What makes a claim catastrophic is the severity and permanence of the injuries involved. These claims involve levels of physical harm that fundamentally change the way you live.
Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and permanent organ damage all qualify for a catastrophic claim because they affect your ability to work, care for yourself, and function the way you did prior to injury.
A Marietta catastrophic injury lawyer will offer further information on what makes a claim catastrophic and pursue the damages you deserve.
What Qualifies as a Catastrophic Injury?
If you’re wondering what makes a claim catastrophic, you should understand what qualifies as a catastrophic injury. A catastrophic injury is one that results in long-term or permanent impairment that significantly limits your ability to live the life you had before the accident.
These injuries typically require extensive medical treatment, ongoing care, and major lifestyle adjustments. The following are some of the most common catastrophic injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Loss of a limb
- Severe burns
- Crushing injuries
- Organ damage
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Multiple fractures
- Nerve damage resulting in chronic pain or loss of sensation
How Catastrophic Injuries Differ From Other Personal Injury Claims
A standard personal injury claim typically involves injuries that heal within a reasonable timeframe. When it comes to dealing with these less severe injuries, the medical costs are relatively predictable, and the impact on your daily life is temporary.
Catastrophic injury claims are a different story entirely. These conditions require complicated and ongoing treatment, and the damages you qualify for extend far beyond medical bills for a minor injury. The legal process for catastrophic claims is also different. These cases require more extensive evidence, including:
- Life care plans
- Testimony from vocational experts
- Predictions from economic experts who can project what the injury will cost you over the course of your life
Evidence is only one piece of a catastrophic injury claim. You’ll have to deal with insurance companies that try to minimize your injury and pay you as little as possible.
These cases demand skilled attorneys who can build compelling claims and stand up to insurers. Reach out to our lawyers to learn more about what makes a claim catastrophic and get the help you need.
Why Damages in a Catastrophic Injury Case Are Different
When learning about what makes a claim catastrophic, it’s important to consider damages. In a typical injury case, damages are usually based on what has already happened. They reflect the medical bills you’ve received, the paychecks you’ve missed, and the pain you’ve experienced. In a catastrophic injury case, the majority of your damages are about what’s coming.
When an injury permanently changes your life, the compensation you receive has to account for every cost and limitation you will face down the road.
That’s why these cases require economists, life care planners, medical experts, vocational specialists, and other professionals who can project how this injury will impact every aspect of your life in the future.
The right lawyer for your case will have strong relationships with these types of professionals and can use their testimony to strengthen your case. Catastrophic injury damages often include the following:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Long-term rehabilitation and therapy
- Home modifications
- In-home care
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Scarring and disfigurement
How Our Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Can Help You
Catastrophic injury cases are far too complicated and high-stakes to handle without an experienced attorney. Here’s what a lawyer from Jones & Swanson will do to get the justice and damages you deserve after a severe accident-related injury:
- Take on the insurance company’s team of adjusters
- Work with experts who can prove the true value of your claim
- Investigate the accident thoroughly and use evidence to back up your claim
- Handle all necessary filings and deadlines
- Identify all potentially liable parties
- Protect you from lowball settlement offers that won’t cover your long-term needs
- Prepare your case for trial from day one so the insurance company knows your situation is serious
An attorney will guide you through the claims process and work tirelessly to get the results you need to manage your injury throughout your life and support your long-term well-being.
Schedule a free consultation with our lawyers today to learn more about what makes a claim catastrophic and find out about your legal options.
Our Lawyers Can Explain What Makes a Claim Catastrophic
The decisions you make after suffering a catastrophic injury will determine whether you have the resources to deal with what’s ahead. You need attorneys who understand the weight of what you’re going through and have the experience to fight for a settlement that actually reflects the reality of your situation.
At Jones & Swanson, we have been representing injury victims since 1995. We have recovered more than $50 million for our clients and have over 50 years of combined experience. We will assign a dedicated team to your case, give you honest and straightforward advice, and keep working until we get the damages you deserve.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation and learn more about what makes a claim catastrophic.
