A catastrophic injury is a severe and life-altering injury that typically results in long-term or permanent disabilities and has a profound impact on an individual’s ability to function and lead a normal life. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, ongoing care, and significant lifestyle adjustments.

After a catastrophic accident, you can count on the Rizk Law team to stand by your side, fighting relentlessly for justice and the compensation you deserve. Our unwavering commitment to serving those who have suffered catastrophic injuries drives us to provide compassionate and comprehensive legal representation. Our Gresham catastrophic injury attorneys understand the immense toll these injuries take on individuals and their families—the pain, the uncertainty, and the overwhelming burden that comes with medical expenses, rehabilitation, and a lifetime of altered circumstances.

What Types of Injuries Are Considered Catastrophic?

While there is no universally defined list of catastrophic injuries, some examples include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

TBIs are severe brain injuries resulting from a blow or jolt to the head, causing cognitive impairments, memory loss, motor function difficulties, and potential changes in personality or behavior.

Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)

Accidents can damage the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and mobility limitations. SCI can result in paraplegia or quadriplegia, drastically impacting the individual’s independence and quality of life.

Amputations

Loss of limbs can occur either through surgical removal or traumatic accidents. Amputations have significant physical and emotional consequences, requiring rehabilitation, prosthetic devices, and adjustments to daily activities.

Severe Burns

Extensive burns can cause disfigurement, scarring, and physical disabilities. Burns may require numerous surgeries, skin grafts, and ongoing medical treatment for pain management and functional restoration.

Multiple Fractures

Accidents can result in injuries involving multiple broken bones, often resulting from high-impact accidents such as car crashes or falls. Multiple fractures can lead to chronic pain, mobility issues, and prolonged recovery periods.

Organ Damage

Some serious accidents can result in significant damage or loss of function to vital organs, such as the heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys. Organ damage can result from trauma, medical negligence, or catastrophic medical events, often requiring ongoing medical intervention or transplantation.

Severe Orthopedic Injuries

Orthopedic issues may include complex fractures, joint dislocations, or injuries affecting the musculoskeletal system. These injuries can lead to chronic pain, mobility limitations, and a reduced ability to perform daily activities.

The classification of a catastrophic injury may vary depending on legal and insurance contexts. The severity of the injury, its long-term consequences, and the impact on the individual’s ability to live a normal life are key factors in determining whether an injury is considered catastrophic.

Types of Damages Available in Catastrophic Injury Cases

In personal injury cases involving catastrophic injuries, various types of damages may be available to compensate the injured party for their losses. Here are some common types of damages that may be pursued with the help of a Gresham catastrophic injury lawyer:

  • Medical expenses: This includes the cost of past, present, and future medical treatments, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, assistive devices, rehabilitation programs, and any other necessary medical care related to the injury.
  • Lost wages: If the injury has caused the victim to miss work or be unable to work in the future, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
  • Pain and suffering: This category covers physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and the overall suffering experienced as a result of the catastrophic injury. It aims to provide compensation for the non-economic impact of the injury.
  • Disability and impairment: If the injury has resulted in a long-term or permanent disability, the injured party may be eligible for compensation to account for the limitations, impairment, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the disability.
  • Loss of consortium: In some cases, the spouse or family members of the injured person may be entitled to damages for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy resulting from the injury.
  • Property damage: If personal property was damaged or destroyed due to the incident, such as a vehicle in a car accident, the cost of repairs or replacement may be recoverable.
  • Punitive damages: In cases where the responsible party’s actions were particularly egregious or involved willful misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

The availability and extent of these damages can vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case. A Rizk Law Gresham catastrophic injury lawyer will help determine which types of damages are relevant to your situation and how to pursue them effectively.

Pursue Compensation After a Catastrophic Injury in Gresham, Oregon

Rizk Law Gresham catastrophic injury lawyers recognize that your story is unique, and we take the time to listen, understand, and tailor our approach to meet your specific needs. We believe that effective legal representation goes beyond the courtroom—it means providing unwavering support, guidance, and empathy throughout the entire process.

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, don’t wait to seek legal representation. Time is of the essence in personal injury cases, and the sooner you act, the stronger your case can be. Contact our Gresham catastrophic injury attorneys today to schedule a free consultation. Call (503) 342-0783 or reach out to us online to get started.