A life-changing injury, also called a catastrophic injury, is any injury that is so serious that it results in some form of permanent disability, long-term health problem, or a reduction in the individual’s life expectancy. These types of injuries impact your daily life and often may affect your ability to walk, talk, hear, and see. It often prevents you from returning to your job, continuing your education, or doing things you used to do before the injury. You may need lifelong caretakers. Furthermore, life-changing injuries often require intense, ongoing medical care.
Popham Law Firm of Kansas City, Missouri is a collective of civil rights and personal injury lawyers with different legal practice specialties and experiences. We are familiar with this type of injury and are prepared to help you or a love done get the compensation needed to deal with current and future financial burdens.
The Most Common Life-Changing Injuries
There are various types of life-changing injuries. Five of the most common catastrophic injuries in are:
1. Traumatic Brain Injuries. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be caused by a forceful bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, or from an object that pierces the skull and enters the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI. Although some injuries to the brain are mild, others, like TBI, can be life altering.
If you experience a TBI, you could suffer long-term symptoms such as memory loss, loss of motor skills or mobility, balance problems, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, vision loss, and personality changes. Individuals with traumatic brain injuries may need extensive physical and occupational therapy.
2. Spinal Injuries. A spinal cord injury (SCI) refers to damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal. The spinal cord extends from the lower part of the brain down through the lower back.
SCI damage can cause temporary or permanent changes in sensation, movement, strength, and body functions below the site of injury. They are often the result of an impact to the back, neck, or shoulders. There are two types of spinal cord injury—complete and incomplete. A complete injury means all feeling and the ability to control movement are lost below the spinal cord injury.
If your spinal cord is fully severed, you may never regain motor function and be required to rely on mobility assistance, physical therapy, and medical care to cope with your condition. A person can be a paraplegic or quadriplegic as a result.
3. Traumatic Amputation (loss of a limb).A traumatic amputation occurs when an accident or act severs a person’s limb. This type of amputation is devastating and leads to permanent disability. A person with this type of loss will likely need physical and occupational therapy. Furthermore, individuals who have lost a limb are at a higher risk for anxiety, depression, isolation, and suicide.
4. Loss of Sight or Hearing. Losing your vision or hearing because of a catastrophic injury is an extremely frightening experience. Many patients who suffer this life changing injury can also experience chronic pain. Some common causes of vision or hearing loss include blunt force head trauma, motor vehicle accidents, blast injuries, and surgery malpractice.
5. Burn Injuries. Serious burn injuries can impact a person’s muscle, tendons, nerves, and deep tissue. They usually require skin grafts and plastic surgery. Burns can result in permanent disfigurement, which can lead to depression and other mental health issues. Additionally, burn victims are at high risk for secondary health concerns, such as infection, organ failure, and pneumonia.
Type of Accidents That Cause Life-Changing Injuries
The causes of a life-changing injury are numerous. However, the most common causes of catastrophic injuries in Missouri include:
· Car accidents,
· Work accidents,
· Slip and falls,
· Medical malpractice,
· Sports accidents, and
· Assaults.
What Should You Do If You or a Loved One Suffered a Life-Changing Injury?
If you have suffered a life-changing injury, it is critical to reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney, like the attorneys of The Popham Law Firm. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness, you maybe entitled to damages. Often these types of injuries result in ongoing medical expenses and affect the ability to return to work (loss of income). You may also be entitled to pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and other related damages.
At Popham Law, our attorneys will be able to guide you to make a claim for damages such as loss of past and future earnings, past and future medical expenses, and pain and suffering. We want to make sure you do not jeopardize your future by agreeing to a low settlement amount. As your attorney, we will investigate your case, calculate the amount to request, and negotiate with the insurance company and other responsible parties. If necessary, we will take your case to trial and aggressively fight on your behalf.
How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit for Catastrophic Injuries in Missouri?
In Missouri, you must file your personal injury claim within five years of the accident. But do not wait, rather consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
Your Kansas City Personal Injury Attorney – The Popham Law Firm
At The Popham Law Firm, we believe the best legal outcomes happen when lawyers commit to clients, not just results. We’re dedicated to exceeding your expectations in every way— from the way we treat you to the size of your settlement. Contact The Popham Law Firm to learn how we can help you. Call 816-221-2288 or 1-844-243-2288 for a free consultation and learn if you have a case.
