A catastrophic injury is a severe trauma that drastically affects essential body functions, such as mobility, cognitive ability and functionality of nerves and organs. Such injuries result in long-term or permanent disability and diminishment of the victim’s quality of life. They also bring enormous medical costs and other expenses upon the victim and their family.

When catastrophic injuries are the result of negligence, professional malpractice or other wrongdoing, the victim is entitled to pursue financial compensation. The legal claims and lawsuits over such injuries tend to be complex because of the extent of the harm suffered and the need to demonstrate special kinds of damages. Due to the size of damages awards that are possible, these cases often meet resistance from insurance companies and their attorneys, so additional efforts are needed to hold the defendants accountable.

Some of the types of injuries that fall under the definition of catastrophic are:

• Spinal cord injuries — Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis, loss of sensation and impaired bodily functions.

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — TBIs can cause cognitive deficits, memory loss and difficulty with speech, movement, and communication.

• Amputations — Losing a limb due to injury necessitates prosthetics, extensive physical therapy and emotional adjustment.

• Severe burns — Extensive burns require lengthy hospital stays, skin grafting and ongoing pain management.

The financial costs associated with a catastrophic injury can quickly spiral. Here's a breakdown of some of the extraordinary expenses a victim and their family might face:

• Medical care — Extensive hospital stays, surgeries, specialist consultations, medication and ongoing treatment may be needed throughout the victim’s lifetime.

• Rehabilitation — Physical, occupational and speech therapy may be needed for regaining function and independence.

• Caregiver costs — Depending on the severity of the injury, daily or even 24-hour care may be required.

• Home modifications — The victim’s home may require adaptations such as ramps, specialized showers and stair-climbing devices.

• Assistive technology — Specialized equipment like wheelchairs, prosthetics, communication devices and home automation systems can be essential for daily living.

• Transportation — Modifications to vehicles may be needed, or the victim may require special means of travelling.

• Loss of income — Victims frequently lose their ability to work entirely or face disabilities that drastically reduce their earning potential. 

Besides the significant financial burden created by the foregoing needs, catastrophic injuries can bring emotional turmoil for the victim. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common, as are social isolation, relationship strain, and the loss of independence. A skilled catastrophic injury attorney can calculate the short-term and expected long-term economic and non-economic costs and take measures achieve a fair and sufficient settlement or judgment.

The personal injury attorneys at Hope & Causey, P.C. in Conroe, Texas represent clients who have sustained catastrophic injuries in Montgomery County, San Antonio, Houston and the surrounding areas. For a free consultation, call 936-441-4673 or contact us online today.