Injuries can vary greatly in severity, often depending on the circumstances of your accident. The impact these injuries can have in your life can also vary widely. If you were injured seriously, it is possible that you may be temporarily or even permanently disabled. As such, injury claims are divided into two categories depending on the severity of the injuries—catastrophic injuries and personal injuries. The differences between these categories can have a significant impact on your claim.
Personal Injuries
While personal injuries can be fairly serious, they often are temporary by nature. As a general rule, personal injury victims are able to make a complete or near-complete recovery after the accident. They also should be able to return to work or hold gainful employment in some form, and experience few or no lingering effects from their injuries. Personal injuries can also cover the mental and emotional injuries that can be sustained in an accident, such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Catastrophic Injuries
These injury claims often are the result of severe accidents, such as truck accidents. Catastrophic injuries will continue to affect victims for the rest of their lives. These debilitating injuries often leave victims disabled and unable to return to their daily activities the way things used to be. Medical care for these injuries can be staggeringly expensive, and catastrophic injuries will often require ongoing medical care and accommodations.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries:
- Amputations
- Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
- Paralysis
- Hearing or vision loss
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Serious burn injuries
Because catastrophic injuries are often disabling to the victim, it is uncommon for victims to return to work or work at full capacity again. This can cause significant financial stress for injured individuals and their families. It is also possible that injured people will face the added expense of accommodations and equipment to help them make their home, vehicle, and other spaces accessible to them. The expense of living with a disabling injury, medical expenses, lost wages and earning ability can spell financial disaster, if victims are not adequately compensated for their injuries. Catastrophic injury claims frequently are worth far more than personal injury claims, since the impact of the accident can last for the rest of the victim’s life.
For this reason, it is critical to work with an attorney who is well-versed in the complexities of catastrophic injuries. They should understand the challenges you and your family are facing during your recovery and as you plan for the future. Your lawyer can be a valuable resource during the claim process and will be dedicated to ensuring that your best interests are met by your settlement or verdict.
At Ilkhanoff & Silverstein, we know the stress, pain, and expense you may be faced with after a serious accident. Our York personal injuryattorneys have more than 30 years of combined experience to draw from, so you can trust that our team can fight for your rights and guide you through your claim. Let our team help you maximize your compensation after an accident.
Schedule a free consultation with our team today. Contact our offices by calling (717) 744-0531.
