When is an Injury Considered Catastrophic?

Traffic accidents can cause a range of serious, life-threatening injuries that require immediate medical attention. Some injuries may even require surgery, physical therapy, and other treatment options. However, this does not necessarily mean that the injury is catastrophic. A catastrophic injury is one that is so severe that it often causes permanent damage. In most cases, these injuries involve damage to the brain and/or spinal cord, which can leave the victim physically handicapped and mentally incapacitated. Severe burns are another example of a catastrophic injury as it can permanently alter the way someone looks. Victims of these devastating injuries are entitled to a catastrophic injury settlement. A skilled car accident lawyer can help victims secure the benefits they deserve.

Types of Catastrophic Injuries

A large percentage of catastrophic injuries are caused by motor vehicle accidents, particularly those that involve motorcycles and large trucks. The following are examples of injuries that qualify as catastrophic:

• Brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Severe burns
• Organ damage
• Multiple bone fractures
• Amputations
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals

Damages for Catastrophic Injury Victims

Due to the severity of these types of injuries, victims’ lives are often permanently changed, and the financial implications are often significantly higher compared to a typical personal injury case. Medical bills can be extremely costly, as well as ongoing medical treatments and the physical and emotional toll that the injury has taken. Oftentimes, the victim is unable to return to work, which can cause devastating financial losses. In Maryland, personal injury law must follow the pure contributory negligence standard, which means that any victim who is partly to blame for an accident cannot recover compensation for any injuries they sustained. Most states follow the pure comparative negligence standard, which allows victims to recover damages based on the degree to which they are at fault.

A catastrophic injury impacts the survivor, as well as their family members who must care for them. The cost of providing consistent care can be exorbitant. In addition to the physical impact of the injury, victims may also suffer from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues that can compromise their quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial that they collect the financial compensation that will allow them to receive the care they need and provide financial stability for their families. A skilled car accident lawyer understands how devastating these injuries can be and how to negotiate a fair settlement in a pure contributory negligence state.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Advocate for Victims of Catastrophic Injuries

If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury resulting from a serious car accident, you are urged to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. We will investigate the details of your accident and determine whether the other motorist was negligent in any way. We are fully committed to protecting your legal rights and securing the maximum financial benefits you deserve. We will not stop fighting for you until justice has been served. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.