While a serious personal injury takes an immense physical, emotional, and financial toll, catastrophic injuries can prevent someone from returning to work or maintaining employment, oftentimes leading to additional distress. A study conducted by researchers at Harvard University found that more than half of all consumer bankruptcies are filed by people whose medical expenses have spiraled out of control after suffering a major illness or severe injury. Simple costs, such as hospitalization and medication, can gradually accumulate and eventually leave an accident victim and his/her family financially destitute.
If you or a loved one have been affected by a life-changing and traumatic injury, speak with an experienced and award-winning Chicago personal injury lawyer. Duncan Law Group can look into your claim and ensure that you are provided fair compensation for the losses that you have suffered.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
Catastrophic injuries, by definition, leave victims dealing with life-altering trauma that are long-lasting or even permanent. A catastrophic back injury could lead to paralysis; a serious traumatic brain injury (TBI) could result in lifelong medical complications. In addition to causing immense pain and suffering, the families of the victims may find their lives changed in order to ensure that the injured person is adequately cared for during this time.
One of the defining characteristics of catastrophic injury is determining the extent that the injury affects the overall quality of life of the person it affects. If basic and regular activities have become an extreme burden, you may be suffering from a catastrophic injury.
Common Catastrophic Injuries
Common injuries that may be considered “catastrophic” include:
These injuries can have a devastating impact on the lives of accident victims; an impact which usually spreads to the lives of their family members and them struggling to cope with the aftermath of the incident. If you or someone you love has been catastrophically injured, you should waste no time in contacting a Chicago catastrophic injury attorney from Duncan Law Group. Your initial consultation is free!
Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Chicago
Catastrophic injuries in Chicago often occur in high-risk environments and on busy roads throughout the city and surrounding areas. Common causes include:
An experienced Chicago personal injury attorney can work to identify every liable party, from negligent drivers and employers to property owners, healthcare providers, and product manufacturers.
Recoverable Damages in a Chicago Catastrophic Injury Claim
Because catastrophic injuries are so severe, the financial stakes in these cases are often substantial. In Illinois, victims may pursue several categories of damages in a catastrophic injury claim:
- Economic damages: Medical expenses (past and future), rehabilitation, assistive devices, in-home care, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and other out-of-pocket costs.
- Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.
- Punitive damages: In rare cases involving willful or reckless misconduct, punitive damages may be available to punish and deter especially egregious behavior.
Illinois does not impose caps on economic or non-economic damages in ordinary personal injury cases, including most catastrophic injury claims. This allows seriously injured people to seek full compensation for their losses. Skilled Chicago catastrophic injury attorneys can help document the full extent of your losses and present a compelling case for maximum compensation.
How Duncan Law Group Fights for Your Future in Chicago
Serious injuries can be emotionally and financially devastating. Beyond the cost of paying for the treatment you need to recover or even to survive, you may be facing a future in which you will be unable to earn an income to support yourself and your family, whether you are partially or totally disabled.
These costs might include:
- Hospitalization
- Prescription Medication
- Surgery
- Medical Testing
- Rehabilitation
- Physical Therapy
As a result, many people end up depleting their savings, children’s college funds, investments, and retirement accounts, watching their future plans evaporate under the weight of everyday living expenses.
A catastrophic injury claim is not only about money; in addition to pursuing monetary damages for your medical bills and your lost present and future income, but you also have a right to compensation for the pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Your life may never be the same again, but you may be able to receive payment to help offset the considerable emotional and physical toll inflicted by your injury.
Contact Our Chicago Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Today For Skilled Legal Guidance
To learn how much your case may be worth and to take the first steps in your claim for damages, contact Duncan Law Group now for a free consultation with an experienced Chicago catastrophic injury attorney.
Feel free to reach out and speak with our experienced team of professionals who are here to provide you with expert guidance.
