What Is Considered a Catastrophic Injury?

Wisconsin law does not provide a strict definition of what is considered a catastrophic injury. It is an umbrella term that describes severe physical or psychological trauma that significantly impacts a victim’s life. These injuries may cause long-term complications and/or require substantial medical treatment or rehabilitation.

At Studinski Law, LLC, our attorneys have helped clients in Marshfield, Plover, and other areas obtain compensation for injuries that are considered catastrophic. If you were hurt because of someone else’s negligent actions, we want to hear your story.

What Are Catastrophic Injuries?

Examples of catastrophic injuries can include the following:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Depending on the nature of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), victims may make a full recovery or face a lifetime of serious long-term effects. Those who suffer from TBI may experience motor impairment, balance and coordination problems, trouble speaking and swallowing, sleep problems, changes in sexual function, and more.

In some cases, TBI can cause permanent disabilities and even death. If you lost a loved one due to someone’s careless or reckless actions, you may be able to seek damages for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost benefits, and more in a wrongful death lawsuit. While no financial award can make up for such a devastating loss, compensation in a wrongful death claim can help your family avoid financial hardships during a difficult time.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can affect the lives of victims in numerous ways. In addition to causing long-term, severe physical pain, these injuries can inhibit the ability to perform daily tasks, earn a living, and lead an independent lifestyle.

SCIs can range from a sprain, strain, or herniated disk to partial or full paralysis. These injuries can require lifetime care, home and vehicle modifications, and result in a diminished quality of life. An attorney who has experience handling cases involving catastrophic injuries understands the physical, financial, and emotional losses victims face in these situations.

Limb Loss

Losing a hand, arm, leg, or foot is a life-altering event that can forever change a victim’s life. Not only can a traumatic amputation cause permanent physical limitations, but it can also cause permanent deformity, severe infection, the development of blood clots, and tissue decay in the remaining portion of the limb.

Burn Injuries

Burns are among the most painful and life-altering injuries a person can experience. Burns are generally categorized by degrees (first-degree burns, second-degree burns, and third-degree burns). Suffering a serious burn injury can result in permanent scarring, disfigurement, and damage to muscles and vital organs. It can also have a profound impact on a victim’s self-image and quality of life.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Whether from a severe burn, dog attack, or other serious injury, permanent scarring and disfigurement can cause extreme emotional trauma for those harmed. Scarring and disfigurement can be devastating under any circumstances, but when it occurs in a visible place, such as the face or neck, it can also cause a person to lose their self-esteem and even result in the loss of friends and potential partners.

Long-Term Psychological or Emotional Trauma

The emotional and psychological effects of a serious injury can also cause them to be considered catastrophic. The long-term effects of psychological and emotional trauma can include anxiety, depression, behavioral changes, cognitive issues, and a variety of health issues.

If your life will never be the same in the wake of an injury, this constitutes a catastrophic event for which you deserve justice.

Substantial Treatment Costs

When determining what is considered a catastrophic injury, it is important to consider a variety of factors. Even when injuries do not result in permanent disfigurement or long-term impairment, they can still be considered “catastrophic” if they require extensive and costly medical treatment.

In addition to emergency treatments to address the immediate needs of an accident victim, many traumatic injuries leave people facing long and difficult roads to recovery. Rehabilitation costs can be extraordinarily high. Additionally, injuries that leave victims unable to lead independent lives may require lifetime in-home care. The cost of these situations can easily reach hundreds of thousands – if not millions – of dollars.

Seeking Justice After a Catastrophic Injury

If you have suffered a serious injury, you may face a myriad of challenges, including pain, disability, high medical bills, and time away from work that you and your family cannot afford. 

Cases involving catastrophic injuries can be complex, requiring the knowledge of an experienced attorney. A seasoned lawyer can help to investigate the cause of the injury, determine the full value of the claim, and pursue damages through negotiations or trial, if necessary.

Discuss Your Case with a Wisconsin Personal Injury Lawyer for Free

Wisconsin personal injury attorney Jason Studinski has built a reputation for excellence in a wide range of complex cases. He understands the hardships you may be facing after suffering a catastrophic injury and he is committed to helping you obtain the full and fair compensation to which you may be entitled under the law.

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Contact our office today online or at (715) 343-2850 for a FREE initial consultation. Studinski Law, LLC serves clients in Marshfield, Plover, and all areas of Wisconsin.