A catastrophic injury is a severe, life-altering injury with long-term physical, emotional, and financial impacts. If you or a loved one has suffered catastrophic injuries that were caused by someone else’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing, contact a Chicago catastrophic injury lawyer to learn about your legal options.
Our team of experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers stands ready to provide personalized legal counsel and representation to seek justice and recover the maximum compensation amount for a catastrophic injury victim.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury is a type of injury that has serious and long-lasting implications for the victim’s life, often affecting their physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
What Are Common Catastrophic Injuries in Chicago?
Some examples of personal injury claims of catastrophic injuries that occur in Chicago include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur from a head impact or rapid body movement
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) result from sudden trauma disrupting brain-body signals
- Amputations, often result from severe accidents like motorcycle crashes
- Multiple bone fractures
- Severe burns resulting in scarring and disfigurement
- Internal organ injuries caused by medical malpractice, defective products, or other incidents
Long Term Effects of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries can cause severe pain and long-term physical, emotional, and financial repercussions:
- Lost income due to the inability to work or reduced earning capacity
- Ongoing medical expenses for treatments such as physical therapy and rehabilitative care
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by the injury
- Loss of physical mobility, mental capacity, and other impairments
- Diminished quality of life due to the injury
What Are Some Causes of Catastrophic Injury?
Common causes of life-changing injuries include:
- Motor vehicle accidents caused by reckless or distracted drivers
- Defective products that fail to work properly
- Slip and fall accidents due to dangerous property conditions
- Workplace accidents involving machinery or other hazardous tools
- Medical negligence, such as misdiagnosis or treatment errors
- Birth injuries such as cerebral palsy that leave a child with a lifetime of special needs
What Compensation May Be Available for Catastrophic Injuries?
If you’ve experienced a catastrophic injury caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation for your losses:
- Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Physical and occupational therapy costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium for the victim’s spouse or family members
Catastrophic injury lawyers such as spinal cord injury attorneys can help assess the value of claims for such severe injuries.
Who Is Liable in a Catastrophic Injury Case?
Determining liability in a catastrophic injury case can be complex and may involve multiple parties. Depending on the circumstances of your case, potential liable parties may include:
- The at-fault driver
- A negligent property owner or manager
- A manufacturer or distributor of defective products
- An employer, for workplace accidents
- Medical professionals
How Can a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me?
If you’ve experienced a catastrophic injury due to the negligence or intentional acts of someone else, our Chicago catastrophic injury attorneys are here to help. We can:
- Investigate the cause of your injury and gather evidence to support your claim
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Calculate the full extent of your damages, including current and future losses
- Represent you in court if necessary, working tirelessly for the compensation you deserve
How Do Chicago Catastrophic Injury Attorneys Prove I Have a Valid Personal Injury Case?
To prove that you have a valid catastrophic personal injury case, experienced catastrophic injury attorneys will need to establish the following elements:
- Duty of care: The responsible party owed you a duty of care to ensure your safety and well-being.
- Breach of duty: The responsible party breached their duty of care through negligence or intentional wrongdoing.
- Causation: The actions or lack thereof directly caused your catastrophic injury.
- Damages: Your injuries resulted in physical, emotional, and financial damages.
How Much Is My Case Worth?
Personal catastrophic injury claims are each unique; Chicago catastrophic injury attorneys assess the value of your claim based on factors like:
- The severity of your injuries and their impact on your daily life
- The cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation for current and future needs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity due to the injury
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress caused by the injury
How Long Will It Take to Recover Compensation for Serious Injuries?
The time it takes to settle a catastrophic injury claim depends on factors like the severity of the injury, how long treatment lasts, insurance processing times, and the complexity of the case. Some claims are resolved in a few months, while others can take years.
Contact a Chicago Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in Chicago, don’t hesitate to seek legal representation. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney at Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. Learn more about your rights and options for pursuing compensation, and have your questions answered.
(312) 223-1700