A catastrophic injury is unlike other types of bodily harm. Suffering head trauma, damage to the spinal cord, or other life-altering injuries can leave someone with reduced mobility and uncertainty about how they will recover. But what damages can you recover in a catastrophic injury claim?
While individual claims vary, most settlements and verdicts are determined by specific factors.
Understanding Catastrophic Injury Damages
There are an estimated 586 traumatic brain injury (TBI)-related hospitalizations a day in the United States, and an estimated 17,000 new spinal cord injuries every year. Catastrophic injuries often require extensive medical treatment and can permanently alter a person’s ability to work, live independently, or enjoy everyday activities.
Catastrophic injuries are commonly caused by:
- Car collisions
- Truck wrecks
- Motorcycle accidents
- Falls
- Medical malpractice
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Construction site accidents
- Defective products
Because these serious forms of bodily harm can also cause lifelong physical, emotional, and financial setbacks and hardships, the amount of compensation someone can claim with a civil court action could be substantial. Compensation is intended to address both current and future losses, including ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, assistive devices, home modifications, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
Economic, Non-Economic, and Punitive Damages
When someone suffers a catastrophic injury due to the negligence of another individual or entity, they can pursue an injury claim to recover economic and non-economic damages. Tangible losses can include medical bills, rehabilitation, future treatments, the cost of home modifications, lost earnings, and future lost earnings. In the aftermath of a catastrophic injury, these and other losses can add to a significant settlement figure.
Intangible losses can also be considerable and can reflect the pain and suffering someone endured due to a catastrophic injury. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health afflictions can greatly reduce someone’s quality of life. When a claim has to go to trial, a judge or jury may grant punitive damages to punish the defendant, but only when the plaintiff can prove gross negligence and disregard for the safety of others.
Why You Should Hire a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
Whether you suffered a catastrophic injury at Edgewater Hill in Cleveland, Ohio, Royal Harbor in Naples, Florida, or elsewhere, you can pursue compensation when you hire a catastrophic injury lawyer who understands your state’s catastrophic injury laws and how to manage your catastrophic injury claim.
Legal support can help you:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of your injuries.
- Gather medical records, testimony, and other critical evidence.
- Identify every individual or company that may be legally liable.
- Calculate the full value of your current and future damages.
- Manage negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf.
A catastrophic injury claim can lead to substantial compensation, but only when plaintiffs are able to gather the evidence needed to prove fault and damages. An experienced catastrophic injury attorney can manage your catastrophic injury claim with a focus on holding the at-fault party accountable for all the harm they caused.
Protect Your Future With Spangenberg Shibley & Liber
A catastrophic injury can leave you facing lifelong medical care, lost income, and significant personal hardships. If your injuries resulted from another party’s negligence, Spangenberg Shibley & Liber can evaluate your claim and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Our law firm focuses on high-stakes personal injury cases in both Ohio and Florida. Since our firm was founded in 1946, we have helped our clients reclaim more than $1 billion* in compensation by building strong claims that lead to large settlements and verdicts. However, past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits.
Our track record of success has led to numerous awards and recognition by groups like Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers. Keep in mind that awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Contact our office today to discuss your legal options and learn how we can help protect your future.
*Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits. Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results.
