A catastrophic injury in a permanent or delibating injury. The most common catastrophic injuries are spinal cord, traumatic brain, paralysis, and burn injuries. Catastrophic injury cases are much more complex than typical personal injury cases. This is because the injury can impact the victim for the rest of their life. Also, catastrophic injury cases require expert analysis and opinion if the case is in litigation.
If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury, you should reach out to an accomplished lawyer who is knowledgeable about the unique aspects of Chicago catastrophic injury cases. A seasoned catastrophic injury attorney could help you recover the damages that you deserve.
How are Catastrophic Injury Cases Different From Personal Injury Cases?
There are many ways that catastrophic injury cases are different than other personal injury cases. Catastrophic injuries are more severe and extensive. When calculating the damages in a catastrophic injury case, the attorney has to factor in the victim’s loss of consortium or their loss of ability to earn a living for the rest of their life. A permanent disability can severely impact many aspects of a person and their family’s life.
Due to these factors, a catastrophic injury case tends to be higher-value cases. Someone who is paralyzed from a car wreck is likely going to recover more damages than an individual who has a neck sprain from an accident.
Gainful Employment and Catastrophic Injury Cases
One of the unique aspects of Chicago catastrophic injury cases is factoring gainful employment when recovering damages. The ability to maintain gainful employment plays a role in determining whether an injury is deemed catastrophic. If someone was an able-bodied person and had a job and the time of their accident and, as a result of the accident, were never able to work again, future wages will be taken into consideration. If the person is then on disability for the rest of their life, that is a clear indicator that the person suffered a catastrophic injury.
Contacting an Attorney After a Catastrophic Injury
In catastrophic injury cases, the victim may be incapacitated and cannot contact an attorney. In this situation, a power of attorney will usually be appointed. Typically, that will be a spouse, adult child, or a parent of the injured person. The designated person will be able to act on the victim’s behalf for the purposes of the lawsuit.
Also, depending on what sort of power of attorney they determine is necessary, they could do all sorts of decisions for that person, such as medical decision-making, signing legal documents, and banking. It depends on the sort of power of attorney that is required in that situation.
If it is a situation where the person is not incapacitated but cannot speak very clearly or leave the house, a lawyer can go out and meet with the individual at their home or have an employee go to meet with them. There are many options for a lawyer to make contact with the injured person, their guardian, family member, or power of attorney.
Importance of Obtaining a Seasoned Lawyer
Following a catastrophic injury, it is crucial for the injured person to have an experienced attorney representing them. A trustworthy lawyer could keep the best interests of the injured person in mind as they proceed with the case. A well-versed lawyer will also know the unique aspects of Chicago catastrophic injury cases, which could help with maximizing a claim. If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury, call today and let a legal professional help you.
