A catastrophic injury or illness typically occurs suddenly and without warning, requiring significant medical treatment. Accidents in which people suffer severe burns, head injuries, loss or paralysis of limbs, or loss of eyesight or hearing are catastrophic in nature.
A catastrophic injury or illness may result in severe disruption to the central nervous system, which in turn affects many other systems of the body. In addition to possible loss of movement, sensation, and communicative and cognitive abilities, the injury or illness may impact respiration, circulation, skin, the urinary system, the gastrointestinal system, and other body systems.
Catastrophic injury victims and their families often experience significant life changes as they progress through acute hospitalization, rehabilitation, and return to home and to the community. Some fully recover from their catastrophic injuries; others live with permanent disability, extreme pain and suffering, a significantly shortened lifespan, or permanently altered lifestyles and work abilities.
A catastrophic injury or illness can affect how you live. You and your family may have to make adjustments in every aspect of your lives to function day to day. There may be tasks that have to re-learned, and months (if not years) of physical, vocational, and occupational therapy may be necessary.
In handling a catastrophic injury case, we work closely with doctors, therapists, life-care planners, economic experts, and other trained professionals to fully determine medical needs of the client - not just for today, but throughout the client’s lifetime. When determining current medical expenses resulting from the injury or illness and estimating future economic needs of the client, we strive to always maximize the client’s financial compensation to provide them with the resources needed to maintain the highest quality of life possible.
Adding to the complexity of catastrophic cases, is the accident causing the injury itself. Determining the individuals or entities who are ultimately and collectively responsible for an accident requires dedication, determination, and a full understanding of the law. Our team of lawyers will work together to provide the best legal representation for catastrophic injury clients and their families.