Whenever we drive, we risk being severely injured in a car accident. Many people, recover from their injuries and resume their normal daily routines. Sadly, some individuals injured in car accidents never recover fully from their injuries. Their lives are changed forever because of a catastrophic injury sustained in a motor vehicle accident.
What is a Catastrophic Injury?
An injury that results in permanent impairment or disability is a catastrophic injury. A catastrophic injury may impair a person’s ability to work, take care of themselves, or care for their families. The injury impacts one or more of the person’s daily activities. It may require extensive medical care now and ongoing medical treatment in the future. For some individuals, a lifetime of personal care may be required because of a catastrophic injury.
Examples of catastrophic injury include:
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Organ damage, such as kidney, liver, heart, and lung damage
- Traumatic brain injury
- Third-degree burns
- Amputations
If another person causes a car accident, that person can be held liable for the damages. In most cases, an insurance claim is filed with the insurance company for the at-fault driver. However, if the insurance company refuses to compensate the accident victim fairly, a personal injury lawsuit may need to be filed to protect the accident victim’s right to full compensation for all catastrophic injury damages.
Damages Caused by Car Crashes
The value of a claim depends on the specific factors and circumstances in the case. Most claims involving catastrophic injuries are high-value claims because these types of injuries require extensive medical treatment, have long recovery periods, and result in disabilities and impairments.
Common damages include, but are not limited to:
Medical Treatment and Care
Individuals who sustain catastrophic injuries typically require extensive medical treatment. A person may require multiple surgeries, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other medical intervention. The cost of medical care in these types of cases can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Loss of Income
A person may be out of work for months as he or she recovers from car accident injuries. Most people are unable to work during their recovery. Therefore, loss of income is another substantial financial expense related to catastrophic car accident injuries.
Future Financial Damages
A person may be unable to return to work because of a disability or impairment. Even if the person can work, the person may be unable to earn the same level of income he or she did before the accident and injury. Future loss of income can total millions of dollars over a lifetime. Also, a disability or impairment could result in long-term medical and personal care, which can significantly increase the value of future damages.
Pain and Suffering
A catastrophic injury can result in overwhelming physical, mental, and emotional suffering and pain. A person may endure months of pain and suffering as he or she goes through treatment and recovery.
Additionally, a person suffers emotional and mental anguish as the person has to accept the changes and limitations caused by a catastrophic injury. Some victims require extensive therapy and counseling to learn how to deal with the changes in their quality of life.
Contact a New Orleans Car Accident Attorney for Help
If you sustained a catastrophic injury in a car accident, you might be entitled to substantial compensation for your injuries, losses, and damages. However, these types of car accident claims are complicated and challenging. You need an experienced New Orleans car accident attorney to help you document your injuries and prove fault to increase your chance of receiving maximum compensation for your injury claim.
Contact Attorney Fred Olinde and the legal team of The Olinde Firm to discuss your case. Call (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule a free consultation with one of our New Orleans car accident lawyers.