Seattle Catastrophic Injury Attorneys
Many people walk away from an accident without a scratch or at worst a fairly minor injury. Unfortunately, not everyone is so lucky. Far too many people suffer life-threatening injuries that while not necessarily fatal can still permanently reduce their quality of life.
If you, or someone that you love, has suffered such injuries in an accident caused by third-party negligence, it is important to take legal action against the responsible parties. A skilled lawyer can represent you in bringing a civil lawsuit or insurance claim. At the Emerald Law Group, we represent all types of accident victims struggling to rebuild their lives following catastrophic injuries.
Catastrophic Injuries May Require a Lifetime of Medical Care and Assistance
A “catastrophic injury” is one that typically requires extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Oftentimes, a catastrophic injury cannot be permanently repaired, leaving the victim with a lifelong disability or impairment. Indeed, it is not unusual for accident victims who sustain catastrophic injuries to require a lifetime of medical care just to maintain a minimum quality of life.
Some common examples of catastrophic injuries that we have seen with our clients include:
- Burn injuries – Second- and third-degree burns often require reconstructive surgery and can lead to permanent complications such as infections and disfigurement.
- Crushed limbs – If an arm or leg is crushed in an accident, the only treatment is often amputation. Even if the limb survives it may be forever limited in terms of mobility.
- Spinal cord damage – Any sudden blow to the back or spinal cord can permanently damage the delicate network of nerves that enable the brain to communicate with the rest of a person’s body. In the most serious cases, spinal cord damage leads to partial or total permanent paralysis.
- Traumatic brain injuries – Any sudden impact to the brain can lead to a catastrophic injury that permanently impairs a person’s cognitive and motor abilities–and in some cases lead to a loss of consciousness or vegetative state.
There are many types of negligent acts that can lead to a catastrophic injury, ranging from car accidents to medical malpractice or even a defective consumer product. A personal injury lawsuit can seek to hold the negligent party accountable for the permanent damage they have caused. Damages in catastrophic injury cases are often quite substantial due to the victim’s ongoing need for medical care, assistance with basic living functions, and inability to resume earning a regular income. A court can also award an unlimited amount of non-economic damages in these cases as compensation for the victim’s lifelong pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
Contact Emerald Law Today
Catastrophic injuries are often overwhelming for accident victims and their families. During the difficult period of adjustment it is often difficult to think about taking legal action. This is where working a skilled Seattle catastrophic injury lawyer who can take that burden off of your plate can prove essential. If you need to speak with a lawyer, contact the Emerald Law Group today to schedule an initial consultation.
