How Much is an Illinois Catastrophic Injury Claim Worth?

 Posted on September 20, 2023 in Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injury claims are worth much more than other personal injury claims. If you suffered such an injury, it is imperative that you receive the compensation you deserve. Teaming with a knowledgeable Winnebago County catastrophic injury attorney can help you meet this goal.

All personal injuries are preventable and have negative financial implications. However, catastrophic injuries have lengthy and far-reaching consequences. As such, they are treated differently and require the careful attention of an experienced Winnebago County catastrophic injury lawyer.

What is a Catastrophic Injury?

What sets catastrophic injuries apart from other personal injuries is that they are much more devastating and expensive. If someone falls and breaks their ankle, of course, they will suffer pain, possibly require surgery, or physical therapy, and might be out of work for a few months. 

On the other hand, if someone falls and sustains a head injury, they might never be the same. They might not be able to take care of themselves or ever work again in the future. A Winnebago County catastrophic injury attorney can help victims and their families recover financial compensation for these extreme injuries.

Examples of catastrophic injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) which can cause life-long thinking dysfunctions, abnormal speech and language, emotional problems, and decreased ability to move arms and legs.
• Spinal cord injury (SCI) which can lead to partial or total paralysis, exaggerated reflexes and spasms, chronic pain, respiratory and circulatory problems, and the loss of bowel and bladder control.
• Severe burn injury which can also result in limb loss, disfigurement, infections, and permanent disability, depending on the area and extent of the burns.
• Limb loss in an accident which often leads to incredible physical and emotional challenges for the amputee and their loved ones.
• Ruptured organs such as kidneys, spleen, liver, or bowels from a car or other accident resulting in potentially life-threatening internal bleeding.

Damages in a Catastrophic Injury Case

Each catastrophic injury claim is unique, and putting a price tag on such severe injuries can be challenging. Damages in a catastrophic injury case are often insurmountable. Determining the value of a victim's damages usually requires the skill and expertise of a catastrophic injury lawyer and accounting and financial experts. Not only will victims have damages now but also far into the future. Their damages might include:

• Emergency medical care
• Future medical expenses
• Visiting nursing care
• Prescription and over-the-counter medications
• Physical and occupational therapies
• Mental health counseling
• Medical equipment 
• Costs to retrofit a home to accommodate a wheelchair or other changes
• Lost wages
• Diminished earning capacity
• Disfigurement
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

Contact a Winnebago County, IL Catastrophic Injury for Help

Every catastrophic claim value is different. You can learn what yours might be worth, maximize your compensation, and secure your legal rights by talking to a Rockford catastrophic injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Contact Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Injury Law online or by phone at 815-215-7561 today to schedule your free catastrophic injury case consultation.