When you woke up in the hospital, you didn't know what happened. The last thing you remembered was driving your car and seeing someone else coming toward you. The doctor approaches and discusses with you the extent of your injuries. They boil down to one phrase: catastrophic injuries.
When you hear this, you immediately know that your condition is not good. Your life has been in danger, and although you're now out of the woods, you still have a long road ahead of you including months or years of rehabilitation and medical treatment. You may never be the same.
What is a catastrophic injury?
A catastrophic injury is one that affects the brain, spinal cord or spinal column. These injuries often cause severe and permanent disabilities, although it's possible to suffer a catastrophic injury and to suffer no ill effects in the long-term. Catastrophic injuries may also result in fatalities, but not all do despite having the potential to be life-threatening in nature.
What do you need to do to obtain compensation after a catastrophic injury?
Like any personal injury claim, you need to show the extent of your injuries, the financial impact it has had on you, and how it will affect you in the long-term. The trouble with catastrophic injuries is that each person recovers at a different rate. You'll want to collect as much information about your medical condition and the expected outcome as possible, so your attorney can negotiate with the insurance company. If the settlements you are offered are too low, then there is a possibility that your attorney will need to take your case to court to have a judge and jury rule on it.
Catastrophic injuries range in their severity and long-term prognoses. You should include information with your case such as your medical records, a document from your medical provider or providers about your injury and the expected outcome, what you need to do to reach that income, and the expected cost. You should also include information on lost wages and the impact on your family.
Your attorney can talk to you about everything you need to make your case. With the right information, your attorney can help you get an appropriate settlement.
Source: Nov. 30, -0001
