What is a Catastrophic Injury & Am I Eligible for Compensation?

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There is nothing worse than sustaining a serious injury, especially in an accident that was caused by someone else’s careless actions. Unfortunately, people are wrongfully injured every single day here in the state of Maryland, and if you’re one of them, you’re most likely looking to receive compensation that can help you get your life back on track. As you may know, in some cases, these accidents can lead to critical injuries, known as catastrophic injuries. If you believe you sustained a catastrophic injury, you should read on and reach out to an experienced Prince George’s County personal injury attorney who can fight for the full compensation to which you are entitled. Here are some of the questions you may have about catastrophic injury cases in Maryland:

What is the definition of a catastrophic injury?

A catastrophic injury is essentially an injury that either significantly alters a person’s quality of living or permanently injures a person. Catastrophic injuries can occur just about anywhere and at any time, such as on the road, on unsafe properties, in an emergency room, and more. Just some of the most common examples of catastrophic injuries are as follows:

  • Neurological injuries
  • Spinal injuries or other injuries that cause paralysis
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Injuries during birth
  • Amputation
  • Nerve damage
  • Facial injuries
  • Scarring or disfigurement

What should I do if I’m hurt in an accident?

If you’re injured in an accident, you should do what you can to document exactly how the accident happened and the party responsible for your injuries. In some cases, especially when a person is catastrophically injured, this may not be possible, in which case you should just do what you can to stay safe and wait for emergency medical services to arrive at the scene. However, if you can, you should do your best to take the following steps:

  • Call the police.
  • Gather witness contact information.
  • Take pictures of your accident and its aftermath, including any property damaged in the accident, if applicable.
  • Keep copies of all medical documentation and bills associated with your injuries.
  • Get the liable party’s insurance information.

Once you’re treated in a hospital and are in stable condition, you should contact a competent attorney who can help you fight for financial compensation in a personal injury claim.

What damages can I recover if I’m catastrophically injured?

As long as we can satisfy the burden of proof and demonstrate that you were injured as a direct result of another party’s negligence, you should recover financial compensation to help you deal with the economic and non-economic damages caused by your accident. This can include the cost of surgeries, hospital overnights, rehabilitation, continued medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, lower quality of life, and more.

Contact Our Firm

If you suffered an injury or loss because of another person’s negligence, contact McCarthy, Winkelman, Mester & Offutt, L.L.P. today.

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