What Are Catastrophic Injuries? | IL

 Posted on August 12, 2024 in Catastrophic Injuries

If you are injured in an accident, any injury can seem devastating. Yet certain kinds of accidents can produce injuries known as catastrophic injuries, which are more severe. Not only are these physical wounds extremely serious, but they can also have a significant effect on a victim’s long-term quality of life.

If the accident that caused your injuries is the result of someone else’s negligence, you likely qualify to receive compensation. In cases involving catastrophic injuries, the damages are usually high. Liable insurance companies do not like paying any claims, especially high-value cases. An effective personal injury lawyer from Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, will help you get the highest possible amount.

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

Although the state of Illinois does not have an official definition of the term, a catastrophic injury is generally considered one that is very severe and has long-lasting effects, such as permanent disability and diminished earning capacity. Examples of common catastrophic injuries caused by accidents include:

• Amputations or losing limbs

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Spinal cord damage, including paralysis

• Hearing or vision loss

• Burns

• Severe fractures

Whether these injuries result from slip-and-fall, car, truck, or another kind of qualifying accident, victims can obtain compensation if another party’s negligence caused their injury.

What Consequences Can Victims of Catastrophic Injuries Face?

As you can imagine, any of these and other severe injuries may require long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and learning how to cope with their lingering effects. Catastrophic injuries may also:

• Affect your future ability to work and earn an income

• Cause you to need ongoing care and assistance with everyday tasks

• Require modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate a disability

• Cause tremendous mental and emotional anguish or trauma

• Impact your self-image

• Reduce your ability to enjoy life

• Lead to pain and suffering

Victims with these injuries may be able to obtain reimbursement for both current and future qualifying expenses, along with compensation for non-economic damages. Partnering with Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, can ensure that you obtain all damages that you are eligible to receive.

Do Insurance Companies Pay Catastrophic Injury Claims Fairly?

Unfortunately, the higher the damages, the more reluctant the insurers are to pay claims. These companies may offer a low settlement amount that does not address future accident-related expenses and losses, hoping that you are not aware of the fact that you can negotiate for a higher payout.

They may also blame you unfairly for causing the accident that led to your injuries, which could reduce your settlement under Illinois modified comparative negligence laws. Insurers may also state that your injuries do not affect you as significantly as you say they do. These and other tactics are seen frequently in catastrophic injury cases.

Did you know that people with competent legal representation typically receive higher amounts of compensation than those who handle their cases alone? A skilled attorney from Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, will not let insurance companies take advantage of you.

Contact Our Experienced Rockford, IL Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Today

Dealing with the aftermath of a catastrophic injury is difficult enough without adding the stress and uncertainty of handling your compensation claim effectively. At Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois, we will handle your case so you can focus on recovery. Call us at 815-215-7561 for your free consultation with our highly qualified Winnebago County, IL personal injury attorneys today. You will not pay fees unless we win your case.