An injury characterized as ‘catastrophic’ differs from those labeled ‘serious’ in a number of ways. To begin with an individual who suffers a catastrophic injury will likely have permanent disabilities that result in long-term debilitating effects for the remainder of the victim’s life.
Some of the most common types of catastrophic injuries include damage to the neck and back, burns, internal injuries, traumatic brain injury and either partial or full paralysis. The outcome of a catastrophic injury impacts not only the victim but often their families as well. In some cases the victim may require constant supervision and assistance – daily going forward from the time of the accident – which alters the lifestyles of all who reside within the home if the victim returns there. Too, no matter how serious the injury – some measure of rehabilitation is usually undertaken even if there is no hope of a full or substantial recovery. Rehabilitative efforts are encouraging for the patient and loved ones – even if they only result in minor improvement.
However, any and all accommodations are expensive – and can have a catastrophic impact on the family finances as well. It may leave the injured party unable to generate an income, present the family with ongoing medical costs and otherwise be financially draining.
In all, the effects of a catastrophic injury resonate through the lives of all who interact with the victim – some more profoundly than others. Finally, the permanent disability of a loved one draws upon the emotional reserves of all involved. For that reason alone – it is recommended that families seek recompense through the efforts of a personal injury attorney.
Unlike companies who hire attorneys everyday, most families are not accustomed to hiring attorneys to work for them. With the very serious injury requiring ongoing medical and long-term consequences, it is important that a family choose the best personal injury attorney they can find to help their cause.
There are many different ways to investigate attorneys you are considering to help you with your injury case. One of the best ways is to look at peer review resources such as Martindale.com which provides the ratings of a lawyer and a law firm provided by other attorneys in the community.
There are other similar rating sources, although they may not be a rating provided by other attorneys. There are other endorsements that tend to look authoritative but may actually be based on a financial relationship with the endorser and I would tend to question some of those.
Speaking with friends and family members is also a good way to get a referral in your quest to find the best legal help you can find. I would be leery of a recommendation to an attorney whose practice is not limited to personal injury for a catastrophic injury.
