Catastrophic vs Personal Injury differences
If an individual is a victim of negligence on the part of another and sustains injuries as such, they have a legal right to pursue a claim for fair and just compensation. This is accomplished by filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Injuries in PI cases can be minor such as a broken arm that resulted from a slip and fall accident or whiplash from a car accident. However, there are PI cases in which the injury to the victim is particularly severe, so much so that it would be considered a catastrophic injury.
The differences between personal injury cases and catastrophic injury cases are that victims in personal injury cases may suffer a serious injury, but they are able to recover completely or have a near-complete recovery. In cases of catastrophic injury, the victims generally don’t achieve a full recovery. They are left with life-long and life-altering effects that require ongoing and costly medical treatment and care, rehab, and, perhaps, in-home care for the rest of their lives.
The cost of treating and caring for victims of catastrophic injuries is significantly higher than treating victims of other types of personal injuries. Therefore, the damages that are awarded in these types of PI cases are bound to be substantially higher than other personal injury cases because they’ll need to cover past, present, and future costs.
There’s a lot at stake for a victim and his or her family in a catastrophic personal injury case. Therefore, hiring a personal injury attorney with experience when it comes to litigating catastrophic injury cases is critical to the success of the lawsuit. Gregory A. Yates, Los Angeles personal injury attorney, helps victims of catastrophic injuries get the damages to which they are entitled.
The lasting effects of an accident
In general, catastrophic injuries happen suddenly and without any warning. Examples of these types of injuries include:
- Head trauma
- Damage to the spine and spinal cord
- Severe burns
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Amputation injuries
- Disfigurement
- Loss of vision or hearing
Managing a catastrophic injury is very complicated and requires a team of healthcare professionals including doctors, specialists, nurses, therapists, and counselors. The long-term needs of victims of these types of injuries greatly surpass those experienced by victims of other types of personal injury cases.
While some victims of catastrophic injuries may be able to make a recovery if they get proper and early treatment, there will be no full recovery for others who endure permanent disabilities, pain and suffering as well as reduced lifespans.
There’s a difference in court, too
In a catastrophic injury case or one of wrongful death, the damages could total hundreds of thousands of dollars and even millions which is why insurance companies are often hesitant to settle, electing to take their chances in court.
You need the services of an attorney who is not only an expert in negotiated settlements, but one who is successful when taking a case to trial. Gregory Yates, personal injury attorney in Los Angeles, has successfully recovered over half a billion dollars for his clients in settlements, awards, and jury verdicts.