Lawyers For The People

The Difference Between Catastrophic Injuries and Personal Injuries

| Nov 20, 2018 | Catastrophic Injury, Personal Injury

When a person sustains injuries as a result of another party’s negligent actions, he or she has the right to pursue fair and just compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit. Of course, no two cases are exactly alike, so the damages one recovers can potentially differ greatly. If an injury is particularly severe, it might even be considered a catastrophic injury, which is a different category altogether.

While personal injuries can also be serious, a victim is usually able to achieve a complete or near-complete recovery. However, victims of catastrophic injuries are usually unable to achieve a full recovery their injuries. Catastrophic injuries tend to result in long-term, life-altering effects that tend to require ongoing medical care, costly treatments, rehabilitation, and even in-home care for the rest of the foreseeable future. Additionally, a catastrophic injury can impact not only the life of the injured person, but any individuals who depend on him or her for support, such as children or a spouse.

Below is a list of some examples of catastrophic injuries:

  • Spinal cord damage
  • Amputation injuries
  • Severe burns
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of vision or hearing
  • Crushed bones
  • Traumatic brain injuries

Moreover, because these injuries require some form of ongoing care or treatment, the damages awarded in catastrophic injury cases are often substantially higher than what one would receive in a personal injury case. This is because the amount awarded is designed to cover not only past and present medical costs, but future costs as well. For a catastrophic injury, these costs can really begin to add up to an overwhelming sum. The damages awarded will also cover pain and suffering and other non-economic damages.

Given how much is at stake in a catastrophic injury case, it is crucial to hire an attorney who has extensive experience in handling such cases and will provide an aggressive defense on your behalf. Since catastrophic injury cases involve greater damages that could amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions, insurance companies are often reluctant to settle and try their chances in court. This is why you need an attorney who is not only prepared to negotiate, but prepared to fiercely represent you in court.

Aggressive Catastrophic Injury Lawyers in Oneonta

If you were catastrophically injured in an accident that was caused by another party’s negligent or careless actions, you have a right to pursue fair and just compensation and will need a skilled and experienced attorney to do so. At Scarzafava, Basdekis & Dadey, PLLC, our Oneonta catastrophic injury attorneys have been assisting injury victims seek justice since 1981 and have a proven track record of success. Let us fight to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.

Begin your catastrophic injury case today and reach out to our legal team at (607) 228-8404 to request a confidential case evaluation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.

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