The effects of catastrophic injuries drastically reduce the quality of your life and require changes so you can adapt to your “new normal.” Changing things in your life to make each day easier on you takes time and can be quite expensive, depending on the resources and services you may need. Securing possible fair compensation with a Hollywood catastrophic injury/brain damage lawyer allows the focus to shift to healing and having the ability to go through rehabilitation, assistive technologies, and community integration.
You have the right to pursue justice and obtain potential compensation for lifetime care needs. Lawyers understand the fine balance between pushing for possible maximum settlements while managing expectations realistically. A Hollywood personal injury lawyer experienced in injury law can potentially make all the difference in your case as they know all the legal jargon and what type of proof can make or break your case.
Definition of a Catastrophic Injury
A catastrophic injury is defined as a severe impairment that results in permanent disability or death. These life-altering injuries typically require extensive, ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation services over one’s lifetime. Catastrophic injuries often lead to significant economic damages as well, such as loss of income and high medical costs.
Catastrophic injuries are usually caused by incidents that result in severe trauma to the body. Examples may include serious head or brain injuries, spinal cord damage, paralysis, amputation of limbs, severe burns, loss of eyesight or hearing, and major organ damage. The initial incident typically requires immediate emergency medical care to stabilize the patient.
Those who sustain such injuries will likely require assistance with even simple daily living activities indefinitely. Catastrophic injuries also frequently impose psychological struggles in coping with permanent disability and lifestyle changes. Support from family, friends, medical staff, and legal advocates is crucial.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we’re a cut above other personal injury law firms.
Common Types of Catastrophic Injury and Brain Damage
Catastrophic injuries typically happen because of severe trauma leading to permanent physical impairment. The initial incident usually requires immediate emergency intervention. Some of the most common catastrophic injuries and brain damage are:
- Spinal cord injuries causing paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries causing permanent brain damage
- Amputation of limbs
Supporting catastrophic injury victims in building a ‘new normal’ with disability is crucial. Rehabilitation aims to maximize functioning, but total recovery is impossible. These individuals require tremendous access to resources and support services over a lifetime.
No matter what time of day it is, you can contact The Schiller Kessler Group to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Difference Between Personal Injury vs. Catastrophic Injury
Personal injuries encompass any type of injury to one’s body, mind, or emotions. Catastrophic injuries are a specific category of the most severe, permanently disabling personal injuries with life-altering consequences. While other personal injuries cause temporary disability, catastrophic injuries result in permanent impairment.
A personal injury may heal within weeks or months, allowing normal functioning to return over time. Catastrophic injuries mean normal functioning will never fully return, even after maximum medical improvement. Personal injury settlements are generally based on temporary lost wages and medical expenses, while catastrophic injury settlements must account for permanent lost earning capacity and lifetime care.
While most personal injury cases settle out of court, catastrophic injury cases typically go to trial. When they go to court, it is to seek compensation for long-term medical requirements and other necessities the injured will need for the duration of a disability. The higher burden of proof for catastrophic injuries also usually requires legal representation by a catastrophic injury/brain damage attorney in Hollywood.
What to Do if You Are Severely Injured
If you suffer a catastrophic injury, immediately call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room, even if you do not think you need emergency care. Prompt emergency medical treatment can make a difference in preserving life and limb in a catastrophic injury. Do not delay seeking medical care, as it can impact short and long-term functioning.
Be sure to follow all medical advice and care instructions from your treatment providers closely after a catastrophic injury. Typically, significant rehabilitation services spanning months or years are necessary after severe trauma to try to regain functionality. Adhering to follow-up appointments and at-home therapy religiously aids the healing and adaptation process.
Carefully document and retain all records related to the accident, injuries, and treatment, as these will serve as evidence if your claim goes to litigation. Keep a journal detailing symptoms, challenges with daily tasks, and progress with recovery. Consult with police and independent eyewitnesses to establish a clear sequence of events.
How a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Can Help
A catastrophic injury/brain damage lawyer in Hollywood has the expertise to navigate the legal complexities these severe cases present to obtain fair compensation. They understand the extensive short and long-term rehabilitative needs and economic losses catastrophic injuries incur. An experienced lawyer will build the strongest argument to prove liability and damages to a jury if the settlement does not gain any traction.
Catastrophic injury lawyers will assemble a cohesive medical narrative and life care plan to quantify and justify damages spanning a lifetime. This requires coordinating with doctors, specialists, life care planners, and economists as expert witnesses. An attorney also monitors adherence to care plans to safeguard the client’s well-being and case integrity.
Allowing a catastrophic injury lawyer to handle negotiations relieves the stress so clients can channel their energy into physical and emotional healing. Lawyers maintain an objective view to aim for optimal settlements or trial awards. The legal fees are also contingent upon securing compensation for the client, so you can have the relief knowing that you will not pay unless you win.
Contact a Hollywood Catastrophic Injury/Brain Damage Attorney
Dealing with a catastrophic injury plus trying to navigate a legal case can be too much to handle on your own. Working with a personable injury lawyer in South Carolina can help remove some of the burden, as you will have guidance on the next proper steps for your specific situation. Contact our The Schiller Kessler Group team to start with a free consultation.
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