Catastrophic injuries can profoundly impact nearly all aspects of your life. Not only does a catastrophic incident typically inflict devastating trauma, but the effects also endure long-term through permanent disability and lifestyle limitations. Rebuilding any sense of normalcy typically requires extensive, multi-faceted support few families can provide alone, which is why it is important to seek legal representation from an Sapulpa personal injury lawyer.
There are high costs that accompany catastrophic injuries – medically, financially, emotionally, and physically. It can be draining to deal with everything, plus try to figure out how to cover all of the associated costs. Reach out to a Sapulpa personal injury lawyer at BDIW to have help on your side during the process.
What May Qualify as a Catastrophic Injury in Oklahoma
Catastrophic injuries can severely impact the quality of life and the ability to function independently. These debilitating injuries typically require intensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Some examples include spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, third and fourth-degree burns, limb amputations, permanent disfigurement, or scarring.
The effects of catastrophic injuries are widespread, often resulting in permanent disability and inability to work. Extensive care, adaptive equipment, and home modifications may be necessary to help with daily living activities. Additional needs like round-the-clock caregiving can also arise, and a dedicated catastrophic injury attorney in Sapulpa can help organize your case to show the proper evidence for this type of needed care.
Beyond the direct impact, families can suffer tremendous emotional and financial hardships. Massive medical bills coupled with loss of income can be financially devastating. Families may struggle to provide adequate care while coping with their own trauma.
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SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYCommon Types of Catastrophic Injuries
Spinal cord injuries that cause paralysis are considered catastrophic since they often result in permanent disability. Patients may lose function in their arms and legs or lose bowel and bladder control. Significant rehabilitation and lifestyle adjustments are typically required.
Traumatic brain injuries can severely impact cognition, behavior, speech, and physical abilities. Depending on the damage, the patient may require re-learning basic functions or not being able to live independently, so the need to live with someone consistently around may occur. These injuries and medical needs can look different, depending on each person’s circumstances.
Amputations, severe burns, and permanent disfigurement or scarring are also classified as catastrophic. They involve profound loss of function or change in appearance. Skin grafts, prosthetics, and adaptive tools may be needed in addition to psychological support.
Where Catastrophic Injuries Often Happen
Catastrophic injuries frequently occur in motor vehicle collisions, especially at high speeds. Head-on impacts, rollover accidents, and side-impact crashes can inflict devastating trauma. Poor road conditions or reckless driving often play a role.
The workplace accounts for many catastrophic injuries from falls, equipment malfunctions, and contact with hazardous materials, to name a few causes. Construction sites, factories, and other industrial settings tend to be higher-risk environments. Failure to follow safety protocols contributes to many types of catastrophic incidents.
Beyond vehicles and worksites, injuries also regularly stem from premises liability cases. Negligent security, poor property maintenance, and inadequate safety features are factors, usually at retail stores and other public places. Contact BDIW to speak with a catastrophic injury lawyer in Sapulpa to see how to move forward with the situation.
Potential Additional Wrongful Death Damages
If negligence leads to a fatality, wrongful death claims may accompany personal injury claims. Damages account for losses suffered by surviving loved ones left behind. This compensation can help address new financial challenges.
Wrongful death damages may cover funeral and burial costs that suddenly fell upon the family. Funds can also offset grief counseling needed to process traumatic loss. Monetary awards aim to replace the ongoing emotional support the deceased provided.
In cases with surviving dependents, damages may replace the lost income they relied upon. If the deceased handled household services, compensation can fund necessities like childcare and home maintenance. Money cannot erase loss, but it can prevent further hardship.
What to Know About the Long-Term Impact of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries often come with lifelong implications that profoundly change an individual’s quality of life. Extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation are typically only the beginning of coping with permanent disability. Maintaining independence may become extremely difficult or impossible without the help of a robust caregiving support system.
Emotional and psychological issues also commonly accompany catastrophic injuries. The traumatic nature of the incident and significant lifestyle alterations that follow can contribute to conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and lowered self-esteem. Ongoing counseling is often critical but may be cost-prohibitive.
Financial instability frequently stems from catastrophic injuries due to sudden, exorbitant medical bills and the inability to work long-term. Families struggling to fund necessary equipment, home modifications, and caregiving support see savings quickly drained, leading to dependence on government assistance. The monetary pressures add further emotional strain.
Statute of Limitations for Catastrophic Injuries in Oklahoma
Oklahoma statute establishes strict time limits accident victims have to pursue legal claims seeking compensatory damages. These cutoff periods encourage prompt action while evidence remains readily available. However, catastrophic harm victims focused on survival often miss deadlines.
The standard personal injury statute of limitations allows just two years from the incident date to file a lawsuit. Those with catastrophic injuries sometimes fail to meet this short window because immediate medical needs take priority. Permanent disability may also delay recognizing the need to take legal action promptly.
Wrongful death claims related to a fatal catastrophic incident must commence within two years of the date of death. Bereaving families overwhelmed with traumatic grief can fully realize negligence caused loss only much later. This deadline presents difficulties for loved ones not ready to relive devastating events so soon.
Get Help from a Dedicated Sapulpa Catastrophic Injury Attorney
Catastrophic harm typically inflicts immense hardship that no one should endure alone. Our dedicated injury attorneys have helped numerous Oklahoma families recover damages critical for their future care needs and stability. Contact BDIW for a free consultation to work with a Sapulpa catastrophic injury lawyer.
