You never see them coming, but their impact can last a lifetime: A truly catastrophic injury has the capability of changing everything you know in a matter of seconds. Whether you or a loved one has fallen victim to a catastrophe, you’re likely shocked. You’re wondering how to recuperate – and how best to protect your future from this unexpected situation.
As you begin your healing process, it’s important to take steps to think about your future. If you can determine responsibility for the event that caused your injury, you may be able to work towards compensation for your pain.
The Definition of a Catastrophic Injury
The United States government defines a catastrophic injury in 42 USC § 3796b. The language in that legislation states that any injury that may “permanently prevent an individual from performing any gainful work” can receive the ‘catastrophic’ classification.
After a catastrophic injury, the victim tends to face permanent, serious damage. Examples of these types of injuries tend to include:
- Amputations
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Paraplegia or Quadriplegia
- Deafness
- Blindness
- Poisoning
- Internal Bleeding or Organ Damage
- Spinal Cord Damage
- Paralysis
- Extensive Burns
Catastrophic injuries tend to occur after motor vehicle accidents or falls. However, they can also happen in concert with intentionally violent acts, infections, medical mistakes, or in association with workplace injuries (e.g., construction, mining, or gas drilling situations). Importantly, some of these types of more serious injuries can begin in a subtle way and become more life-threatening over time.
Regardless of the specific cause, if you’re facing pain or bodily damages that could reduce or entirely prevent your ability to work and provide an income for your family, your future could be in jeopardy.
Pursuing compensation for the damages associated with catastrophic injuries can be one avenue for protecting yourself and those you love.
Damages Associated with IL Catastrophic Injury Cases
While you’re healing from a catastrophic injury or learning how best to live with permanent side effects, you may experience many novel financial stressors. These may occur both at the time of the injury and beyond, and may include:
- Loss of Income
- Medical Expenses
- Ongoing Rehabilitation Expenses
- Medical Devices
- Medication
- Emotional Damage
- Loss of Quality of Life
- Household Services
- Additional Care
- Shortened Life Span
If you can show reasonable cause that links these damages to your injury, you may be able to pursue compensation to alleviate some of these concerns.
Determining Responsibility for a Catastrophic Event and Pursuing Compensation
In order to proceed towards relief for your injuries, you’ll need to work towards determining responsibility for the event that precipitated harm. If your suffering can be traced back to a defective product, negligence, an accident caused by another person, or an intentional act, you might have the basis you need to make a personal injury claim.
As soon as you realize that you may face a catastrophic injury and associated costs, start to make a record of every cent that you spend or lose due to your injury. Finding ways to document your pain, suffering, and work towards recuperation in more official capacities will help as well—e.g., if you document your pain levels in a dated journal, or if you work with a medical professional to create a dated history of care.
Your personal injury attorney will have experience investigating these types of cases, determining responsibility, and helping victims of catastrophic injuries receive the compensation they need to enjoy their lives as best they can. Teaming up with a catastrophic injury lawyer is the best thing you can do to protect yourself in this case.
The Cullotta Bravo Law Group Is Ready to Protect Your Family—And Your Future
After a catastrophic accident, you might not know where to turn. You might be overwhelmed with all of the details you need to handle on a tight timeframe—at a time where you should be resting and healing (or taking care of your loved one).
The Cullotta Bravo Law Group is a trusted Illinois personal injury firm that is dedicated to helping you protect your future after an unfortunate event. We’ll help you work toward the settlement that you deserve. Call us now at 630-898-7800 or visit www.info@cullottalaw.com, and we’ll help you with everything you need to know.
