A catastrophic injury can change your entire life. Forbes Magazine defines catastrophic injuries as those that cause “permanent or long-lasting injury that does severe damage to major body parts.” Some notable examples of catastrophic injuries include spinal cord damage, severe traumatic brain injury (TBIs), amputations, and third-degree burns. Following a catastrophic accident, it is imperative that victims are able to secure the maximum available financial support—including for future medical costs and non-economic damages. Here, our Kansas City catastrophic injury lawyer provides a comprehensive overview of the financial compensation that you can recover in a catastrophic injury claim in Missouri or Kansas.
Property Damage
After a catastrophic injury, victims may receive compensation for damaged property. This is often an issue in auto accident claims. The compensation can include damages like the repair or replacement cost of vehicles.
Medical Bills
Medical expenses are often the most significant component of a catastrophic injury claim. It includes not only hospital bills but also expenses for surgeries, medications, physiotherapy, medical equipment, and any other treatments necessary for the victim’s recovery.
Ongoing and Future Medical Needs
Catastrophic injuries often lead to long-term or even lifelong medical needs. This can include ongoing medications, future surgeries, rehabilitative therapy, and long-term care or assisted living. It is crucial that the compensation awarded in a claim takes into account these future costs.
Lost Wages
If a victim cannot return to work during their recovery, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. Among other things, lost wages include not only the income lost during the period of recovery but also any bonuses, raises, or benefits that would have been earned.
Diminished Earning Potential
If a victim’s ability to work in their chosen field is permanently reduced due to their injuries, they can be compensated for this diminished earning capacity. Diminished earnings are a big issue in catastrophic injury claims.
Pain and Suffering
Courts recognize that catastrophic injuries cause significant emotional and physical suffering. The victim may receive compensation for this intangible harm, which includes factors such as emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and physical pain and suffering.
Permanent Disability or Disfigurement
If a catastrophic injury results in permanent disability or disfigurement, victims may receive compensation. These losses are intended to acknowledge the significant impact on the victim’s quality of life and personal self-esteem.
Punitive Damage
In limited cases—those being ones in which the defendant’s conduct was particularly reckless or malicious—the court may award punitive damages. These are intended to punish the defendant and deter others from similar conduct. Punitive damages are only awarded in a very small share of cases.
Contact Our Kansas City Catastrophic Injury Attorney Today
At House Law LLC, our Kansas City catastrophic injury lawyer is a compassionate, experienced, and justice-first advocate for victims and families. If you or your loved one suffered a severe burn, spinal cord damage, a TBI, or any other type of catastrophic injury, we can help. Contact our law firm today to set up a free, strictly confidential initial consultation. From our Kansas City law office, we handle catastrophic injury claims all across the surrounding areas in Missouri and Kansas.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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