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Folsom Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
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Folsom Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
Catastrophic injuries are some of the most severe injuries that a person can suffer. Not only do they present a challenge to the injured person’s physical and mental well-being, but they also typically result in extraordinary financial burdens as the individual and their family grapple with the costs of medical care, lost wages, and other damages. These injuries sometimes result in life-long, debilitating impairments that require constant care. You must have a qualified attorney on your side who understands the true extent of your injuries and who will fight for the total and fair compensation you deserve.
The Folsom catastrophic injury lawyers of Kreeger Law Firm have represented catastrophically injured clients and their families for decades in the community. We understand what you face and are here to help. We will aggressively pursue the liable parties and insurance companies to get you the maximum compensation possible so that you can focus on your recovery. Contact us today to obtain the legal support necessary to get through this difficult time.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury is a severe injury that has a long-term or permanent effect on an individual’s life. These injuries typically result in death or a life-long disability that requires constant care. Some examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can range from mild to severe. A mild TBI, also known as a concussion, typically resolves within a few weeks. However, more severe TBIs can result in long-term or permanent impairments, including difficulty speaking, paralysis, and coma.
- Spinal cord injuries. A spinal cord injury can result in partial or complete paralysis. Incomplete paralysis means that the individual still has some movement and sensation below the site of the injury. Complete paralysis is when an individual has no movement or sensation below the injury site.
- Amputations. An amputation is the surgical removal of a limb. This can be partial, such as the removal of a finger or toe, or complete, such as the removal of an arm or leg.
- Burns. There are different degrees of burns, but all burns can result in serious injury. First-degree burns are the most minor, only affect the first layer of skin, and typically heal within a week. Second-degree burns are a little more serious in nature, affect the first and second layers of skin, and can result in painful blistering and swelling. Third-degree burns extend through all layers of skin and can cause permanent damage to the underlying tissue.
- Multiple traumas. This refers to when an individual sustains multiple injuries in one accident. This can happen, for example, in a car accident when the individual is ejected from the vehicle and sustains multiple broken bones, a TBI, and internal organ damage.
- Paralysis. Paralysis is the loss of muscle function in a particular area of the body. This can be caused by damage to the nervous system that limits the brain’s ability to send signals to the muscles. This causes the muscles to be unable to move.
These are just some examples of catastrophic injuries, and even more severe injuries can occur. Anyone in this situation should seek immediate attention and care from a medical professional, then contact a catastrophic injury lawyer to discuss their legal options.
What Causes Catastrophic Injuries?
Many different things can cause catastrophic injuries, but they are typically the result of:
- Car accidents. Car accidents are a leading cause of catastrophic injuries. These injuries can be caused by the force of the impact, being ejected from the vehicle, or being crushed by the vehicle.
- Truck accidents. Truck accidents can be particularly dangerous because of the size and weight of the vehicles. These accidents can cause severe injuries, including TBIs, spinal cord injuries, and amputations.
- Pedestrian accidents. Pedestrian accidents can also cause severe injuries, especially if the pedestrian is hit by a large vehicle. Walking or running on the street does not provide much protection from the force of a car or truck.
- Motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle accidents are another leading cause of catastrophic injuries. Because motorcycles do not offer the complete level of protection that cars do, riders are more likely to face severe injuries or be killed in an accident.
- Slip and fall accidents. Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere, but they are particularly common in workplaces, grocery stores, and other public places. These accidents can cause serious injuries, including TBIs, spinal cord injuries, and fractures.
- Workplace accidents. Workplace accidents can occur in any industry, but they are particularly common in construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. These accidents can be caused by dangerous equipment, exposure to hazardous materials, or working in unsafe conditions.
- Sports injuries. Sports injuries are relatively common, especially in contact sports. These injuries can be caused by a collision with another player, falling to the ground, or being hit by a ball or other object.
What Compensation Exists for Catastrophic Injuries?
When catastrophically injured individuals or their families seek compensation for the injuries, they may be able to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses. This can include the cost of hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care that the injured person requires to recover from the injuries.
- Lost wages. Catastrophic injuries can often result in the injured individual being unable to work. This can lead to the loss of current and future wages from missed work.
- Pain and suffering. Catastrophic injuries can cause physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish. For example, a person paralyzed from the waist down may suffer from depression and anxiety as a result of the injury when they were not previously suffering from mental health issues.
- Disfigurement. Catastrophic injuries can often lead to disfigurement or permanent disability. For example, someone who loses an arm in an accident may have to live with the reality of having a disability for the rest of their life.
- Loss of enjoyment of life. Catastrophic injuries can often lead to a loss of enjoyment of life. For example, a person who was an avid runner before an accident may no longer be able to run or participate in the activities that they once enjoyed.
- Loss of companionship. Catastrophic injuries can often result in the injured individual being unable to spend time with their family or friends. For example, a person who is paralyzed from the waist down may no longer be able to go out and socialize with others in the way that they once did.
- Funeral expenses. In the event of a death, the family may be able to recover funeral and burial expenses.
These expenses would not have been incurred if the individual had not been catastrophically injured. As such, they can be recovered through a personal injury lawsuit or workers’ compensation claim with the legal assistance of an experienced attorney.
Personal Injury Attorney Case FAQ
Q: What causes catastrophic injury?
A: Catastrophic injuries can be caused by many things, but they typically result from car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, workplace accidents, or slip and fall accidents. Any instance where a person is exposed to severe trauma has the potential to cause a catastrophic injury.
Q: What is the difference between a catastrophic and non-catastrophic injury?
A: Catastrophic injuries are much more severe than non-catastrophic injuries. They often result in permanent disability or disfigurement and can require lifelong care. Non-catastrophic injuries, while still serious, typically do not have the same long-term effects. The individual will be able to recover, although they may require some medical treatment and miss work while they recover.
Q: How does age affect the severity of a catastrophic injury?
A: Age can play a role in the severity of a catastrophic injury. Younger people tend to heal from injuries more quickly and have a higher chance of full recovery. On the other hand, older people may not heal as quickly and may be more likely to experience long-term effects from the injury. However, any person of any age can suffer a catastrophic injury, depending on the accident’s severity or the specifics of the incident.
Q: Who is responsible for a catastrophic injury?
A: The responsible party will depend on the circumstances surrounding the accident or incident. If the injury occurred at work, the employer may be responsible. If the injury occurred due to a defective product, the manufacturer may be responsible. If the injury occurred due to negligence, such as in a car accident, the negligent party may be responsible. An experienced attorney can help to determine who is responsible for the injuries.
Q: What evidence is needed to prove a catastrophic injury?
A: To prove a catastrophic injury, there must be evidence of the severity of the injury. This can include medical records, testimony from doctors or other experts, and photographs or videos of the injury. An experienced attorney can help to gather the necessary evidence to prove the injuries.
Contact Kreeger Law Firm Today
If catastrophically injured in an accident, it is important to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys at Kreeger Law Firm have successfully represented many clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries. We know how to win these cases and get our clients the compensation they deserve to begin the process of recovering from their injuries. Contact us today to discuss your case. We will review the facts of your case and determine the best course of action.
