Richmond Catastrophic Injury Lawyers
When you’ve been hurt by the negligence of another, any injury is a serious injury, and our attorneys at Latham & Martin take on cases of all sizes dealing with injuries large and small. But certain injuries are so severe that they belong to a separate class, known as catastrophic injuries. A catastrophic injury is severe and permanent, and it is life-altering in many different ways. Catastrophic injury cases must be approached with a different degree of care and attention to detail to ensure that a full amount of compensation is recovered to deal not with just the immediate and short-term effects of the injury but with the lifelong costs of the harm that has been inflicted. If you or a loved one has suffered from one of these most serious injuries because of another’s negligence in Henrico, Hanover or Chesterfield County, call Latham & Martin, P.C., to discuss your needs with one of our compassionate and dedicated Richmond catastrophic injury lawyers.
Types of Accidents Leading to Catastrophic Injuries
Our comprehensive Richmond personal injury practice at Latham & Martin covers the full range of incidents that can result in catastrophic injuries, including falls, assaults, animal attacks, medical malpractice, defective products and more. In our experience, however, catastrophic injuries occur most often and are most likely in certain motor vehicle accidents. These include the following:
Car Accidents
Any car accident can cause serious injury, depending on a host of factors such as the speed of the vehicles, their various sizes and weights, the position of the vehicle occupants, the angle of collision and others. In any event, catastrophic injuries are most likely to result from a high-speed side impact (T-bone) crash, a rollover event, or a head-on collision. Factors such as speeding and drunk driving are often involved in these most horrific car accidents.
Truck Accidents
A 65-foot-long tractor-trailer can weigh up to 20 times more than a passenger vehicle. The sheer impact of these behemoths on even the heaviest pickup truck or most crashworthy SUV can be disastrous and leave the car’s occupants with catastrophic if not fatal injuries.
Bus Accidents
Similar to truck accidents, the size and weight of a city bus can demolish a smaller car and cause serious injury to its occupants. Bus accident claims against GRTC must be handled with special expertise compared to other motor vehicle accidents.
Train Crossing Collisions
A semi-truck or bus has nothing on the speed, size, weight and power of a train. Victims of collisions at railroad crossings who are lucky enough to survive are often left dealing with catastrophic injury.
Motorcycle, Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents
When it comes to traffic safety, motorcycle riders, cyclists and pedestrians are classified as “vulnerable road users.” Their total or near-total exposure to a car, truck or bus collision makes them especially likely to suffer catastrophic injury or wrongful death at the hands of a negligent driver.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries
So what are catastrophic injuries? Although there is no one precise or legal definition, a catastrophic injury is generally considered to be an injury that is permanent and disabling. The most common types of catastrophic injuries we see in our Richmond law office include the following:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries – A TBI can cause long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes, and emotional challenges.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – These can result in partial or complete paralysis from the waist down or over the entire body, significantly impacting one’s mobility, ability for self-care, and quality of life. In the most severe cases, injury victims require mechanical assistance merely to stay alive.
- Broken Bones – Severe fractures often require surgery and extensive rehabilitation, with some resulting in permanent disability. The worst types of broken bones in terms of healing and recovery tend to be compound and comminuted fractures.
- Burn Injuries – Serious burn injuries (third-degree or higher) can lead to scarring and disfigurement, and require prolonged medical treatment, including repeated surgeries and skin grafts. Burn injury victims often live with chronic pain, loss of sensation, and psychological injuries such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Loss of Limb – The loss of a limb is a profound injury that can affect every aspect of one’s life, from mobility to livelihood to self-identity.
- Back of Injuries – Injuries to the back can lead to chronic pain and disability, significantly impacting daily life.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Catastrophic Injury Claims
At Latham & Martin, we recognize the unique challenges and lifelong impacts of catastrophic injuries. We work with life care planners, economists, and other experts to build a comprehensive compensation package that acknowledges the lifetime challenges of living with a catastrophic injury. Armed with the facts, we are ready to negotiate an effective settlement or litigate as necessary to achieve the best result.
We focus on every aspect of your life affected by the injury, including:
- Quality of Life: Assessing the impact on your daily life, hobbies, and relationships.
- Shortened Life Expectancy: Evaluating the medical implications and how the injury may affect longevity.
- Chronic Pain & Disability: Understanding the continual pain, medical needs, and limitations.
- Cost of Living: Calculating the ongoing medical expenses, adaptive equipment, and care.
Contact Latham & Martin Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in Richmond, Virginia, contact Latham & Martin for advice and assistance. Our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to provide compassionate representation and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation.
