In the United States, nearly 3 million people are hospitalized due to injuries every year. But even among injuries that result in hospitalization, they can vary dramatically in terms of severity. Some people can return to life as normal after being discharged. For others, life will never be the same. Today, we will explain what constitutes a catastrophic injury.
When is an injury considered catastrophic? Here’s what you need to know.
Long-Term Consequences
The key thing you should remember about what constitutes a catastrophic injury is that they have long-term—or even permanent—consequences.
Let’s use the example of slip and fall accidents. A majority of people who slip and fall can make a complete recovery. But this sort of accident is also the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in the United States, which permanently alter the life of the victim. In the latter case, a slip and fall accident constitutes a catastrophic injury.
Victims of this sort of injury will never return to life as it was before the accident. It can drastically alter their professional life, personal life, or both.
Common Causes
The causes of catastrophic injuries are as diverse as you can imagine. Still, there are a few kinds of accidents that have a special tendency to have catastrophic consequences:
- Truck and motorcycle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
- Workplace accidents
- Injuries from sports
- Severe burns
But the causes of catastrophic accidents are not as significant as their consequences.
Calculating the Cost
If your catastrophic injury or that of a loved one was caused by someone else’s negligence, you should consider a lawsuit. Entrusting your case to experienced legal experts could ease the financial burden you face as a result of the accident. But how can we calculate the cost of a catastrophic injury?
We can divide the cost of catastrophic injuries into two different categories: economic and non-economic. Let’s start with the former. The economic cost of an injury is typically easier to quantify. It includes everything from medical bills, to the cost of long-term therapy. Then there is the cost of lost wages, both from time spent in the hospital to reduced capacity for income in the future.
The non-economic costs of a catastrophic injury can be just as severe, but are harder to quantify. Most commonly, they take the form of psychological pain and suffering. It goes without saying that severe accidents can take a serious toll on the emotional wellbeing of the victim.
Here at the Snyder Law Group, we understand the pain that you feel—both physical and emotional. We do not believe that anyone should have to suffer so severely for the negligence of another. We will fight to make sure that the party at fault pays the price.
Contact The Snyder Law Group Today
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our experienced Baltimore attorneys understand the frustration that comes with an insurance company, medical professional, or other party that refuses to accept liability for negligent or reckless behavior. You can take heart in knowing there are talented and experienced lawyers ready to work for you. We are experienced in handling personal injury claims of medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car and truck accidents, and have secured hundreds of millions in verdicts and settlements. Please visit our website, www.410thefirm.com, for more information and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Call 410-THE-FIRM. Don’t just sue them. SNYDER THEM.