Your accident was no fender-bender or minor slip and fall. Because someone made a choice that disregarded the well-being of others, you are now facing a lifetime of pain, a permanent disability, or an unspeakable loss. What you need is a tireless advocate who will bring his decades of experience winning big verdicts to fight for you. Call Scott Blankenship to discuss your case in a free consultation. If he thinks he can make a difference in your case, he will tell you how and get to work!
Accidents That Can Cause Catastrophic Injuries
Any traumatic accident can result in life-changing injuries or death. When negligence, carelessness, or intentional action on the part of a driver, property owner, doctor, subcontractor, or manufacturer causes an accident that leaves people seriously hurt, they can be held accountable.
Typical catastrophic accidents include:
- Vehicle accidents. High-speed collisions or accidents involving cars, motorcycles, or commercial semi-trucks can result in catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or severe orthopedic injuries.
- Medical malpractice. Errors during surgery, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, or birth injuries can result in catastrophic harm to patients, including permanent disabilities, organ damage, or wrongful death.
- Premises liability incidents. Falls, drownings, electrical shocks, assaults, and other accidents can happen when property owners fail in their duties to keep premises clear of hazards and safe for visitors.
- Construction site accidents. Falls from heights, scaffold collapses, equipment malfunctions, or being struck by falling objects at construction sites can lead to catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord injuries, amputations, or severe head trauma. When the negligence of a party other than your employer is to blame for the accident, they can be held accountable through a personal injury claim.
- Industrial accidents. Explosions, chemical spills, machinery malfunctions, or fires in industrial settings can cause severe injuries, such as severe burns, respiratory damage, amputations, or electrocutions.
- Defective products. Product defects, such as faulty machinery, dangerous pharmaceuticals, or defective automobiles, can cause catastrophic injuries, including severe burns, internal organ damage, or permanent disabilities.
- Workplace accidents. Accidents in hazardous work environments, such as construction, mining, or manufacturing, can cause catastrophic injuries, including crush injuries, traumatic amputations, or severe head trauma. When workers' compensation does not apply, a personal injury lawsuit might be possible.
Injuries That May Be Classified as Catastrophic
While there is no set legal definition of a catastrophic injury, the term is often used to refer to injuries that require life-saving medical care at the time of the accident and result in long-term or permanent disability. Examples include the following:
- Spinal cord injuries. Catastrophic accidents can result in damage to the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries can significantly impact motor and sensory functions below the site of the injury, potentially causing permanent disability.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Severe blows or jolts to the head can cause traumatic brain injuries. TBIs can result in cognitive impairments, memory loss, difficulty with speech or motor skills, and changes in behavior or mood. The long-term consequences of TBIs can vary greatly depending on the severity and location of the injury.
- Amputations. Catastrophic accidents may lead to the traumatic loss of limbs or extremities. Amputations can have profound physical and emotional effects on individuals, requiring extensive rehabilitation and adjustments to daily life.
- Severe burns. Accidents involving fires, explosions, or exposure to hazardous substances can result in severe burn injuries. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts and specialized care, and can leave lasting physical and emotional scars.
- Multiple fractures. High-impact accidents can cause multiple fractures throughout the body. These injuries can be complex, requiring surgery, rehabilitation, and prolonged recovery periods. Fractures can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and potential long-term complications.
- Internal organ damage. Catastrophic accidents may result in damage to internal organs such as the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries often require immediate medical intervention and may necessitate surgery or ongoing monitoring and treatment.
- Severe emotional distress. Catastrophic injuries can cause significant emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other psychological conditions. Emotional distress can greatly impact an individual's overall well-being and quality of life.
- Wrongful death. In the most tragic cases, catastrophic accidents can result in the loss of life. Wrongful death claims can arise when the negligence or wrongful actions of another party lead to fatal injuries. Surviving family members may seek compensation for the emotional and financial losses resulting from the death.
The Blankenship Law Firm Takes on Tough Injury Cases
The Blankenship Law Firm is dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured victims all over the state of Washington and in Oregon and Alaska. If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a catastrophic accident, you can count on us to hold the liable party accountable. Our attorneys have won sizable verdicts and settlements in personal injury claims. Fill out our contact form to find out if we can help you, too.