June 13, 2024 | Catastrophic Injury

Catastrophic injuries are some of the most traumatic personal injury cases that we ever come across. These injuries are life-altering events that leave a profound physical, emotional and financial impact not just on the injured individual but also on their loved ones. These injuries result in permanent disabilities and other significant impairments. The injured individual often requires extensive medical care. Below, we discuss catastrophic injuries and their impact.

What is a Catastrophic Injury?

Catastrophic injuries are severe injuries. These injuries have a life-altering or long term impact on the injured person. They may for example cause disabilities or impairment to the person’s cognitive abilities. Some examples of catastrophic injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – These injuries occur as a result of sudden trauma to the head that results in damage to the brain. These injuries can result in cognitive impairments, memory loss, interfere with motor skills and cause changes in personality. Severe TBIs may result in coma or the individual being in a vegetative state.
• Spinal cord injuries – these injuries involve damage to the spinal cord. They often result in paralysis or loss of sensation below the site of injury. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, individuals may experience paraplegia (loss of movement and sensation in the lower body) or quadriplegia (loss of movement and sensation in all four limbs).
• Loss of limbs – amputations or severing of limbs can occur due to accidents, trauma, health conditions or a medical decision to save the patient’s life. Losing a limb can significantly impact an individual’s mobility, independence and quality of life.
• Severe burns – burns that cover a large area of the body or penetrate deep into the tissues can result in catastrophic injuries. Beyond physical disfigurement, severe burns can cause complications such as infections, respiratory problems and psychological trauma.
• Multiple fractures – high-impact accidents, such as car crashes or falls from height can cause multiple fractures throughout the body. These injuries often require extensive surgical intervention and may lead to long-term disability and chronic pain.

Issues that Catastrophic Injury Cases Present

Catastrophic injury cases are often quite complex to navigate. These cases present unique challenges due to their far-reaching consequences. Some of the challenges presented by these cases include:

• Long-term medical care – individuals with catastrophic injuries often require lifelong medical treatment, rehabilitation and specialized care. Calculating the full extent of future medical expenses can be challenging, considering the evolving nature of healthcare costs and the uncertain trajectory of the individual’s recovery.
• Loss of income and earning capacity – catastrophic injuries frequently result in the inability to work or pursue gainful employment. Determining the financial impact of lost wages, diminished earning capacity and potential career changes requires careful assessment by financial experts and vocational rehabilitation specialists.
• Emotional and psychological toll – coping with the aftermath of a catastrophic injury involves emotional upheaval and psychological adjustment for both the injured individual and their loved ones. Factors such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and diminished quality of life must be considered in evaluating the full extent of damages.
• Impact on family dynamics – catastrophic injuries have an impact on the injured person’s loved ones too. These injuries can strain family relationships and place significant caregiving responsibilities on spouses, parents or other family members. Addressing the emotional, logistical and financial challenges faced by caregivers is essential for holistic management and support.
• Large compensation – compensation for damages in catastrophic injury cases is often a significant sum. Insurance companies are often resistant to paying out large sums in compensation. They are therefore likely to fight a personal injury claim involving a catastrophic injury.

The Experienced Catastrophic Injury Attorneys at High and Younes LLC can Help

Navigating the complexities of a catastrophic injury case can be difficult. This is especially when you have to deal with the devastating impact of the injury. The experienced catastrophic injury attorneys at High and Younes, LLC are committed to advocating for the rights and interests of accident victims dealing with catastrophic injuries. We will fight to recover the compensation you rightly deserve. You can rely on our team for:

• Legal expertise – our experienced attorneys have in-depth knowledge and experience in personal injury law. We will assess the circumstances of the injury, identify liable parties and develop a legal strategy to purse compensation.
• Investigation and evidence gathering – Our attorneys will investigate your case and work with experts to gather evidence such as accident reports, medical records, witness statements and expert testimony. Thorough documentation strengthens the case and enhances the chances of a favorable outcome.
• Valuation of damages – calculating the full extent of damages in catastrophic injury cases requires a comprehensive understanding of medical expenses, lost income, future needs, pain and suffering and other intangible losses. Our attorneys work with financial experts and economists to accurately quantify damages and present a compelling case for fair compensation.
• Negotiating and settlement – we will negotiate with the insurance company/ companies involved on your behalf to reach a fair settlement. We will fight to protect your rights and interests.
• Litigation representation – if a settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, we will take your case to trial. We will represent you in court, presenting evidence, examining witnesses and arguing legal points before a judge and jury to secure a favorable verdict.

Contact High and Younes, LLC now at 402 933 3345 to schedule free consultation with an experienced catastrophic injury attorney.

Catastrophic Injury Lawyers – High & Younes LLC – Omaha, NE