Accounting for Catastrophic Injury Expenses and Future Costs

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Suffered a catastrophic injury? It can have long-term effects physically, emotionally and financially. Contacting a personal injury lawyer in Arvada can ensure all of these areas are addressed in an injury claim. Read on to learn more about the consequences of catastrophic injury.

Evaluating the Cost of Injury Recovery

According to the National Safety Council, the average comprehensive cost of a catastrophic injury (incapacitating) in 2010 was $220,300. Even with insurance, it’s unlikely that most injured victims could financially recover, especially because most of these cases result in a long-term or permanent disability, preventing the individual from working.

The initial cost of a severe injury can be substantial. Some of the expenses that may be incurred include emergency medical services (ambulance and ER department), surgery and hospitalization.

The amount of time spent in a hospital will also impact the cost of an injury. For instance, someone who has suffered serious burns or a severe traumatic brain injury can spend months in a hospital.

As burdensome as these initial costs for a catastrophic injury can be, future expenses also need to be taken into consideration. Depending on the nature of the injury, it may require extensive therapy (physical, speech, occupational) or rehabilitation.

Assistive devices, such as braces, a walker or a wheelchair, may be required. The victim’s home may need to be fitted with accommodations for the use of a wheelchair in some cases.

Oftentimes a catastrophic injury will cause emotional problems that may need to be treated on a long-term basis like:

  • anxiety;
  • depression; and
  • post-traumatic stress disorder.

Future medical treatment such as surgery or getting fitted for a prosthetic should also be considered in the ultimate cost of injury recovery. Medical bills can quickly escalate into the hundreds of thousands and even millions.

Being out of work for months or years can impact recovery, too. If the injury results in permanent disability, a claim should take into account the victim’s earning potential.

Adding to lost earning potential, many families have to hire others to replace services once provided by the victim including:

  • childcare;
  • housekeeping; and
  • acting as caregiver.

Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries

The following are some of the types of injuries that may be catastrophic and can have a long-term or lifetime impact for the victim:

  • spinal cord injury;
  • back injury;
  • traumatic brain injury;
  • burn injuries; and
  • damage to organs.

Any injury that is disabling and reduces an individual’s quality of life could be considered catastrophic. It’s important that all current and future costs are considered when seeking damages in an injury claim.

Legal Representation from a Personal Injury Lawyer in Arvada

Serious traffic accidents on Interstate 76 or a main road in the Arvada area could result in complete devastation. Other incidents like a slip and fall or bicycle accident could also lead to serious injuries. To learn about the overall costs of injury recovery and the types of compensation you may be entitled to receive, contact D.J. Banovitz to speak with a personal injury lawyer in Arvada about your catastrophic injury – 303-300-5060.