Many victims of car accidents only have minor injuries that resolve themselves within a day or two, and have minimal property damage. These types of fender benders are the best case scenario if an accident occurs. Many victims wonder if their car accident or their injuries suffered are considered catastrophic or severe enough to begin considering settlement amounts with an insurance company.
Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic and severe injuries are those that require medical attention and treatment following a car accident. Anything other than a minor scratch, bruise, or condition that resolves within a couple of days can be considered serious and a victim has the legal right to pursue compensation for any of their injuries and losses. In some cases, the injuries rise to another level of severity which will allow a victim to receive additional compensation for their injuries, damages, and losses. Some of the types of injuries that result from an accident that may be considered catastrophic by a court may include the following:
- Permanent disabilities or long-term disabilities
- Any permanent or long-term functional impairment
- At least one major body system having permanent damage
- Any form of incapacitation
- Pain and suffering followed by a terminal medical condition or death of the victim
- Serious traumatic brain injuries, or severe injuries to the head, neck or spinal cord
- The inability of a victim to return to any kind of meaningful work
- Any bodily amputations
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Paralysis of any kind
- Multiple breaks or fractures of bones
- Damage to the central nervous system that appears permanent or long-term
- The development of any serious neurological conditions or disorders
- Burn injuries that result in scarring or disfigurement
Catastrophic Injuries and Insurance Companies
Many insurance companies do not want to pay out astronomical sums to victims of serious or catastrophic injuries. However, you have the legal right to receive compensation for the following after a serious car accident resulted in serious injuries directly resulting from someone else’s negligence. Some of the items a victim may receive compensation for following a catastrophic accident may include ambulance bills, hospitalizations, doctor visits, surgeries, diagnostic testing, prescription medications, therapies, and treatments. In some cases, victims may need mental health therapy to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, victims may have the legal right to pursue compensation regarding their lost wages due to their inability to return to work as a result of their injuries. Property damage to the vehicle of the victim as well as the contents inside are also awarded in personal injury cases. Finally, if a victim has catastrophic injuries, they will likely have pain and suffering as well, which can be part of a settlement with an insurance company.
Reach Out to Us Today for Help
Insurance companies typically want to pay out as little as possible in settlements to victims of car accidents. Make sure to contact an experienced personal injury attorney today in order to ensure that your legal rights remain protected and that you have proper representation in negotiations with insurance companies. Learn how an experienced personal injury attorney can help you develop a strong personal injury case today for your catastrophic injuries by contacting our personal injury attorneys at O’Donnell Law Offices at 570-821-5717 or online. We proudly serve clients in Kingston, Wilkes Barre, Hazleton, and Pittston.
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