Catastrophic Injuries and their Crushing Financial Burden

A catastrophic injury is a severe trauma that drastically affects essential body functions, such as mobility, cognitive ability and functionality of nerves and organs. Such injuries result in long-term or permanent pain, disability and diminishment of the victim’s quality of life. They also typically bring enormous expenses upon the victim and their family, such as the costs of medical treatment, therapy, health care assistance, mechanical aids and necessary home alterations.

When catastrophic injuries are the result of negligence, professional malpractice or other wrongdoing, the victim is entitled to pursue financial compensation. The legal claims and lawsuits that arise tend to be highly complex because of the extensiveness of the harm suffered and the need to demonstrate the type and level of damages. Such cases are often hard-fought by insurance companies and their attorneys, so additional effort is needed to hold the defendants accountable.

Some of the types of injuries that fall under the definition of catastrophic are:

• Spinal cord injuries — Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis, loss of sensation and impaired bodily functions.

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — TBIs can cause cognitive deficits, memory loss, and difficulty with speech, movement, and communication.

• Amputations — Losing a limb due to injury necessitates prosthetics, extensive physical therapy, and emotional adjustment.

• Severe burns — Extensive burns require lengthy hospital stays, skin grafting, and ongoing pain management.

The financial costs associated with a catastrophic injury can quickly spiral. Here's a breakdown of some of the extraordinary expenses a victim and their family might face:

• Hospital and medical care — Extensive hospital stays, surgeries, specialist consultations, medication and ongoing treatment can cost millions of dollars throughout a lifetime.

• In-patient or out-patient rehabilitation — Physical, occupational and speech therapy needed for regaining function and independence can be expensive and may be needed for years.

• Home modifications — Many homes require adaptations to accommodate wheelchairs, ramps, specialized showers and other accessibility needs.

• Assistive technology — Specialized equipment like wheelchairs, prosthetics, communication devices, and home automation systems can be costly but essential for daily living.

• Transportation — Modified vehicles or accessible vans may be necessary, adding significant expense.

• Loss of income — Victims frequently lose their ability to work entirely or face limitations that drastically reduce their earning potential. This loss of income can have a devastating impact on the family's financial security.

• Caregiver and nursing home costs — Depending on the severity of the injury, 24-hour care may be required, often in an assisted living facility, which adds a significant financial burden.

Catastrophic injuries can bring emotional turmoil for the victim and their loved ones. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common, as are social isolation, relationship strain, and the loss of independence. A skilled personal injury attorney can calculate the short-term and expected long-term economic and non-economic costs and amass the proofs needed to prevail in insurance negotiations or, if necessary, in a court of law.

Rich & Rich, P.C. represents personal injury victims throughout the New York metropolitan area. Please call {PHONE} or contact us online for a free consultation.