Catastrophic injuries, sometimes called serious injuries, are serious injuries that cause long-term pain, dysfunction, or disability. People who suffer these injuries experience permanent or long-lasting effects on every aspect of their lives, including their jobs, family, physical ability, recreational activities and overall lifestyle.
If you, a loved one or family member has suffered a serious or catastrophic injury because someone else was careless, reckless or otherwise negligent, we may be able to help.
Every year, thousands of people in Wisconsin are injured in accidents of different types. Sadly, some of these individuals are classified as having catastrophic injuries as a result of these incidents. Like many people, you may wonder exactly what is meant by a “catastrophic injury.” The reality is that there isn’t a set, concise legal definition for the term “catastrophic accident.”
Despite lacking a universally accepted legal definition of catastrophic injury, a set of specifications underscore what typically is considered this level of damage. A catastrophic injury typically is described as a severe injury to a person’s brain, spine, or spinal cord. It can also include a severe injury to the skull, major burns, or a loss of a limb.
A catastrophic injury oftentimes necessitates what can prove to be an extended period of physical and vocational rehabilitation. An individual with a catastrophic injury may suffer a long-term or even lifetime functional disability or disfigurement. Lifelong medical care and treatment may be necessary.
The bottom line is that a catastrophic injury is apt to upend a person’s life in a profound manner and for an indefinite period of time.
There are a number of more commonplace types of accidents or incidents that result in catastrophic injuries. These include:
If you or a loved one has endured a catastrophic injury as the result of someone else’s negligence, you’ve important legal rights to protect. These crucial legal interests are best understood and protected by retaining an experienced, skilled personal injury attorney.
An insurance company will almost always offer a settlement when liability and negligence can be proved. However, often these settlements are not in reality sufficient to cover the extent of damage and the required care. More often, it takes a firm known for its trial acumen and tough personal injury attorneys to force an insurer to pay what is fair and just.
Both of the attorneys at Atterbury, Kammer & Haag S.C., have attained the highest rating in the country as trial lawyers. We have handled hundreds of injury and severe injury cases and resolved them favorably for our clients.
A serious or catastrophic injury will often leave you unable to work and incur high medical and care expenses that can include long-term care, home care and special modifications to your vehicle, workplace and home. These injuries are often the result of a car accident or motorcycle accident, but they can also happen as a result of a slip and fall in a store, animal attack or as in the case with young children with dog bites.
Serious injuries typically involve:
If you suffered a serious injury, you know that the injury is not isolated but affects all areas of your life. Everything changes after a serious injury, including your relationship with your partner, friends and family. The emotional impact is often the least addressed and the most difficult.
It is not uncommon to suffer from depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from a devastating accident. This can lead to anxiety, withdrawal and marked changes in your personality. This is why the attorneys at Atterbury, Kammer & Haag, S.C., thoroughly assess your injury. We take into account all types of suffering and will seek to ensure that victims receive the full care and support they need.
If you have suffered a severe or catastrophic injury, you have the right to pursue financial compensation. Damages that can be pursued include:
