Catastrophic injuries are the most severe form of harm, generally resulting in a permanent or long-term disability. Catastrophic injuries can be life-threatening, making it difficult for a person to return to work or obtain gainful employment. If you have suffered a severe injury as the result of another person’s negligence or wrongdoing, you might be entitled to compensation.
At Coletrane & Messersmith, we represent individuals and their families who have suffered catastrophic injuries in Newport News, Hampton, and Hampton Roads. Our attorneys are aggressive, compassionate litigators that work hard to secure the most significant recovery possible for every client.
When you have a debilitating injury, you need an attorney that will fight for you. Contact our office today for a free, no-obligation consultation at (757) 223-4455.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
Catastrophic injuries are life-altering, usually resulting in permanent harm or disability. In most cases, these kinds of injuries make it difficult for a person to return to work or their normal activities.
When a person suffers a catastrophic injury due to another person’s negligence or wrongful conduct, they are generally entitled to compensation. With the help of an attorney, an injured party may be able to obtain damages for their medical bills, future treatment, loss of income, and more.
If another person was responsible for your catastrophic injury, contact our office today. You only have a limited amount of time to file a claim for damages. Our Hampton Roads catastrophic injury lawyers can help you receive financial compensation based on your losses.
What Kinds of Injuries Are Considered Catastrophic?
Not all injuries are considered catastrophic. Only the most severe, debilitating injuries rise to the level of catastrophic. Because of the nature of this kind of harm, it is important to seek damages to cover all of your medical expenses and future costs related to your injuries.
Injuries that may be considered catastrophic:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Disfigurement
- Amputations
- Burn injuries and scarring
- Damage to internal organs
- Injuries that limit a person’s mobility
Catastrophic injuries can result in years of rehabilitation and surgery. In some cases, a person may need in-home care for the duration of their life. If you suspect that you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, you should consult with an attorney about your legal rights.
What Causes Catastrophic Injuries?
Catastrophic injuries can have several causes; tragically, many of them result from other people’s carelessness or negligence. Depending on the circumstances of the case, you might be able to pursue damages against one or more liable parties.
Common causes of catastrophic injuries:
- Car accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Motorcycle accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Truck accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of catastrophic injuries in the country. According to the Virginia Highway Safety Office, there were over 7,000 people seriously injured in auto accidents in a single year. Alcohol-related crashes caused nearly 16% of those accidents. Speeding was also a leading factor in accidents causing serious injury. Over 30% were speed-related crashes.
How Are Catastrophic Injury Cases Different?
Because of the severity of the harm, people suffering from a catastrophic injury often need more medical care and treatment than less severe injuries. An accident that results in a disability or debilitating pain can take years of corrective surgeries, long term care and may require the use of medical devices to remain mobile. In some cases, the condition can last a lifetime.
In catastrophic injury cases, the amount of damages tends to be significantly higher than with the average personal injury claim. It is essential to seek medical treatment immediately after an accident and to continue medical treatment. The care you receive can be used as evidence of your injuries in a claim for damages.
Receiving Compensation for a Catastrophic Injury
Our catastrophic injury lawyers know that no amount of money will ever compensate you for the physical discomfort of a catastrophic injury. We know that your life will never be the same. Our hope is to ease the financial burden created by your injuries and allow you to get the treatment you need to recover.
In catastrophic injury cases, you may receive compensation for:
- Medical bills related to your accident and injury
- Lost wages and future loss of earnings
- Costs related to future medical care and treatment
- Physical pain and mental anguish
- Disfigurement or deformity
If you have a catastrophic injury, contact our office. All consultations are free and confidential. We can come to you at no cost, whether you are at home or in the hospital.
Contact Our Office to Discuss Your Case Today
Our serious injury lawyers are here to help. It is never easy in the aftermath of an accident resulting in serious injury, but we can provide you with the superior legal representation you deserve.
Contact our office at (757) 223-4455 for a free consultation. We proudly represent clients in Newport News, Hampton, and Hampton Roads.
