3 Ways a Catastrophic Injury Can Change Your Life

Catastrophic injuries are injuries that are so devastating they forever change a victim’s life. The consequences of a catastrophic injury can be physical, emotional, and financial. Learn more about catastrophic injuries and what you can do if you have suffered from one.

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury is a permanent disability, often acquired during a serious accident. These injuries often require extensive, daily care for the remainder of a victim’s life. Examples of catastrophic injuries include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injury
• Paraplegia or quadriplegia
• Burn injury
• Amputation/loss of limb

These permanent injuries have life-long consequences, such as:

#1. Mounting Costs in Medical Bills and Lost Wages

Someone who suffers a catastrophic injury will feel the financial consequences for a long time to come. This is because catastrophic injuries are often so extensive that they require long-term, live-in care. Those with catastrophic injuries may live in medical facilities or hire in-home assistance to get the care they need.

The extensive treatments and therapies that catastrophic injury victims require can easily amount to hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of dollars over a lifetime. These treatments may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Surgeries
• Physical, speech, and/or occupational therapy
• Medications
• Lab tests

Lastly, such monumental medical expenses are nearly impossible to pay because most catastrophic injury victims can no longer work or earn an income. So, many of these individuals have no way to pay for the treatments they so desperately need. They also have no way to continue to support their family members’ needs, such as food, shelter, clothing, and much more.

#2. Significant Physical and Emotional Pain

One of the most devastating consequences of a catastrophic injury is the physical and emotional pain that a victim experiences, long after the injury-causing accident is over. The physical injuries from the accident can be overwhelming in the short-term, while the emotional injuries can cause life-long trauma.

Many catastrophic injury victims acquired their injuries in a traumatic manner, such as in a devastating auto accident or a violent assault. As such, many catastrophic injury victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that must be treated with cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, and other treatments.

The extent of physical and emotional pain that may result from a catastrophic injury can put an immense strain not only on the victim, but on their loved ones as well.

#3. Strain on Relationships

Although close friends and family members may try to support a catastrophic injury victim, the emotional consequences that accompany the injury can make it difficult to maintain a positive attitude at all times.

There are also elements that may strain relationships that are outside of anyone’s control. If the main financial provider for the family suffers a catastrophic injury, it can be difficult for the family to recover. This may result in losing jobs and homes, switching schools, and more that can uproot a family and take away the stability to which everyone was accustomed.

Seeking Justice After a Catastrophic Injury

A catastrophic injury can be particularly devastating with the knowledge that it could have been prevented. Many catastrophic injuries occur due to someone’s negligence, such as auto accidents, dangerous products, medical malpractice, and more.

If you or someone you love suffered a catastrophic injury due to another’s recklessness, you may be able to recover the compensation you need to move forward after this tragic event. With the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, you may be able to recover the following damages:

• Rehabilitation/ongoing therapy
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Household renovations for accessibility
• Personal aide/caregiver
• Lost enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

At McGinn Montoya Love Curry & Sievers PA, our New Mexico personal injury attorneys have a strong track record of success in helping catastrophic injury victims recover the compensation they deserve. We know the devastating consequences of a catastrophic injury, and we make it our mission to do everything we can to help our clients obtain justice. We investigate accidents of any type to find the evidence needed to strengthen a case and look beyond the simple explanation to leave no stone unturned.

Call McGinn Montoya Love Curry & Sievers PA at (505) 405-4441 to schedule a free consultation.