Catastrophic
or life-altering injuries result from a
myriad of situations, including vehicle
accidents, use of defective products,
premises liability and other general
negligence actions. Generally, a
catastrophic injury is considered to be an
injury that results in a permanent
impairment, such as the total or partial
loss of a limb (arm, hand, foot or leg),
loss of vision, a spinal cord injury, or
severe brain injury.
Other serious
injuries may, under certain circumstances,
also be considered catastrophic. For
example, a mild brain injury that results in
memory loss and prevents a doctor from
practicing medicine; a hearing loss that
prevents a musician from playing earning a
living as an orchestral musician; or a
severe arthritic condition or neurological
condition that requires additional care for
routine daily functions. Essentially,
any injury or condition that causes a
permanent loss of earning capacity or
impairment of at least one essential daily
function can be characterized as
catastrophic.
In such cases,
the proof of fault, or liability, is often
no different than in ordinary negligence
actions, such as automobile accident cases.
However, the analysis and proof of damages
in these cases can be both complicated and
costly. Typically, an economist or other
financial expert must be used to calculate
projected earning streams and reduce those
calculations to present value for
presentation at trial.
In addition,
vocational experts may be needed to testify
concerning a person's skills and lost
earning capacity. Finally, a
rehabilitation or life-care planner may be
needed to prepare a life-care plan to show
the expected costs of future care for
someone with a permanent disability.
The
Sheena Law Firm assists clients in serious
injuries including the following types of
catastrophic injuries:
We have
experience in evaluating, handling and
preparing catastrophic injury cases for
trial. We are familiar and have worked with
experts such as those outlined above to
properly assess and present proof of the
substantial economic damages resulting from
a catastrophic injury. If you, a family
member or loved one has suffered a
catastrophic injury, you should consult with
an attorney experienced in handling such
cases.
