, hot liquids, and fires. Children are at greater risk for burn injuries because their skin is thinner than adults. In addition to being more sensitive to temperature changes, children also lack protective fat layers on their bodies.
What are the Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Independence?
Car accidents are the most common cause of catastrophic injuries, but there are many other ways someone can suffer a life-altering injury. Some of the most common causes of catastrophic injuries include:
- Workplace Accidents: In the workplace, many hazards can lead to catastrophic injuries. These include falls, objects striking the body, and contact with chemicals or electrical equipment. Injuries that result from workplace accidents can be severe and cause long-term damage to a person’s health. These types of injuries can also leave workers unable to work for an extended time. Workers who suffer from catastrophic injuries may need to take time off from their job, which can interfere with their income. If you or a loved one has suffered a workplace accident, it may be worth speaking with an attorney about your options for recovery. An experienced attorney can help you to understand your rights and options and may be able to help you obtain compensation for your injuries.
- Medical Malpractice: Medical malpractice is a healthcare provider’s negligent or wrongful conduct that results in injury to a patient. Medical malpractice is a type of medical negligence, which is the failure to use the highest possible standard of care. For example, a doctor who misdiagnoses a patient’s condition or an anesthesiologist who fails to administer anesthesia properly can be liable for medical malpractice. A typical example of medical negligence is an emergency room physician giving a patient the wrong medication. This can lead to severe side effects and, in some cases, even death. Another example is a hospital nurse who leaves a surgical instrument in the patient’s body after emergency surgery. The injured person may not even know that an instrument was left inside them until they return to the hospital to have it removed, which can be several months later, causing serious problems and sometimes even death. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider violates applicable professional standards, such as by failing to follow proper procedures or using improper techniques. It also includes actions that are grossly negligent or done with reckless disregard for the health or safety of patients.
- Defective Products: Defective products are those that fail to meet an acceptable standard of quality. They can result from a manufacturer’s negligence or intentional actions. Injuries from defective products can be pretty severe as well. Defective products are those that are dangerous to use or that cause harm to the user. These injuries can often lead to hospitalization, disability, or death. When a product is defective, it should not be used, and it is vital for people who a defective product may have injured to seek legal representation as soon as possible.
- Negligence: Negligence is one of the most common causes of catastrophic injuries in Independence. Negligence occurs when someone fails to act in a way that is necessary and expected under the circumstances. For example, if a person was driving their car and crashed into another vehicle because they failed to look both ways before turning onto the road, this could be considered negligence.
- Inadequate Training: Another common cause of catastrophic injuries in Independence is inadequate training for employees who work with dangerous equipment on the job site every day. For example, suppose an electrician did not receive adequate training before they began working with power tools and became electrocuted while working on a construction site. In that case, this could be negligence on their part and their employer’s part for not providing them with adequate training before allowing them to begin using these tools.
What are the Consequences of Catastrophic Injuries?
A catastrophic injury can have a significant impact on your life. You may require extensive medical treatment and be unable to work for an extended period. In the most severe cases, a catastrophic injury can lead to death.
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, it is essential to seek legal representation. Our Independence, MO personal injury lawyers at Peterson & Associates, P.C. have many years of experience helping people injured in Independence, MO, get the justice and compensation they deserve.
We understand that this is a difficult time, and we will be there every step of the way to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome.
How Can a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Help You?
A catastrophic injury lawyer can help you in many ways. They can provide legal assistance and guidance and help you file a personal injury lawsuit against the person or company responsible for your injuries. They will also help you seek out the medical care you need, and they can assist with your disability and other issues resulting from your injuries.
Your personal injury attorney will know how to help you get compensation for all of your losses. They can also help you get back on your feet after an injury to move forward with your life. Having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side can make recovering from a catastrophic injury much more effortless.
Our catastrophic injury lawyers at Peterson & Associates, P.C., are there to fight for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve. They will help you navigate the legal process and deal with the stress of a severe injury. Our attorneys will also provide advice and insight into your legal rights and responsibilities and how to claim any benefits you may be entitled to.
What are the Damages you can Recover in a Catastrophic Injury Claim?
There are several damages you may be able to recover in a personal injury claim. These can include economic damages, like medical expenses and lost wages, and noneconomic damages, like pain and suffering.
Economic damages can be challenging to quantify and prove because you may not have concrete records of how much you spent on medical bills. However, if your insurance company paid for your medical bills, the amount you had to pay out-of-pocket is still essential.
You may also be able to recover punitive damages from a defendant who acted with malice or reckless disregard for safety. Punitive damages are generally awarded in cases where a defendant was grossly negligent or intentionally injured someone.
To ensure you can recover the maximum amount of damages possible, it’s important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney. Our lawyers at Peterson & Associates, P.C. have the experience and knowledge necessary to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact an Experienced Independence, MO Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, it’s essential to contact an experienced Independence Mo catastrophic injury lawyer as soon as possible. These types of accidents can be life-altering and require the expertise of a legal professional who understands the complex laws and procedures involved in personal injury cases.
At Peterson & Associates, P.C., we have the experience and resources to get you the justice you deserve. We’ll work tirelessly to get you the compensation you need to cover medical bills, property damage, and more. Contact our Independence, MO, catastrophic injury attorneys by calling 816-888-8888 to get started on your case today.