Accidents happen for many reasons. As a victim, you may have to live with the trauma, in addition to the scars that can be a constant reminder of a near-death experience. While getting back to your routine after a brief recovery period is possible, this is not the case for catastrophic injuries. Some injuries can affect your entire life, forcing you to modify your lifestyle significantly.
This is where the services of an experienced attorney come in handy. “An attorney will prepare your case by collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. They will also lead negotiations with the insurance company to secure a proper settlement for you,” explains personal injury attorney Rusty Levin of Levin & Nalbandyan LLP. This article will guide you in handling the aftermath of a catastrophic accident. It will explain the scope of devastating injuries, the remedies you’re entitled to, and the options for pursuing them.
Scope of Catastrophic Accidents
You might have heard the word catastrophic refer to injuries in numerous instances. Your sports reporter may call the concussion suffered by the football player catastrophic. However, it is way more than that. Catastrophic injuries include any severe effect on the brain, fractures of the spinal cord or limbs, or even burns that result in permanent disfigurement. Their effects are often permanent.
Causes of Catastrophic Injuries
Numerous incidents can cause catastrophic, life-changing injuries. Car accidents are the most common. Others include workplace accidents, slips and falls, construction accidents, medical malpractice, and sports and recreational accidents. If your injuries resulted from the actions of another person, you should file a personal injury lawsuit against them. It’s important to seek counsel from a personal injury lawyer regarding compensation options. Your lawyer will determine the strength of your case based on the underlying facts.
Damages Stemming from Catastrophic Injuries
One of the most noticeable impacts of catastrophic injury is how it can alter your lifestyle. Victims have complained of feelings of inadequacy when they’re unable to perform activities they previously found mundane. The financial stress as a direct impact of catastrophic injury can also dramatically affect victims’ lives. For one, you may be unable to return to your previous occupation due to the permanent disability as a result of your injuries. The cost of treatment, rehabilitation, and continuous care may also stretch your financial resources.
Compounding this pressure is emotional and mental strain. Having to live a new normal with changes to every way of life as you knew it will exert severe difficulties on your adaptation. It’s here that your personal injury lawyer becomes an effective partner. They will help you manage your claim while you settle and focus on recovering and adapting.
What If You Can’t Work Anymore?
Losing your job after a major injury isn’t just stressful; it’s terrifying. It hits your wallet, your routine, and your sense of self. However, many people don’t realize they can seek compensation for lost future income, not just current wages. Talk to your lawyer about what’s possible; don’t guess. You deserve to know where you stand and what financial relief might be on the table.
What Remedies Are You Entitled To?
You’re entitled to compensation that will at least restore you to the position you were in before the accident. Granted, money can’t turn back time and restore your original physical state. However, the settlement should be enough to grant you some comfort in your new normal. You can claim for medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity, and even loss of consortium. Consider hiring an attorney to navigate the complexities of quantifying your legal claim.
Conclusion
Catastrophic injuries lead to permanent life changes. You’re faced with the challenge of learning to lead a new life. Amidst the confusion, you’re still responsible for securing a settlement to ease the burden of recovery. Hiring a personal injury lawyer may prove a reasonable solution, as you will have someone with your best interests working on your claim while you focus on recovery.
