Catastrophic Injuries are Wide-ranging, Result in Permanent Inability to Work
Catastrophic injury is defined in the law as an injury with “direct and proximate consequences” that permanently prevents the individual from performing gainful work. When a catastrophic work injury occurs, the injured worker and his or her loved ones are faced with uncertainty about the future and concern about the course of treatment and recovery as well as the long-term emotional, financial and medical needs that result.
Catastrophic work injury cases differ from other personal injury and workers’ compensation cases due to the long-term financial and emotional toll associated with the injury and its impact on your lifestyle and that of your family. Catastrophic injuries often require years of medical treatment and therapy and interfere with the victims’ ability to work to financially support themselves and their families. Workers’ compensation will help provide for immediate medical expenses and a portion of lost wages; however, worker’s comp. is often insufficient to provide for your needs long term.
Catastrophic Injury Categories
Catastrophic injuries fall into four categories:
- Traumatic orthopedic injuries including fractures, dislocations or amputation that require multiple surgeries to correct and have long-term symptoms including pain, stiffness, nerve damage, and limited range of motion.
- Severe burns such as third- and fourth-degree burns over large areas of the body. Depending on the severity, these injuries may require skin grafts, surgery and physical therapy and may cause chronic pain, limited range of motion and permanent nerve damage.
- Traumatic brain injury caused by blunt force to the head, falls, or being struck by an object. Long-term symptoms can include cognitive impairment, impaired senses, difficulty understanding language, inability to recognize common items, personality changes, depression, anxiety, and inability to concentrate.
- Spinal cord injuries can result in the loss of movement and sensation (paralysis) in one area of the body or several areas of the body. Paraplegia is paralysis of the lower limbs, and quadriplegia is paralysis of all limbs.
Specific Types of Catastrophic Work Injury
The following on-the-job injuries are considered to be catastrophic:
Not all injuries result in immediate symptoms. Blunt force trauma from falls, machinery accidents and heavy equipment malfunctions can result in severe internal injuries and requires responsible legal guidance.
We fight for compensation for the serious physical and emotional scarring in cases involving severe burns such as third-degree burns covering more than 50% of the body, fourth-, fifth- and sixth-degree burns.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to short-term to lifetime symptoms from mental health and memory deficits to permanent injury that may limit a person’s ability to function on an everyday level.
- Severe Nerve and Ligament Damage
Workplace accidents and work-related repetitive actions can result in severe nerve and ligament damage, permanent impairment and chronic pain. You may have a nerve injury lawsuit if your injury involves a third party.
A workplace accident leading to amputation is a life-altering injury that can result in loss of ability to work in your chosen profession and a substantial impact on quality of life.
Spinal injuries can lead to a host of complications, from chronic pain to partial loss of movement to paralysis. Trammell Piazza has experience achieving compensation for spinal cord injury victims.
- Paralysis (Paraplegia, Quadriplegia, Hemiplegia)
You may have a claim against a negligent third party that can helpfully compensate you for the impacts of paralysis due to a slip or fall or work-related vehicle, machinery or equipment accident.
Machines, chemicals and other hazards can contribute to serious eye damage and even permanent blindness. You may be entitled to an eye injury claim if your workplace injury is due to negligence.
Trammell Piazza – Experienced trial lawyers who are in your corner
Trammell Piazza Law Firm handles difficult catastrophic injury cases suffered in accidents, through negligence and those suffered in workplace accidents. We are your advocates in the courtroom and work tirelessly to win fair judgments that drive employers to provide safer work conditions and better protection for employees.
Trammell Piazza Law Firm’s experienced trial lawyers fight for victims of catastrophic worker injuries, construction accidents and injuries due to defective or faulty equipment to achieve maximum compensation for your injuries. An experienced attorney will review the details of your case and help you determine the best course of action.