What to do if you Suffer a Catastrophic Injury on the Job?

Catastrophic injuries are those that typically have a severe and long-lasting impact on the injured person's life. This type of injury can prevent someone from working or returning to their previous job and may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Despite being a devastating injury that can alter the rest of your life, there are ways you can get the proper compensation needed for this type of injury.

What is a catastrophic injury and what are some common examples?

Catastrophic injuries are those that have a significant and long-lasting impact on the victim's life. They can include physical injuries, such as a serious burn or head injury, or psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. However, it is important to be aware that PTSD and other psychological injuries are much harder to prove than a physical catastrophic injury.

Some catastrophic injuries can result in permanent disabilities, making it difficult or impossible for the victim to work or lead a normal life. Others may require extensive and ongoing medical treatment, which can be costly.

Catastrophic injuries can often be covered by workers' compensation, provided the injury occurred on the job. Some common examples of catastrophic injuries include:

1. Brain Injury  

If you suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) at work, you could suffer lifelong consequences depending on the type and severity of the injury. Any damage to the brain will likely affect the rest of the body whether it stems from internal bleeding, damage to the cell walls, etc. Even violent shaking of the head and neck can lead to a TBI.

2. Spinal Cord Injury

This spine is one of the most important parts of the body due to acting as a major structural component as well as sending crucial signals to other parts of the body. If it is damaged as a result of a catastrophic worksite accident, it could lead to numbness, improper signal transmission and even paralysis.

3. Amputation

The loss of a limb or body part is devastating and affects how a person goes about their life from that point on. They may be limited or unable to do many of the things they previously did which could result in them being unable to perform the occupational duties from before. 

4. Severe Burn

A severe burn can cause immense pain and damage. It can leave someone with major scars and often requires intensive surgery.  They may also not be able to perform the same duties as before.

5. Catastrophic Illness

This can develop from several factors including inhalation of toxic chemicals, exposure to dangerous material over time and a plethora of other issues that may arise on the job. It can leave the person unable to do many things and may even lead to death. According to OSHA, there were 4,764 work-related deaths in 2020 alone.

How does a catastrophic injury typically affect the victim's life?

Catastrophic injuries can have a devastating impact on victims and their families. These injuries often result in permanent disabilities, making it difficult or impossible for victims to return to work. Besides being difficult or impossible to return to their previous job, this type of injury can make it extremely difficult or impossible to get any other kind of employment. As a result, victims may face significant financial challenges.

In addition, catastrophic injuries can also have a profound emotional impact, leaving victims feeling isolated and overwhelmed. This is a burden that is difficult to calculate, but thankfully, workers' compensation benefits can help victims and their families cope with the financial and emotional consequences of a catastrophic injury. The right team of workers' comp. lawyers can help you navigate the tricky road of how to get the financial reward necessary to cover both physical and emotional wounds.

What can you do if you suffer a catastrophic injury?

Catastrophic injuries can have a life-altering impact on victims and their families. These injuries can be caused by a variety of accidents, including car crashes, workplace accidents, or medical malpractice. If you or a loved one suffers a catastrophic injury, it is important to understand your legal rights and options.

If the injury was caused by someone else's negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. This type of lawsuit allows victims to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. If the injury occurred at work, you may be able to file a workers' compensation claim. Workers' compensation benefits can help injured workers pay for medical expenses and lost wages.

It is important to consult with an experienced attorney if you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options. Do not try to take on a catastrophic injury case without the help of trained legal professionals since it is very easy to slip up or say something that can easily deny you any compensation. Likewise, they know the process very well and can help you in every step, so you get the highest likelihood of being fairly compensated.

How to get the proper compensation for your injury?

If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to understand how to seek the proper compensation. In many cases, catastrophic injuries can result in a lifetime of medical expenses and lost wages. In order to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of benefits possible, it is important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Your attorney will help you file a workers' compensation claim or a lawsuit against the person or company responsible for your injury. It is important to note that there are time limits in place for filing a lawsuit, so it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident.

Your attorney will work to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company or the other party involved in your case.

The most important thing you will need to provide to establish the best possible argument that you have suffered a catastrophic injury is evidence of your injuries. This may include medical records, witness statements, and other documentation. Your attorney will work with you to gather the necessary evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.

A catastrophic injury can be life-altering, both physically and emotionally. Victims often suffer from chronic pain, disabilities, and emotional trauma. In some cases, they may never fully recover from their injuries. If this injury occurred on the job, it is important to seek help from experienced workers' compensation specialists such as those at Cole, Fisher, Cole, O’Keefe + Mahoney. They will work to secure the maximum amount of benefits possible for you and your family.

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Cole, Fisher, Cole, O’Keefe + Mahoney is Central California’s leading workers’ compensation and social security disability law firm. With over 30 years of successful experience, we are committed to securing maximum benefits for our clients in the Fresno, California area. Schedule a free consultation today.