Accidents come in many forms. But they can result in injuries, that range from minor to serious. Serious injuries require a visit to a doctor’s office or a hospital stay. Also, some injuries can be catastrophic and are life-altering. Such injuries can change your ability to perform daily functions and quality of life. They can affect you and your family. If you are thinking about pursuing an injury claim after sustaining a catastrophic injury, consult a wisconsin catastrophic injury attorney to know your options and how to protect your rights.
What are Catastrophic Injuries?
In general, catastrophic injuries include injuries with long-term consequences. They require extensive medical attention, so a victim can return to their capacity before the accident that caused their injuries. In a lot of cases, a victim may not fully recover from their injury. While a serious injury can result in a victim returning to their normal life following an accident, a catastrophic injury often involves total or permanent disability.
Catastrophic Injury Example
Catastrophic injuries can change the life of a victim forever. They include the following:
- Traumatic brain injury. The brain is responsible for relaying messages throughout the human body. If a traumatic brain injury develops, a person can suffer from memory loss or sensory deficits. Some victims may be in a persistent vegetative state.
- Spinal cord injury. A sudden impact or fall can impinge or bruise the spinal cord, causing partial or full paralysis. Those who suffer from spinal cord injuries should need to use assistive devices like wheelchairs to get around.
- Burns. These injuries can become catastrophic if they cause serious and permanent bodily damage. With a third-degree burn, a person can have permanent, painful scars. These burns can impact their nerves, muscles, and bones, requiring extensive medical intervention and the expertise of an attorney.
- Crushed or severed limbs. With these injuries, a victim can no longer use their limbs. A person who loses their sense of hearing or sight cannot get around by themselves. Often, they need rehabilitative services and adaptive devices.
The Costs Related to Catastrophic Injuries
A catastrophic injury may need to be treated for months or years. Usually, a victim will require life-long care. Such expenses can cost be huge. This is the reason a victim needs an attorney who can help them get the compensation they deserve. When settling a catastrophic injury case, factors such as the victim’s medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, home modifications, and loss of consortium come into play.
