Catastrophic injuries are severe, with a long-lasting effect on the victim and their loved ones. Catastrophic injuries cause permanent disfigurement and disabilities. You may not be able to care for yourself, work, or participate in other activities. The most typical catastrophic injury types include chronic pain, amputations, spinal cord injuries, organ damage, body-altering severe burns, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
If you or your loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, contacting an expert, such as Price Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers, LLP, is necessary. These professionals help you get the compensation you deserve so that you can focus on recovery without facing financial strain.
Four Challenges of Battling a Catastrophic Injury
The challenges of dealing with catastrophic injuries include:
Physical Limitations
A catastrophic injury may hinder you from driving, working, climbing stairs, and performing other life-essential roles. An individual may need numerous surgeries and comprehensive medical care.
Most catastrophic injuries also diminish a victim’s quality of life. For instance, you can no longer do things that satisfied you before the mishap. For instance, you may no longer hang out with friends, swim, travel, dance, or play sports.
Financial Burden
Catastrophic injuries come with daunting medical expenses. To complicate issues, you may also lose your livelihood.
Catastrophic injury victims incur additional expenses like adjusted vehicles, home modifications, caretakers, and wheelchair ramps. A catastrophic injury launches you into endless medical expenses.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Several catastrophic injury victims battle depression and anxiety during the recovery process. The emotional distress often leads to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in some patients. The impact on your family and loved ones is also unimaginable.
Family Trauma
Most times, you can only imagine what your relatives and loved ones go through when you sustain a catastrophic injury. For instance, your family may need to change location, work, and lifestyle.
Coping with a Catastrophic Injury
You need an array of help to cope with a catastrophic injury. For instance, you may need to undergo physical therapy and rehabilitation to alleviate the physical pain.
Further, you need counseling to deal with mental and emotional trauma. You can also join support groups to enjoy their companionship and insight. Medical experts will give you other expert tips to gradually adapt to your living conditions and live with the new hindrances.
Your Rights After a Catastrophic Injury
You enjoy some legal rights as a catastrophic injury victim. You can sue the at-fault party for your injuries and losses. Specifically, you will demand compensation for pain, suffering, lost earnings, and medical costs.
Professionals can help you draft a cost-of-living plan. However, it is advisable to speak with a local personal injury attorney to determine the best course of action.
The Amount You Can Receive as Compensation
Your injury claim and the circumstances surrounding the mishap will determine your compensation amount. The compensation should be sufficient for lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. Your lawyer will also demand compensation for recurring medical care.
Your legal representative will liaise with other professionals to determine an accurate estimate for your injuries. You can also demand punitive damages if the defendant was intentional or reckless about the incident.
Dealing with Insurers After a Catastrophic Injury
One of the most challenging aspects of recovering compensation for a catastrophic injury is dealing with an insurance firm. However, the following tips will increase your chances of success:
Understand Your Policy: Know what your insurance policy entails and the processes of instituting a claim. You can quickly raise an alarm if your insurance adjuster attempts to shortchange you.
Keep a Comprehensive Record of the Occurrence: Document the recovery journey, covering medical treatments and costs. Keep a log of the time you converse with any insurance firm representative. Specifically, write down the agent’s name, what you discussed, and the duration of the call. Save emails and take screenshots of texts from the company.
Patience is a Virtue: Do not allow the ever-increasing bills to tempt you into a quick settlement. Early settlement offers are often bobby traps that can greatly shortchange you. Such offers do not usually cover long-term expenses. That is why you should trust your attorney with the process.
You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
The best way to confront the ever-manipulative insurance firms is to engage a reputable local personal injury attorney. Insurance adjusters often look for ways to reduce victims’ claims, but lawyers are usually up to their tricks.
Your attorney will defend your rights and ask for more accurate compensation to cover your immediate and future expenses.
End Note
Catastrophic injuries bring life-altering challenges that impact every aspect of a victim’s life, from physical and financial burdens to emotional struggles. Understanding your rights and seeking support from medical professionals, support groups, and experienced personal injury attorneys can help you cope and secure the compensation you need. Taking these steps can provide some relief, allowing you to focus on adapting to your new circumstances and working toward a path of recovery.
Source: Price Benowitz Law, Washington DC
