Catastrophic Injury

Some Injuries can Turn a Life Upside Down

Accidents of any kind can result in varying degrees of injury. Minor injuries such as cuts, bruises, and light burn injuries heal quickly with little to no medical care and therefore require no compensation. Catastrophic injuries, however, can turn a victim’s life upside down. These injuries result in lasting damage and impairment that requires extensive medical treatment, which can leave an innocent accident victim facing serious financial hardship unless a fair settlement or trial verdict is won through a personal injury claim.

Contact an Alaskan personal injury lawyer at Johnson & Associates, PC right away if you have been seriously injured in anything from a car accident to a slip and fall. Our team has the experience to maximize your payout.

What is Considered a Catastrophic Injury?

According to statute 42 U.S.C. § 3796b, a catastrophic injury is defined as an injury that is “the direct and proximate consequences of which permanently prevent an individual from performing any gainful work”. In other words, if you have been permanently injured in an accident due to the negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation.

What Causes Catastrophic Injuries?

When a life-altering injury occurs, it can affect more than just the injured party. Permanent damage can lead to a difficult life for both the victim and the victim’s family, as well. There are many different ways that a catastrophic injury may occur, and most of them happen suddenly, and without notice.

Following are a few examples of accidents that may cause catastrophic injuries:

• Car Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Aviation Accidents
• Boating Accidents
• Trucking Accidents

Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries are very serious and lead to permanent damage. Some of the most common catastrophic injuries include:

• Compound fractures- A compound fracture is a severely broken bone that protrudes through the skin. These fractures often require surgery to set the bone and place pins and plates to hold it in place while it heals. Compound fractures also take a long time to heal and may be significantly weaker than before, even after months or years of healing. Such an injury can prevent the victim from returning to their job for a long time and may prevent them from ever returning to “normal.”
• Burn Injuries– Severe burns can cause lasting or permanent damage to the nerves in the area and, if deep enough, can damage the muscle or bone of the victim. Infection is a possibility with burns that result in blisters or that cause deep tissue damage. Extreme cases, such as third- and fourth-degree burns, may even require surgery for excision of the damaged tissue or skin-grafting to repair the damaged area.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)– Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is also catastrophic since it can cause permanent damage to a person’s brain. Lasting damages include memory loss, reduced mental capacity, or even a coma.
• Spinal Cord Injuries– These injuries are also common catastrophic injuries and can result in temporary or permanent paralysis below the area of injury. These two injuries may require ongoing medical treatments or personal aid, which can add up and become unaffordable very quickly.

Anchorage Personal Injury Lawyer Fighting for Your Rights

Get the compensation you deserve after suffering any such catastrophic injury. Speak with an Alaskan personal injury lawyer from Johnson & Associates, PC to learn how our experienced attorneys can handle your case and fight for full compensation. We will study the details of your accident, your case, and the laws that apply in order to ensure that you receive a settlement or verdict that covers your current damages, as well as any future expenses that result from ongoing treatment and medical care.

Contact us today for more information.