Madeira Beach Catastrophic Injuries
A catastrophic injury is obviously a life-altering experience, one that might require a lifetime of care, special accommodations around the home, and more issues. The costs associated with this type of injury can be astronomical.
If you or someone close to you has suffered a disabling injury due to the negligence of someone else, you may be able to obtain compensation to help pay for long-term care. The Jones Law Group has a team of attorneys who have a great deal of experience in this area of the law, and may be able to help.
If you would like a free case review, please use our online form or call (727) 571-1333.
Catastrophic Injury Statistics
The number of people who suffer catastrophic injuries each year is enormous. Here is just a brief look at the prevalence of some of the more common severe injuries that occur.
- About 17,000 people suffer a spinal cord injury each year in the United States.
- Approximately 185,000 people suffer a catastrophic injury that results in an amputation.
- On average, about 500,000 people have to go to the hospital because of burn injuries. Many of these are catastrophic, requiring an extensive amount of treatment.
- Tragically, more than 60,000 people died after suffering a traumatic brain injury in 2019 alone.
What is Considered a Catastrophic Injury?
If a person suffers an injury that has a dramatic impact on his or her quality of life, that’s typically considered to be a catastrophic injury. These include the injuries listed above, as well as so-called “crush” injuries, or injuries where part of a victim’s body is crushed between two hard surfaces. These often lead to permanent damage or death.
Not only do catastrophic injuries lead to physical disabilities, they can lead to emotional damage as well. PTSD, depression and other mental issues often occur in people who have experienced this type of trauma.
Here’s a closer look at some examples of catastrophic injuries.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury is a particularly devastating form of catastrophic injury, typically resulting from the back undergoing some type of severe force. Slip and fall accidents, workplace injuries, and motorcycle and car accidents are just a few of the more common causes.
As with other types of catastrophic injury, the costs associated with a spinal cord injury can get incredibly high. Not only are there medical bills, but physical therapy, medications and other expenses.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, occurs when the head either suffers a wound or is subjected to a blunt force. Like spinal cord injuries, TBIs can occur due to a slip and fall, a vehicle accident, or a workplace accident.
Amputations
When an extremity is severely damaged, an amputation will often be the only course of action that can be taken in order to save the victim. Amputations will typically be performed in a surgical setting, but, in some instances, it may have to take place at the scene of an accident.
People who have a limb amputated will obviously need to make significant adjustments. They will often have to learn how to do some of the most basic everyday tasks all over again. Amputees will also face substantial expenses, to say the least, in order to have prosthetic limbs. While prosthetics can greatly improve an amputee’s quality of life, they can cost up to $50,000. They will very likely need to be replaced eventually, since prosthetics only last a few years.
Severe Burns
Burns can occur due to electrical shocks, chemical exposure, open flames or a number of other reasons. When burns are extensive, affecting a large area of the body, the pain is excruciating – as is the treatment. The outlook for someone with a catastrophic burn injury will largely depend on the extent of the injury, the percentage of the body that has been burned.
Wrongful Death
In 2019 alone, there were more than 173,000 deaths associated with preventable catastrophic injuries. That was an increase of nearly 6,000 from 2018, and a staggering increase of 87,000 from 1992. These tragedies occur for all the reasons listed above (slip and fall incidents, vehicular accidents, etc.). If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
How Do Catastrophic Injuries Occur?
Just about any kind of accident that leads to a personal injury can also result in a catastrophic injury. In far too many instances, the cause is another party’s reckless or negligent behavior. Even supposedly minor car accidents can lead to permanent damage to the body and mind.
These are just a couple of examples of accidents that typically result in catastrophic injuries.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
More than 2 million vehicular accidents each year lead to injuries that could be categorized as being catastrophic. These accidents typically result from negligence or recklessness, such as texting while driving, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or speeding.
Slip and Fall Accidents
A slip and fall accident can alter someone’s life in a second. When your feet suddenly come out from under you, the first thing to hit the ground will often be your head. Other possible complications include spinal cord and other severe injuries affecting the neck and back.
Receiving Compensation for Your Damages
There are many different types of damages that can be obtained through a personal injury lawsuit. The value of a case will depend on a lot of different factors. These include the severity of the injury, and the impact on the victim’s quality of life, the insurance coverage the defendant has, and more.
Not only are there economic damages, such as lost wages, medical bills, prescription costs and others, there are also non-economic damages. These include pain and suffering and other so-called “non tangible” damages.
How an Experienced Catastrophic Injury Attorney Can Help Your Case
An attorney experienced in the area of catastrophic injuries can make the difference between winning and losing your case. Skilled lawyers know how to get the evidence they need to prove a client’s case, and to negotiate with insurance companies to make sure you have the best possible chance of seeing a positive result. If negotiations don’t lead to a fair settlement offer, a seasoned attorney will know how to argue a client’s case in court.
At Jones Law Group, we have the experience as well as the skill to provide the best representation possible. Contact us online or call (727) 571-1333 for a free consultation.