How do I know if an Injury is Catastrophic?
Being injured because of someone’s negligence is always challenging. But your life path may never be the same if you have a catastrophic injury requiring months or years of recovery. Certain legal definitions determine if someone has a catastrophic injury that could be important if you decide to file a claim or lawsuit against the negligent party. Learn about catastrophic injuries in this article, then talk to our Tampa catastrophic injury attorney at Matthews Injury Law if you need legal assistance.
When Is A Personal Injury Considered Catastrophic?
In Florida, an injury is considered catastrophic if it leads to one or more of the following injuries:
- Incapacitation
- Serious, long-term functional disabilities
- Severe pain and suffering followed by death
- Serious damage to one or more body system
- Severe injury to the head, neck, back, or spinal cord
- Severe burns with scarring
- Several broken bones
- Internal bleeding and injuries
- Inability to work in your chosen profession
There are a variety of catastrophic injuries that are described below. If you have a catastrophic injury, it could be challenging to pay for your medical care and regular expenses. That is why it is highly recommended to have a Tampa catastrophic injury attorney review your case at no charge.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
A TBI is often a catastrophic injury because it affects the brain and many core body functions. If you have a TBI, you can have long-term or permanent effects that alter your life. You could have trouble talking, walking, understanding conversation or speaking, and much more. Brain injuries are often catastrophic and expensive to treat.
Spinal Cord Injuries
An injury to your spinal cord could cause chronic pain and paralysis, among other serious consequences. If the spinal cord is cut, you could have part or all of your body paralyzed. These injuries usually cost hundreds of thousands for care and treatment.
Serious Burns
You can have life-long impacts when you have severe burns, including scarring and disfigurement. Plus, you could have ongoing infections because of the damage to the skin, and some of these can be life-threatening.
Organ Damage
Damage to vital organs is dangerous and considered a catastrophic injury. These injuries may not be noticed at first but could become severe or life-threatening. This is why it is important to be checked by a doctor immediately after any serious accident.
Broken Bones
If you have several broken bones from an accident, it may be considered a catastrophic injury. Having several broken bones could require months or years of medical treatment, including several surgeries and other intense medical care. In some injuries, broken bones can even be life-threatening because of the risk of infection and damage to critical body systems.
Contact Our Tampa Catastrophic Injury Lawyers at Matthews Injury Law
Catastrophic injuries can be devastating to deal with physically, emotionally, and financially. But with the help of a Tampa catastrophic injury attorney at Matthews Injury Law, you can begin to piece your life back together. Our attorneys will fight hard to prove the cause of your catastrophic injury, so the negligent party is held accountable. Call us today at (813) 530-1000 for a complimentary consultation about your catastrophic injury case.