Examples of Injuries
Any injury, especially that caused by another person, is harmful to the victim and has the potential to disrupt their life temporarily. Our personal injury practice focuses on representing people with serious injuries. Catastrophic physical injuries are serious and can lead to severe emotional distress or mental illness, like depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If an injury is catastrophic and if a person suffers such an injury due to the fault of another person or entity in Illinois, maximum compensation should be the goal of any personal injury lawsuit.
At Marker & Crannell, our catastrophic injury attorney in Naperville aims to obtain maximum compensation for our clients. There are many factors that go into determining a just and fair amount of compensation, and through our analysis and committed representation, we will identify what that is and pursue it. Contact us at 630-995-9995 or using our contact form to schedule a Free Consultation and learn more about how we can help you and your loved ones.
Understanding Catastrophic Injuries in Illinois
In most states, catastrophic injuries are defined as severe injuries that have a life-changing impact on the person who experiences them. These are injuries that typically never fully heal or can never be fully repaired. They are also injuries that require significant, short-term medical treatment and consistent, long-term rehabilitative care.
People suffering from catastrophic injuries may not be able to return to gainful employment for an extended period, if ever. Victims of catastrophic injuries may never lead the life they enjoyed prior to the injury, and that is why these injuries deserve special consideration.
The most common types of catastrophic injuries involve the spinal cord, brain injuries, burns, or loss of limbs.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can result in changes to a person's strength and sensations. Not all spinal cord injuries are catastrophic, but those that cause paralysis, specifically paraplegia or quadriplegia, are considered catastrophic. In the worst case scenario, spinal cord injuries are fatal.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Brain injuries can result from sudden impact like an object striking the head or an object penetrating the skull and entering the brain. Brain injuries cause a range of symptoms, including changes to emotion, language, and cognitive abilities.
Like spinal cord injuries, not all brain injuries are catastrophic. TBIs can range from mild to moderate to severe. Treatment for moderate or severe TBI varies from medications to brain surgery or skull fracture repairs. In more severe TBI cases, life expectancy can be shortened dramatically.
Burn Injuries
Third-degree burns cause damage to body tissue and muscles. Scarring is significant, and skin grafting is often required. Pain from third-degree burns is extensive as is any subsequent disfigurement.
Limb Loss
The loss of a limb is devastating and irreparably alters that person's quality of life. A severely injured limb must often be amputated to prevent serious and potentially fatal infections. Amputations, however, have their own complications, like “phantom limb” pain or an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), heart attack, and other infections. Additional surgery or treatment may be required to minimize pain or repair issues that develop post-amputation.
Orthopedic Injuries
Broken bones, torn ligaments, or damaged cartilage will likely cause symptoms for a lifetime. Post-traumatic arthritis, hardware removal, revisions, scarring, issues with range of motion, and complications are all things you are entitled to recover for not just in the past, but also for the future.
Wrongful Death
When someone dies as the result of someone else's negligence or malpractice, the decedent is taken away from their family and loved ones. A wrongful death case recognizes the value of our personal and familial relationships and provides an avenue of recovery for the loved ones for their loss.
Other Potentially Catastrophic Injuries
Other potentially catastrophic injuries include:
- Loss of sight
- Loss of hearing
- Facial deformities
- Nerve damage
- Neurological damage
- Severe organ damage
- Mesothelioma or other occupational illness
- Reproductive system damage
Though not exhaustive, this list provides an idea of what other injuries may be catastrophic and, thus, require special attention with respect to available remedies.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in Naperville Today
Doctors often recommend extended medical care and physical therapy to victims of catastrophic injuries because the resulting conditions may continue indefinitely. Our Illinois accident lawyer will guide you through your treatment process and keep accurate records of your progress. Our legal team will represent you and your family in seeking injury compensation from those at fault. This monetary recovery will help cover your medical bills and compensate you, in part, for your pain and suffering.
Contact Marker & Crannell today by filling out the online form or calling us at 630-995-9995. We will schedule a Free Consultation to discuss your case and a plan to move forward toward recovery.