When you hear the term catastrophic, nothing good comes to mind. However, when it comes to personal injuries, many victims of accidents fail to realize that they are suffering from catastrophic injuries.
It is human nature for many victims to downplay the severity of their injuries. Further, incidents like slip and fall accidents can make victims feel guilty or ashamed based on what happened or the circumstances. Despite all these facts, in many cases, the victim could not have prevented the injuries. Often, someone else is responsible for your catastrophic injuries..
The definition of a catastrophic injury is an injury with “direct and proximate consequences which permanently prevent an individual from performing any gainful work”.
In other words, a catastrophic injury is something so serious that it results in permanent damage. Any permanent damage can significantly alter a victim’s quality of life and ability to function.
For example, you may not be able to work because of these injuries, which is going to significantly impact your life because you won’t have the income that your job used to generate. It can affect everything from finding means to cover rent, utilities, or groceries to supporting your children or taking care of someone with a disability.
Catastrophic injuries change who you are as a person. It might be something obvious, like the loss of a limb or the ability to walk. Or it could represent something that impacts your thinking or emotions. For example, those that are unable to form or express thoughts even if they don’t display any physical injuries can still be victims of catastrophic incidents.
Whenever an injury results in catastrophic injuries, you or a loved one needs to speak to a professional. Personal injury lawyers that represent victims of catastrophic injuries can help you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Catastrophic injuries result in high medical costs, missed time from work or inability to work at all, emotional and mental consequences, and other damages.
Among the many problems with catastrophic injuries is how the accidents occur without warning. Anything so sudden and profound is a shock to people attempting to start a new life with permanent disabilities. In addition to financial hardships, the isolation of not being able to work or work at full capacity can produce serious emotional and mental trauma.
It not only puts stress and pressure on the victim but also stress on friends and family members. Consequently, relatives may need to assist with constant supervision or chores around the home that the victim is no longer able to accomplish. Medical bills can also persist for a long time, and in many instances, associated costs continue to pile up throughout a lifetime of rehabilitation.
Catastrophic injuries are primarily associated with physical harm to the brain and/or spinal cord. Brain and spinal cord injuries carry significant short and long-term health problems. However, catastrophic injuries are not just limited to the brain and spine. Another example of a catastrophic injury is a serious burn.
For the most part, catastrophic injuries fit within three categories:
Physical injuries are the most obvious to an outside observer, such as life-altering burns, severe fractures, or amputations. Spinal cord injuries usually result in permanent mobility issues for survivors. On the other hand, cognitive injuries may not be obvious to an outside observer yet can be equally damaging with serious emotional and financial repercussions. Cognitive injuries may impact speech, memory, or functionality.
Regardless of the specific injuries, if they are serious enough to be long-term and debilitating, then you are a victim of a catastrophic injury.
A few examples of catastrophic injuries are:
Catastrophic injuries have an enormous impact on the livelihood of survivors. It also impacts loved ones who either share the same residence or need to assist you daily. Catastrophic injuries that affect the central nervous system not only impact movement but other systems of the body.
Life-altering injuries like serious head trauma, spinal cord/neurological disorders, and accidental amputations all impact victims in multiple ways. Contacting a catastrophic injury lawyer in NYC is your first step toward recovery.
There is hope for victims of catastrophic injuries, and the ability to afford medical bills and cover basic expenses like mortgage/rent, utilities, and groceries will help with recovery. Catastrophic injuries that are caused by negligence or an intentional act are unacceptable. You need a lawyer that will defend you and help you get fair compensation and damages commensurate with your injuries.
“Catastrophic injury” refers to any physical trauma that leads to long-lasting medical complications and side effects. At Greenberg & Stein, P.C., our team of New York City catastrophic injury lawyers is dedicated to helping victims of serious accidents recover damages in the form of financial compensation, including costs associated with hospitalization, doctor’s visits, and ongoing medical care. We have more than 75 years of combined legal experience, so you can rest assured that your case is in good hands.
Car accidents are the leading cause of personal injury claims and lawsuits, but workplace injuries can result in serious, life-altering injuries as well. According to researchers, the most dangerous jobs in New York City that put individuals at risk of a catastrophic accident include:
If you or a loved one has suffered an avoidable catastrophic injury, the New York City personal injury lawyers at Greenberg & Stein, P.C. believe that you have a right to financial compensation for your injury. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients and are available to help you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call our office to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation to see what a topnotch catastrophic injury attorney in New York City can do for your case.
