Types of Catastrophic Injuries

Injuries, no matter how severe, are a major public health problem. In the United States alone, injuries are responsible for over 150,000 deaths and over 3 million non-fatal injuries every year. A catastrophic injury is an injury that is seen as extreme or particularly serious. It typically happens without any warning and leaves the victim with serious, often life-long health challenges or disabilities and corresponding medical needs. There are a wide range of injuries that may be classified as catastrophic, from paralysis to loss of eyesight. Because of the nature of catastrophic injuries, the victim and their family are often left with their world tossed upside down. Stress around ongoing medical care, therapy, lost wages, pain and suffering and more can leave families with an enormous emotional and financial burden. If your injury was caused by the negligence of another, a catastrophic injury lawyer can discuss your legal rights and help you fight for a full and fair settlement so you can be “made whole” again.

Types of catastrophic injuries

Here are the most common types of catastrophic injuries:

• Amputation
• Head trauma (Traumatic Brain Injury)
• Spinal cord and neck injuries (paraplegia and quadriplegia)
• Birth injuries
• Neurological disorders
• Organ damage
• Loss of hearing or eyesight
• Severe burns that lead to disfigurement
• Multiple bone fractures

Catastrophic injuries are not defined by the type of accident, but rather by the severity of the injury. Still, there are a few types of accidents that more often lead to catastrophic injuries, including car versus semi-truck collisions, boating accidents, fires and explosions, trampoline accidents, workplace accidents, and pedestrian accidents. Catastrophic injuries lead to common damages While the type and cause of catastrophic injuries varies, there are some common themes:

• The injury happened suddenly and without warning, leading to shock and emotional distress
• The injury requires extensive, ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation
• The injury is life-long or lasts for several months or years while the victim struggles to recuperate
• The injury leads to chronic pain and/or disfigurement
• The injury impairs the ability to earn a living or changes the career trajectory and earning potential of the individual

Catastrophic Injury Lawsuits Catastrophic injuries often place the victim and family members of the injured person in serious financial and emotional distress. The cost of “economic damages” such as lost wages, rehabilitation, round-the clock care and other medical bills can be staggering. Not to mention the “non-economic damages” such as the loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional suffering, scarring and disfigurement that may affect the victim. The bottom line is that catastrophic injuries are difficult to overcome. In most cases, the injury doesn’t simply heal over time. Even with multiple surgeries, medical treatments, and rehabilitation, a catastrophic injury typically impacts the victim for the rest of their life. When a catastrophic injury is caused by the negligence or intentional act of another person, organization, or by a defective product, catastrophic injury law is there to protect the victim. Personal injury lawyers fight for justice and a full and fair settlement or jury award on the victim’s behalf. Catastrophic injury settlements seek to compensate victims for their ongoing medical care and lifelong disabilities. Many state governments have imposed caps on “non-economic” damages. Learn about catastrophic injury lawsuits in Washington State here. The Seattle Personal Injury Attorneys You Want on Your Side The personal injury attorneys at Tinker Law Firm have been winning birth injury, medical malpractice, and personal injury cases for individuals and their loved ones in Seattle and across Washington State since 1974. We seek justice for injury victims who have been harmed by preventable medical errors, and the negligent or abusive actions of another. Our clients pay no fees or expenses to file a personal injury claim; our firm advances out-of-pocket expenses and is only reimbursed when we recover a settlement on your behalf. Do not delay; personal injury claims in Washington State have a statute of limitations, which means they must be filed within a certain time from the date of the injury. Call us now at 206-842-1000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled and experienced injury attorneys.