What Is the Difference Between Catastrophic and Personal Injuries?

After any type of car accident, the at-fault party may owe compensation to the victim for their medical expenses and other losses. The value of every case is dependent on the specific losses incurred. Most often, we refer to those losses as personal injuries or incidents in which you suffer a financial loss due to the actions of the other party.

Catastrophic injuries are those that create lasting implications. They are not going to go away, and everything will not get better. If you have a personal injury that leads to permanent injury in any way, it could be considered catastrophic. Talk to a Houston catastrophic injury lawyer about your case today.

Factors That Make a Personal Injury Catastrophic

Numerous factors can lead to an accident, resulting in catastrophic claims. In these situations, the injuries or other losses sustained will create implications for a person’s life. Some examples of this include:

• An inability to work or maintain gainful employment
• Ongoing need for medical care to maintain life and well-being
• Inability to walk or total loss of mobility
• The need for medical-assistance devices to support mobility or life
• The inability to speak, see, or hear as a result of an accident
• The need for modifications to a home to make it accessible

In these types of situations, a person’s compensation claim is likely to be significantly higher than in those who have more traditional personal injuries. All Houston personal injury lawsuit values are dependent on the specifics of your case. However, those who may need long-term care and support can expect to receive more compensation to help cover those losses.

Types of Injuries That May Result in Catastrophic Losses

When you are in an accident that causes injuries to any of the following areas, it can be critical to seek legal help from an attorney to pursue a higher settlement amount. Some examples of catastrophic injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
• Loss of limb or numerous digits
• Permanent scarring  or disfigurement
• Paralysis
• Loss of hearing or sight
• Significant burn injuries
• Traumatic internal organ damage
• Serious mental health illness onset

In these types of accidents, it may be impossible for a person to heal and fully recover to the way they were before the accident. Receiving compensation for that type of extensive damage could be critical.

Examples of Losses In Catastrophic Injuries

With the guidance of a legal team, you will be able to determine the value of your injuries based on factors such as:

• The current cost of your medical bills
• The value of future medical bills
• Cost of in-home modifications and care
• Cost of rehabilitation or therapy
• Mental health treatment and emotional trauma losses
• Loss of wages and earning capacity
• Loss of consortium
• Disfigurement

Your attorney will discuss details with you about how the accident and your injuries impact your life. That includes your health but also your emotional well-being and financial future. Through this process, it becomes possible to determine the best type of compensation for your needs, including care for your future medical needs as well.

Seeking Legal Guidance Is Critical

Because of the implications of long-term injury and medical needs, contacting an attorney when you have catastrophic injuries is critical. Your attorney knows how to document and prove you are owed more for your losses and will work closely with you to build your case.