Experiencing a car accident can be one of the most traumatic events in a person’s life, particularly when it results in catastrophic injuries. Though the rate of serious injuries associated with highway accidents has gone down in recent years, there were still 766 serious injuries reported in West Virginia in 2021. Meanwhile, the rate of fatalities has increased, with 280 deaths reported.
Residents of West Virginia facing such distressing circumstances often have pressing questions and concerns about their rights and options for legal compensation. In this blog, we will review important information about car accident cases involving catastrophic injuries and how to pursue compensation through an injury claim.
Understanding Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries are severe and have a profound, lasting impact on the victim’s life. Catastrophic injuries in the context of car accidents are defined as injuries that significantly impair a victim's physical or cognitive abilities, often requiring long-term or lifelong care.
Examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Severe burns
- Amputations
- Organ damage
- Multiple bone fractures
Spotlight on Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are particularly concerning due to their potential to affect cognitive function, behavior, and overall physical ability. The complexities of brain injuries mean the consequences may not be fully recognized until well after the accident.
A concussion is among the most common types of traumatic brain injuries sustained in car accidents. This injury results from the sudden impact that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull, potentially leading to a wide range of cognitive, physical, and emotional symptoms.
Other examples of traumatic brain injuries that may be sustained in a car accident include:
- Contusions, which are bruises on the brain that can cause swelling and pressure
- Diffuse axonal injuries, which involve tearing of the brain's long connecting nerve fibers due to the severe shaking or rotating of the head
- Penetrating injuries, where an object breaks through the skull and enters the brain
- Hypoxic or anoxic injuries, resulting from a reduced oxygen supply (hypoxic) or complete lack of oxygen (anoxic) to the brain, often following prolonged resuscitation efforts after an accident
These injuries can result in long-term or permanent disability, significantly disrupting your and your family's quality of life and financial stability.
The Insufficiency of Insurance Alone
While insurance is pivotal, it often falls short of providing the full coverage needed for catastrophic injuries. A lifetime of medical care, rehabilitation, and lost wages can quickly exceed policy limits, leaving victims and their families with immense financial strain.
This is where consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney, like ours at Katz, Kantor, Stonestreet & Buckner, may help. A personal injury attorney can act as your advocate, standing by your side against large insurance companies and helping you seek compensation from negligent parties through filing a personal injury claim.
Common damages and expenses associated with catastrophic injuries include:
- Long-term medical treatment and surgeries
- Rehabilitation and physiotherapy
- Specialized equipment for mobility or care
- House modifications for accessibility
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental health care
The Role of a Personal Injury Attorney
If you’re questioning whether you have a claim, an attorney can help you understand your legal rights. Cases frequently hinge on establishing whether another party acted negligently, leading to your accident and subsequent injuries. An attorney considers all facets of the incident to identify liable parties and help you build a robust claim.
A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you with:
- Case evaluation
- Identifying potentially liable parties
- Establishing negligence
- Working with medical experts to assess the full impact of injuries
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Fighting for compensation that reflects the true cost of your injuries
Our firm believes victims of catastrophic injuries deserve an advocate committed to their best interests. At Katz, Kantor, Stonestreet & Buckner, we approach each case with a blend of compassion and professional dedication, helping our clients pursue the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury in a car accident, contact us today to explore your legal options.