Injuries come in all shapes and sizes, from relatively minor scrapes to life-altering paralysis. Washington residents can find themselves involved in car accidents, cycling collisions, pedestrian accidents, and many other scenarios where they must seek medical attention for injuries. While many of these injuries eventually heal, there are times when the accident leads to severe or even permanent damage. In these cases, the term “catastrophic injury” may apply, especially if the patient faces a long and difficult path to recovery or has sustained permanent damage. Although there is not a universal definition for catastrophic injuries, these injuries often arise from “a severe injury to the spine, spinal cord, or brain, and may also include skull or spinal fractures, loss of a limb and severe burn injuries that lead to a permanent or long-term severe functional disability or disfigurement.” Most catastrophic injuries require long-term rehabilitation, ongoing medical treatment, surgical procedures, and other intensive interventions.
In addition to the complex physical toll of a catastrophic injury, those who suffer such injuries also grapple with the emotional fallout of this life-altering event. Suddenly, the realities of your daily life are no longer the same as they were before the accident, and it can be extremely challenging to adjust to this new way of life (i.e., limited mobility, loss of limb function, permanent cognitive impairment, etc.). The families of accident victims also face new challenges, as they attempt to support their loved one and figure out how the financial impact of the accident and the catastrophic injuries will play out. If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence in Washington state, it’s worth discussing your options with Seattle’s go-to personal injury law firm, Menzer Law Group, right away. We are unwavering in our commitment to helping accident victims explore their options to determine the most strategic path forward that secures them the compensation they deserve. We are intentionally selective in the cases we take on so that we can channel our focus and resources on the cases where we believe we can have the most lasting impact. This post will explore some of the key legal and medical steps you can take following a catastrophic injury and how partnering with a highly qualified and experienced Seattle personal injury law firm can support you throughout your journey.
Types of Accidents That Can Cause Catastrophic Injuries
Many factors can lead to a catastrophic injury in Washington state. For instance, vehicle collisions, particularly those involving large commercial trucks or high speeds, can lead to serious injuries like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), severe burns, and amputations. Whenever a driver or passenger is crushed or pinned against the wall of their vehicle, the weight of the materials can cause significant and even permanent damage to their spine, limbs, or brain. Catastrophic injuries can also arise from workplace accidents, such as warehouse incidents, construction site falls, or spills in chemical labs that cause severe burns. Defective products and medical malpractice may also leave a victim with substantial or permanent damage that can require ongoing medical care for the remainder of their lives.
Recognizing Common Catastrophic Injuries in Washington State
Although there is no official list that distinguishes catastrophic injuries from those that are not considered to be catastrophic, it’s worth identifying some of the most common types of injuries that can upend your life and require ongoing medical care, surgeries, or treatment for the foreseeable future. Below are four primary types of catastrophic injuries that can result from car accidents, workplace incidents, defective products, or medical malpractice in Washington state.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is vulnerable to many types of injuries. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “Direct injury to the spinal cord itself or damage to the tissue and bones (vertebrae) that surround the spinal cord can cause a spinal cord injury. This damage can cause temporary or permanent changes in feeling, movement, strength, and body functions below the point where the injury happens.” In other words, a spinal cord injury can cause symptoms like numbness, paralysis, loss of bowel or bladder control, problems with walking, difficulty breathing, and more. Depending on the nature of the injury, the patient may require a wheelchair, walking assistance, or even computer-assisted technology. If you are looking for legal help for a spinal cord injury, reach out to Menzer Law Group today to get started.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
The brain can be injured in several ways. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can arise from a forceful bump or jolt to the head or body, as well as an object piercing the brain. Even more minor TBIs can lead to short-term, temporary brain function impairment, while more serious TBIs can cause significant or permanent cognitive impairment, brain damage, and disability. While there are interventions that can assist with some TBI symptoms, many patients face uncertainty about whether they will be able to recover or regain brain function. To learn more about pursuing a traumatic brain injury lawsuit in Washington state, schedule a complimentary case evaluation with Menzer Law Group today.
Severe Burns
Severe burns from fires or chemicals can damage skin significantly. In some cases, the burn may damage nerves and create serious health complications, such as fluid loss, dangerously low body temperature, infection, irregular heartbeats, scars, and extreme physical discomfort. Skin grafts, ongoing medical treatment, and rehabilitation may be necessary to treat the burns and help the patient move through their recovery.
Amputations
Sometimes, a catastrophic injury may require the amputation of a digit or limb. For instance, a construction accident victim may have their leg crushed by heavy machinery, and the best way to minimize infection and improve patient comfort is to remove the leg. Naturally, undergoing an amputation can be emotionally and psychologically difficult, as you will need to adjust to your new physical reality without the presence of the limb. You can learn more about pursuing amputation compensation in Washington by reaching out to Menzer Law Group today.
Medical Steps to Take Immediately Following a Catastrophic Accident
Every second after a catastrophic accident matters. Immediately after sustaining the injury, have someone call for an ambulance so that you can receive medical care as soon as possible. If you suspect a spinal cord injury, do not move until the medical professionals arrive to assess your injuries. They may need to stabilize you before transporting you to the hospital for care. When you arrive at the hospital, you can expect to receive a full diagnostic evaluation to identify the nature and extent of your injuries. Depending on what the medical team finds, they may send you into surgery or attempt other life-saving interventions. Over the following days, your team of doctors can help you understand your catastrophic injuries and plan your rehabilitation journey. In addition to the physical toll of these injuries, it’s essential to give yourself the space to process your emotions as well.
Legal Steps to Take Early On to Start Building a Strong Personal Injury Claim
A successful personal injury claim starts immediately after the accident. The more information you can gather and present that illustrates the immense impact the injuries have had on your life and livelihood, the stronger your claim will be when the time comes to present it. The medical records created by your hospital visit and all follow-up appointments, surgeries, and rehabilitation efforts will show how profoundly you were affected by the at-fault party’s negligence. It can also be a good idea to keep a written record of your recovery, as you can share the physical, emotional, and psychological effects of your catastrophic injuries and improve your chances of maximizing the amount of compensation you are able to recover. Many catastrophic injury victims also find it helpful to work with a mental health therapist to help them adjust to their new physical realities and process the emotions that accompany this painful transition. At Menzer Law Group, our goal is to champion your legal rights and best interests so that you can recover the compensation you need to focus on rebuilding your life.
Suffering a catastrophic injury can upend your life. Suddenly, you face a long and difficult path to recovery, and your health or mobility may never be the same. As you begin to explore your options for recovering the compensation you need to assist with the substantial costs of your injuries, consider discussing your options with the dedicated and highly qualified legal team at Menzer Law Group. As Seattle’s top-ranking personal injury attorneys, our comprehensive approach to personal injury claims ensures that every aspect of your case is strongly supported and clearly presented to maximize your opportunities for compensation. We are deliberately selective in the cases we take on, which allows us to devote our attention and expertise to those cases where we believe we can have the most significant and meaningful impact. Please reach out to our office today at (206) 903-1818 to arrange a complimentary case evaluation with us.
