Is My Injury Catastrophic Enough to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

Content Legally Reviewed By Matt Conner

Personal Injury Lawyers Serving Victims of Catastrophic Injuries Throughout Washington

Any injury can be difficult for an accident victim (as well as his or her loved ones) to deal with. From the endless medical treatments to rehabilitative therapies, medications, and hospitalizations, it all puts a tremendous amount of strain on the finances. When a victim starts missing work or has difficulty returning to work, it can cause worry and hardship. Catastrophic injuries can take months or even years to heal from, and with such a slow recovery period, the disruption from a person’s day-to-day life can seem never-ending.

Catastrophic injuries are nothing minor. These injuries actually prevent a victim from performing gainful work, enjoying life, or even functioning in a way that’s close to how he or she did prior to the accident. These often feature severe, long-term, and even permanent injuries that change a person’s life forever. They can include things like spinal cord damage, spinal fractures, or traumatic brain injury (TBI).

When a catastrophic injury is caused by someone’s negligence, it may warrant a personal injury lawsuit. If you have suffered from a catastrophic injury, it is best to speak with an attorney and have your case assessed.

Examples of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries are those that prevent the victim from being able to support him or herself, or even work. Victims may be unable to perform everyday tasks, such as showering. They may require additional familial support – or even live-in care – in order to maintain hygiene.

Just some examples of catastrophic injuries include:

• Amputation
• Dismemberment
• Multiple bone fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Neurological damage
• Brain injury
• Paralysis
• Spinal cord injury

When these injuries occur, they have long-lasting effects. If the effects disrupt a person’s life or the quality of that life, he or she may qualify for compensation. Some effects that are often compensable include:

• Loss of movement or sensation
• Inability to communicate
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Emotional disorders
• Blindness or hearing loss
• Permanent scars or nerve damage
• Respiratory issues
• Circulatory issues
• Reduced cognitive abilities

The Costs Associated with Catastrophic Injuries

When a person suffers from a true catastrophic injury, the costs associated with such injuries are equally disruptive. A person could have unsurmountable costs for the rest of life – especially with severe catastrophic complications. Just some costs associated with these types of injuries include:

• Medical care
• Follow-up surgeries
• Ongoing medical care
• In-home care services
• Prescription medications
• Physical therapy and other rehabilitative therapies (speech therapy, nutrition, etc.)
• Counseling
• Vocational therapy
• Construction costs (to make a home ADA compliant)
• Medical equipment
• Lost wages
• Lost medical benefits
• Loss of the ability to work in the future

Can a Catastrophic Injury Attorney Help You? Contact Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner Today

If you or a loved one has suffered from a catastrophic injury in Seattle or any other areas in Washington, you may be able to hold the liable party responsible for your losses. Whether it was from another driver, a transportation company, or even at a place of business, let the Washington injury attorneys at Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner, PLLC help make your life as whole as possible again. Schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers today by calling 800-925-1875, or feel free to request a consultation online.

About the Author

Matt Conner

Matt Conner has a proven track record of success. Following his graduation from Willamette University with a double major in mathematics and economics, Matt worked as an economist for the Office of Economic Analysis for the State of Oregon before moving onto working in mortgage banking and real estate. Although Matt would move on to law school shortly thereafter, his experience in the financial sector has provided him with valuable experience in how to achieve maximum compensation for his clients.

Learn More About Matt