Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic Injuries

When you hear the term: suffered catastrophic injuries, 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 catastrophic injury cases, the victim could not have prevented the injuries. Often, someone is responsible for your catastrophic injuries.

What Is the Definition of a Catastrophic Injury?

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 law firm that represent victims of catastrophic injuries to help you receive fair compensation for your injuries and medical expenses.

A catastrophic injurie case often result in catastrophic injury lawsuit, in high medical costs, brain injuries, chronic pain, 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 medical attention and rehabilitation.

Examples of Catastrophic Injuries

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 potentially catastrophic injury, is a serious burn.

For the most part, catastrophic injuries typically fit within three categories:

1. Physical Injuries: Physical injuries encompass a wide range of severe injuries that primarily affect the body’s structure and function. These injuries often result from high-impact accidents or traumatic events.Examples of physical catastrophic injuries include:

• Severe fractures: These involve multiple or complex fractures that may require surgical intervention and extended rehabilitation.
• Amputations: The loss of a limb due to injury or medical necessity can significantly impact a person’s physical capabilities and require adaptive measures such as prosthetics.
• Burns: Severe burns can cause extensive damage to the skin and underlying tissues, leading to scarring, disfigurement, and long-term complications.
• Crush injuries: This type of injury occurs when a body part is severely compressed or crushed, resulting in significant damage to tissues, bones, and organs.

2. Spinal Cord Injuries: Catastrophic injuries to the spinal cord can have profound and lasting effects on a person’s mobility and bodily functions. These injuries often result in partial or complete paralysis below the site of the injury.Examples of spinal cord injuries include:

• Paraplegia: Paraplegia refers to paralysis of the lower body, including the legs and possibly parts of the trunk. It typically occurs due to damage to the thoracic or lumbar regions of the spinal cord.
• Quadriplegia/Tetraplegia: Quadriplegia involves paralysis of both the arms and legs, as well as potential impairment of the trunk and organs. It typically results from injuries to the cervical region of the spinal cord.
• Loss of sensation and motor control: Spinal cord injuries can lead to the loss of sensation, muscle control, and reflexes below the injury level, affecting various bodily functions.

3. Cognitive Injuries: Catastrophic injuries can also have a significant impact on a person’s cognitive abilities, including memory, attention, and reasoning skills. These injuries often result from severe head trauma or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Examples of cognitive catastrophic injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): TBIs can lead to a range of cognitive impairments, such as memory loss, difficulty with concentration and problem-solving, language and communication difficulties, and changes in mood and behavior.
• Executive function impairments: Injuries to the frontal lobe or other areas of the brain responsible for executive functions can result in difficulties with planning, decision-making, organization, and self-regulation.
• Emotional and behavioral changes: Catastrophic brain injuries can lead to emotional and behavioral changes, including impulsivity, irritability, aggression, depression, and anxiety.

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.

The Most Common Catastrophic Injuries in New York City

The top cases of catastrophic injuries are:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs are a significant concern in NYC due to various factors such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, construction accidents, and acts of violence. These injuries can result in long-term cognitive impairments, physical disabilities, and emotional and behavioral changes.
• Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI): SCI can lead to paralysis or loss of sensation below the site of the injury. In NYC, these injuries can occur as a result of car accidents, falls from heights, sports-related incidents, and construction accidents.
• Severe Burns: Building fires, electrical accidents, explosions, or chemical exposures can lead to severe burn injuries. These injuries can cause extensive damage to the skin and underlying tissues, resulting in chronic pain, disfigurement, and potential complications.
• Amputations: Accidents involving heavy machinery, industrial equipment, car crashes, or construction site incidents can result in amputations. Losing a limb can have a significant impact on a person’s mobility and require extensive rehabilitation and adaptive measures.
• Multiple Fractures: High-impact accidents, such as car crashes, pedestrian accidents, or falls from heights, can result in multiple fractures or complex fractures. These injuries may require surgical intervention, prolonged rehabilitation, and can lead to long-term physical limitations.

Catastrophic Injury Attorneys NYC

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 catastrophic injury attorneys 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 medical malpractice, 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.

Representing Victims of Serious, Life-Altering 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 attorneys 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 experienced lawyer with more than 75 years of combined legal experience, so you can rest assured that your case is in good hands.

Catastrophic Injuries in the Workplace

Car accidents are the leading cause of personal injury claims and lawsuits, but workplace injuries can result in serious, life-altering injuries as well wrongful death.

According to researchers, the most dangerous jobs in New York City that put individuals at risk of a catastrophic accident include:

• Construction Sites: Ironworkers, steelworkers, laborers, and contractors all know how dangerous a construction job site can be. Soaring heights, heavy machinery, busy contractors, and tools can all create a hazardous environment leading to a catastrophic injurie. Workers often suffer from slip and falls, crush accidents, spinal cord injury, and more.
• Cab Drivers: One of the most recognized New York City icons is also considered a hazardous career. Cab drivers are exposed to dangerous traffic and weather conditions and unpredictable fares. Cab drivers often result with a severe injury after an accident.
• Waste Collector: New York City is a huge and highly populated city. With so many residents, all the waste they generate needs to go somewhere.The job of a waste collection employee leaves them exposed to traffic conditions, strenuous back injuries, toxic and hazardous materials exposure, and crush injuries.
• Delivery Drivers and Transportation: Delivery and transportation drivers are often on tight schedules to deliver and pick up packages and goods.These drivers may be subjected to car accidents, crush injuries, or back and spinal injuries.
• Airline Workers: Newark, LaGuardia, and JFK airports are all near NYC; these airports employ thousands of New York residents.Airline workers, such as baggage handlers, are at risk of serious injuries from airplanes, moving vehicles, and strenuous/straining activities that could lead to a catasthropic injury.

Contact Greenberg & Stein, P.C. for a Free Case Evaluation

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 the right of maximun financial compensation for the injuries and medical care.

Our personal injury law firm has recovered millions of dollars for our clients and is available to help you with 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call our office to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation to see what a top-notch catastrophic injury attorney in New York City can do for your case.