Pinellas Park Catastrophic Injury Attorneys

Over the years, good health consistently ranks among the top important aspects in people’s lives. When our health is threatened, we will do anything in our power to get it back. Unfortunately, not all injuries are reversible. Catastrophic injuries are harder to treat, and they have much more serious consequences than typical ailments.

What is a Catastrophic Injury?

An injury that is catastrophic has a dramatic impact on an accident victim’s life. This can come in the form of a permanent disability or serious, life-long impairments. Drastic, adverse changes in appearance are another unwanted impact. Catastrophic injuries can also result in death. If your life has been impacted by one of the following catastrophic injuries, a personal injury attorney can help you to recover the means you need to move forward.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Approximately 13.5 million people in the United States have a disability from a traumatic brain injury. A traumatic brain injury can send a functional, capable individual down a path of cognitive decline. TBIs impact the memory, the ability to process information, and other critical brain functions. They also make emotions unpredictable and difficult to control. Close to 66% of TBI patients experience depression within seven years of developing the injury. Adults with TBIs struggle to cope with the demands of work and home life. Likewise, children struggle academically and socially.

Spinal Cord Injury

Injuries to the spinal cord can leave accident victims unable to feel any sensations. They may also be unable to control their movements. Not only is loss of movement possible, so are unpredictable spasms. The nerve damage means spinal cord patients might lose control over other body parts like their bladders. They may have to plan their entire day around their injury to avoid any mishaps. Those with spinal cord injuries are up to five times more likely to die prematurely.

Back and Neck Injury

Any bones in the neck and back can become broken or fractured. Muscles and other tissues also sustain injuries in catastrophic accidents. These body parts don’t always heal properly, and accident victims live with chronic pain and limited flexibility.

Permanent Disfigurement

An estimated 185,000 amputations happen yearly across the country. At least 16% are accident related. Amputations alter the way people are able to earn a living and personally care for themselves. Sometimes they become dependent on family members or professionals. Many catastrophic accident victims with amputations are able to adopt new ways to live independently. However, the learning curve is steep and frustrating.

Paraplegia is the paralysis of the legs and lower body. It affects far more than mobility. Because paraplegia makes people less active, managing weight becomes more challenging. With paraplegia, you’re more prone to infections on the lower half of your body. Since the condition can diminish sexual function, paraplegia often creates obstacles in family planning.

Quadriplegia affects more areas. The paralysis begins from the neck or shoulders and extends downward to the rest of the body. This means the muscles needed to breathe are also paralyzed. Patients with quadriplegia usually rely on a medical device to be able to breathe.

What Causes Catastrophic Injuries?

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of catastrophic injuries. Some of the most at-risk passengers are those who collide with larger vehicles like semi-trucks. Cyclists, motorcycle operators, and pedestrians are also particularly vulnerable when involved in an automobile accident.

Catastrophic injuries arise from medical malpractice as well. This includes botched surgeries, misdiagnoses, and inadequate treatment. Workplace accidents can also result in catastrophic injuries. Employees who work with heavy machinery are at higher risk. Falls from ladders, rooftops, and other heightened platforms often cause serious injuries as well.

What if my Loved One Passes Away from a Catastrophic Injury?

Nothing can replace a human life. However, catastrophic injuries do leave family members without the support and love they relied on. That is why some survivors are entitled to compensation after the passing of a loved one. A spouse of the deceased as well as children who are minors can pursue a wrongful death claim. Damages can include the financial support they’ve lost, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship. Children who are 18 and older can also pursue wrongful death claims in situations where there is no surviving spouse.

What Can I Recover for Damages?

Catastrophic injuries undoubtedly change your professional and personal life. Your ability to work is often significantly reduced or totally taken away. That is why you can recover lost wages. This includes the time you missed while healing as well as future earnings. If you had significant room for growth in your career, your personal injury attorney will take that into consideration. That way any probable raises and promotions you’ll miss can be included in your claim.

Contact a Catastrophic Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one is suffering from a catastrophic injury, speak with an attorney who specializes in this area of personal injury. When you’re severely injured, it can be difficult to foresee the extent of the damage. Insurance companies can take advantage of that, persuading you to settle for less than you need. At Jones Law Group, our attorneys have overseen many catastrophic injury cases. We will adamantly pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 727-571-1333.