What Are Considered Catastrophic Injuries In A Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Accident?

A catastrophic injury can happen in any motor vehicle accident, but they are especially common in truck accidents. The difference in size and weight between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle leaves the occupants of the passenger vehicle at a very high risk for catastrophic injuries. Sadly, catastrophic injuries have devastating consequences that impact a person’s life forever. As an experienced Massachusetts truck accident attorney, I have seen this in many commercial truck accident cases.

Categorizing Catastrophic Injuries

Not every severe injury is categorized as catastrophic. Catastrophic injuries are usually defined as injuries that impact a person’s quality of life. In most cases, a catastrophic injury has a permanent impact and the conditions associated with this type of injury are irreversible. Catastrophic injuries can also be fatal.

Examples of injuries that would fit in this category include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Burn injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Amputation of extremities
• Birth injuries
• Paralysis
• Damage to internal organs
• Vision loss
• Hearing loss

The Challenges Of Catastrophic Injuries

Obviously, the trauma of the injury is the first challenge a patient must deal with after an accident. After the immediate concern has passed, the injured person and his or her family must deal with the need for ongoing treatment. For some injuries, multiple surgeries may be required. For others, it may mean months or years of physical therapy. In extreme cases, the person may require personal care because he or she is no longer able to perform the tasks required to take care of personal needs.

An additional issue is the emotional toll catastrophic injuries take on the person as he or she adjusts to the disability or medical condition. The person may no longer be able to work or must find another job where that allows for limited abilities. The inability to work often leads to financial problems as medical bills mount and the loss of income continues.

For victims of catastrophic injuries, their lives are no longer the same. They must learn how to rebuild their lives with a new sense of normalcy. Contributing to the challenges is the need to deal with the insurance company for the other party to fight for compensation for damages, losses, and injuries.

Legal Representation For Catastrophic Injury

It’s important to seek assistance from a Massachusetts truck accident attorney as soon as possible after you suffer a catastrophic injury. As you deal with the ramifications of your injury or a family member’s injury, you don’t want to handle the legal details of an accident claim in addition to the physical and emotional stress of the injury. However, you want to be sure you receive the compensation you deserve.

An experienced Massachusetts truck accident attorney can review your case and determine how much compensation you are entitled to receive for your accident claim. Your attorney can talk to medical experts about your prognosis and the need for ongoing treatment. Determining your future medical expenses, lost wages, and degree of permanent disability is crucial to calculating the correct value of your injury claim.

The sooner you retain an attorney, the sooner your attorney can begin to gather evidence and build your case. Having an attorney by your side from the beginning is good for your case but also good for you. Our Massachusetts truck accident attorney can provide the support, guidance, and advice you need as you work to put your life back together after suffering a catastrophic injury.

Call Our Office Now For A Free Consultation

Don’t try to get through this situation on your own. Contact Tapalian Law by telephone at 401-552-5000 or use our online contact form. We represent clients throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Our attorneys come to you if you cannot come to us. It does not cost you anything to get the advice of an experienced and skilled Massachusetts truck accident attorney. Before you make any decisions, get the facts and a free case evaluation.

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