When is an Injury Considered Catastrophic?

Car accidents can cause a range of serious injuries, from lacerations and broken bones to internal bleeding and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While these injuries can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort, the injured person will usually make a full recovery and return to their daily activities. Catastrophic injuries are different from serious injuries in that the victim will never fully recover from the injury. In addition to the pain and life-changing impact of the injury, catastrophic injuries are much more expensive to treat. Depending on the type of catastrophic injury, the victim may require long-term care. If you suffered a catastrophic injury, a skilled car accident lawyer will review your case and recommend the best legal course of action.

While every catastrophic injury is serious, not every serious injury is catastrophic. The following factors describe the characteristics of a catastrophic injury:

• Results in a permanent disability
• Impacts one or more of the body’s major systems
• Causes an incapacitation
• Causes a terminal condition or death
• Permanent disability caused by a head, neck, or spinal cord injury
• Unable to return to work

Examples of Catastrophic Injuries

The following are common examples of catastrophic injuries:

• Amputations/Loss of limb
• Burn injuries that result in scarring or disfigurement
• Head injuries
• Internal injuries
• Loss of eyesight, hearing, or other senses
• Multiple bone fractures
• Neurological disorders
• Permanent injuries to central nervous system

Some of the most common causes of catastrophic injuries include car accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall accidents, and medical malpractice accidents, including surgical errors. Workplace accidents, including amputations and being crushed by heavy equipment, can also cause catastrophic injuries. In addition to the physical aspect of the injury, treatment can be grueling, painful, and extremely expensive. Victims can face financial debt, the inability to work, and a permanently compromised quality of life, which can lead to depression, thoughts of suicide, and other emotional issues.

Seeking Compensation

To secure the compensation you deserve, you must prove that someone else’s negligence caused your injury. For example, if you were injured in a car accident, obtain a copy of the accident report, pictures of the vehicles, and your medical records. If you were injured while under the care of a health care provider, obtain copies of your medical records, doctors’ notes, and testimonies that indicate how the injury altered your quality of life. Due to the severity of a catastrophic injury, you may be eligible to collect compensation for the following:

• Medical bills, including surgery, physical therapy, and prescription medications
• Lost wages
• Permanent disability
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Maximum Compensation for Victims of Catastrophic Injuries

If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We understand how devastating these injuries can be and how crucial it is that you receive the maximum financial compensation you deserve. We will walk you through every step of the claims process and ensure that your rights are protected. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Prince George’s County, 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.