An injury caused by someone else’s negligence is classified as a personal injury. When an incident is more significant and traumatic than most, it is called a catastrophic injury. Catastrophic injuries can be life-changing. They may impact a person’s mobility, lead to permanent mental or physical disabilities, affect their ability to care for themselves, and impact their earning capacity.
In addition to impacting the victim’s life, these injuries have a ripple effect among the victim’s loved ones and family. Loved ones may become caregivers overnight, which can dramatically alter the nature of relationships. Spouses may experience a loss of consortium, and children may lose the care of a parent. If you have been in an accident, a dedicated Henderson catastrophic injury lawyer could help you file a claim for compensation that accounts for the full extent of your injuries.
The state does not have a single definition of catastrophic injuries. The determination of whether or not an injury is catastrophic is subjective. Still, it helps to understand what types of injuries count as catastrophic injuries.
Minor injuries refer to things like scrapes, cuts, and bruises. These injuries generally heal on their own with little or no medical care. They can be painful and may lead to a few days of missed work or work restrictions, but will not lead to long-term damages, reduced earning capacity, or other lingering injuries. These injuries are also less likely to result in expensive medical bills. However, since a single emergency room visit can easily cost thousands of dollars, even minor injuries can be very expensive.
Moderate injuries refer to wounds that may require extended recovery periods and some medical intervention but result in a full recovery. This category has the most flexibility. For example, in the case of a broken arm, a person requires medical intervention, the injury may interfere with work or other activities, and the recovery period may be weeks instead of days. However, someone is likely to recover fully, or at least recover substantially enough to return to their full function.
There are, of course, exceptions. For instance, if the victim is a major league ball pitcher, a broken arm could be a career-ending injury, even if it would be a moderate injury for most people.
Catastrophic injuries are more severe than both mild and moderate injuries. They can lead to:
Many people with catastrophic injuries are no longer capable of self-care or employment. These injuries are life-changing, and no amount of medical care, therapy, recovery, or time will restore people to their pre-accident condition.
Some examples of catastrophic injuries include:
An experienced legal professional in Henderson could help individuals evaluate whether their injuries are catastrophic, moderate, or minor. In cases of severe injury, an attorney could discuss the best course of action to receive financial restitution.
Any accident can result in a catastrophic injury. Slip and falls can lead to brain injuries, even though they are a prime example of an everyday accident. Other incidents that can lead to catastrophic injuries are:
Whatever the cause of the catastrophic injury, a knowledgeable lawyer in Henderson could help secure financial recovery.
Recovering from a catastrophic injury is physically, emotionally, and financially draining. It can be difficult to adjust to the new reality after a life-changing injury. However, you and your family do not have to do this alone.
A Henderson catastrophic injury lawyer could help you get compensation so that you can focus on recovery. Call today and schedule a consultation to find out more about your potential remedies.