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What Can Be Considered a Catastrophic Injury?

Catastrophic injuries are severe enough to drastically alter your ability to lead a normal life. Such injuries often require extensive and long-term medical care and can lead to permanent disabilities.

Here are some examples of injuries that could be considered catastrophic:

• Spinal cord injuries – These injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility and bodily functions. Victims often require lifelong assistance and adaptive equipment.
• Traumatic brain injuries – TBIs can cause permanent brain damage, affecting cognitive abilities, memory, and behavior. Many traumatic brain injury patients need ongoing medical and psychological care.
• Severe burns – Serious burn injuries can result in significant scarring, disfigurement, and loss of mobility. Burn victims frequently require multiple surgeries and lengthy rehabilitation.
• Amputations – Limb loss or the loss of fingers and toes dramatically changes a person’s life, impacting the ability to work and perform daily activities independently.
• Multiple bone fractures – Severe fractures that require multiple surgeries and long-term rehabilitation can be considered catastrophic due to their impact on mobility and daily life.
• Organ damage – Internal injuries causing permanent damage to vital organs can have life-altering consequences and often require long-term medical treatment.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Suffering a Catastrophic Injury?

Catastrophic injuries have long-term consequences that can affect every aspect of a person’s life. Physically, victims often experience chronic pain, decreased mobility, and permanent disabilities. That often means relying on others for assistance with daily tasks and ongoing medical care, which can result in relationship strain and a loss of independence.

The personal impact of catastrophic injuries is equally significant. Many victims experience changes in their lifestyles and daily activities. They might need to modify their homes for accessibility or become unable to participate in hobbies they once enjoyed. That can lead to feelings of isolation and depression.

The financial repercussions of a catastrophic injury are often substantial. Medical bills can accumulate quickly, and the inability to work can lead to lost income, compounding the unexpected financial strain. The costs of necessary home modifications, medical equipment, and long-term care services also add up, leaving many victims and families struggling to make ends meet.

What Are the Main Causes of Catastrophic Injuries?

Catastrophic injuries typically result from severe accidents that cause extensive harm to the body. Here are some examples of the leading causes of catastrophic injuries:

• Car accidents – High-speed collisions or crashes involving heavy vehicles can cause serious personal injuries like spinal cord damage and traumatic brain injuries.
• Falls from heights – Falling from a significant height, such as from a ladder, roof, or scaffold, can lead to severe injuries like multiple bone fractures and spinal injuries.
• Workplace accidents – In industries like construction and manufacturing, accidents involving heavy machinery or hazardous materials can result in catastrophic worker injuries.
• Violence or assaults – Attacks or violent incidents can lead to serious harm, including brain injuries and severe organ trauma with lasting consequences.
• Medical malpractice – Mistakes during medical procedures or failure to diagnose serious conditions can result in catastrophic harm to patients.
• Premises liability – A negligent property owner can be held liable if an unreasonably dangerous condition on their premises leads to catastrophic injuries.
• Sports injuries – High-impact or extreme sports can easily result in catastrophic injuries, especially if athletes fail to use safety equipment.

What to Do After Suffering a Catastrophic Injury in Peachtree Corners, GA

If a catastrophic injury occurs, it’s essential to take appropriate steps to protect your right to seek financial compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. Here’s what you can do:

• Contact our catastrophic injury attorneys as soon as possible.
• Get immediate medical attention to diagnose and treat the catastrophic injuries you sustained.
• Report the injury to the police if it resulted from a criminal act or a car accident.
• Gather and preserve evidence from the incident scene.
• Start a detailed record of all medical treatments you receive.
• Follow all your doctor’s medical advice and treatment plans.
• Obtain copies of all medical records and bills related to the severe injury.
• Avoid discussing the injury or accident details on social media.
• Keep a journal documenting the injury’s impact on your daily life.
• Avoid giving recorded statements to the insurance adjuster without legal advice.
• Track all expenses related to the injury, including travel costs for medical appointments.
• Avoid accepting early settlement offers from the insurance company without consulting your catastrophic injury lawyer.
• Document any changes in your employment or income due to the injury.
• Organize all injury-related documents and correspondence in a secure location.

Damages Awarded in Georgia Catastrophic Injury Cases

In a catastrophic injury case, the term “damages” refers to the money accident victims can receive from the responsible parties to cover the losses suffered due to catastrophic injuries. Damages provide financial support to help you manage the injury’s impact on your life.

In a catastrophic personal injury claim, you can recover economic and non-economic damages that compensate you for losses such as: