When you are involved in an accident, whether it was a car collision, slip and fall, or medical error, you have likely suffered some sort of minor to severe injury. Minor injuries could heal with some time and treatment, but severe injuries could take months or years to heal only after extensive medical care. Some injuries could have permanent, life-altering results.
If you or a loved one has suffered life-changing damage because of someone else’s actions, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation. A Michigan catastrophic injury lawyer at Thurswell Law could help you file a claim and provide support for your recovery. Our personal injury attorneys have the experience to get the results you deserve.
What is a Catastrophic Injury?
Although it is a commonly used term, there is no legal definition of a catastrophic injury. Instead, the word catastrophic is used to describe a type of injury that results in some kind of permanent and substantial change to the victim’s life.
For example, a brain injury could result in a loss of cognitive ability. Sometimes, a person is unable to perform the kind of mental functions they used to before suffering the injury, which could affect their ability to work and their future earnings.
A spinal cord injury could also have permanent outcomes. When a person’s vertebrae or spinal column is damaged, they could lose mobility in their arms or legs and be unable to move about on their own. They may have to permanently alter their lifestyle to fit their condition, such as using a cane, wheelchair, or renovating their home as a result.
Sometimes, a catastrophic injury does not result in devastating physical damage to the brain or spine but still results in a permanent disability. This could mean the person loses out on the things they once enjoyed in life in addition to the adjustments they have to make to their everyday living.
A person who experienced this kind of life-altering injury may be entitled to recover financial compensation from the at-fault party by filing a personal injury claim. An experienced attorney could provide guidance and representation for victims of devastating injuries in Michigan.
Recoverable Compensation After a Catastrophic Injury
When someone is hurt because of another person’s negligence, the injured person may pursue a claim against the at-fault party for damages. In general, damages are the immediate and future costs associated with the injuries. There are typically two types of damages available in a personal injury case, called economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
Monetary damages are the quantitative dollar amounts that result from the injury. An injured person may seek damages to pay for their hospital bills and ongoing medical treatment and care. Sometimes, a claim includes compensation for lost wages, future earnings, and property damage.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-monetary damages are intangible costs associated with the trauma from the accident. Victims could be entitled to recover compensation for their emotional and mental health, their loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering.
Reach Out to Our Michigan Attorneys at Thurswell Law for Help With a Catastrophic Injury Claim
You may feel helpless if you have been hurt so severely that you must make permanent adjustments to your life. You may be entitled to recover damages, and a dedicated Michigan catastrophic injury lawyer could provide guidance and representation throughout the process.
If you or a loved one has been injured, call Thurswell Law to schedule a free consultation about your case. Our lawyers will help you understand your options and secure your future.