Catastrophic injuries are those that result in permanent disabilities directly affecting quality of life. In some cases, even the most basic daily activities can become too difficult as a result of a catastrophic injury. Not only that, medical expenses can become overwhelming to the point where victims and their families are unable to recover financially. Resulting disabilities can prevent victims from earning a livelihood as well.
Luckily, victims of catastrophic injuries and their families are entitled to fair compensation for their losses.
How are Catastrophic Injuries Different?
All serious injuries result in physical, emotional, and monetary loss. However, catastrophic injuries cause more permanent disabilities that affect nearly every aspect of a victim’s life. In addition, catastrophic injuries usually affect more than just the victim, but have a significant impact on the victim’s family as well. It is the victim’s family that will be required to make sacrifices in order to provide the care and support their loved one requires.
Examples of Catastrophic Injuries
Some of the most common types of catastrophic injuries include the following:
- Spinal cord injuries: Severe injuries to the neck or back can result in trauma to the spinal cord. The spinal cord is responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to the rest of the body. As such, spinal cord injuries often result in paralysis.
- Traumatic brain injuries: Severe damage to the brain can have permanent consequences, including physical and mental disabilities.
- Burn injuries: Serious burns can result in permanent disfigurement and possibly nerve damage. Burns injuries are generally considered catastrophic when a substantial portion of the body is permanently damaged.
- Internal organ damage: When the heart, lungs, liver, spleen or other internal organ is permanently damaged, the injury will likely affect every aspect of the victim’s life.
- Multiple bone fractures: Multiple bone fractures occurring during the same traumatic incident can result in serious long-term effects. Some victims of multiple bone fractures are unable to fully regain their strength and mobility and experience a lifetime of reduced physical abilities.
- Amputations: Victims who lose their limbs are often unable to return to work. Medical expenses, including the cost of prosthetics, can be substantial.
Receiving Fair Compensation
Catastrophic injuries obviously have an enormous impact on the lives of victims and their families. Many victims of catastrophic injuries suffer not only physical injury, but also experience psychological trauma. Victims of catastrophic injuries are entitled to pursue financial compensation for their losses. Damages that may be recovered through a successful claim include lost wages (both current and future), permanent disability coverage, medical expenses (both current and future), cost for rehabilitation services, and compensation for pain, suffering and mental anguish.
How an Experienced Arkansas Catastrophic Injury Attorney Can Help
If you have suffered a life-altering injury in and throughout Arkansas, your first step is to reach the highest level of physical recovery you can. However, in situations of catastrophic injury, a full recovery may not be possible. The good news is, there are rehabilitation services and vocational programs that can help you to regain the best quality of life possible. As an experienced Arkansas catastrophic injury attorney, Wes Cottrell will work to make sure your needs are met. While you are working on putting your life back together, we will work to see that all liable parties are held accountable for you injury.
Contact Us
If you’ve lost a loved one in a catastrophic injury, our legal team at the Cottrell Law Office, may be able to help your family fight for justice and take the first steps towards getting possible financial support for your unexpected burdens.
To learn more about pursuing such restitution, call (800) 364-8305 today.