A catastrophic injury can change nearly every part of your life. Instead of recovering within weeks or months, you may face years of medical treatment and uncertainty about your ability to work. The financial consequences can extend far beyond your initial medical bills, especially if you cannot work.

If another party’s negligence caused your injuries, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your damages. A Northfield catastrophic injury lawyer can investigate the accident and help you pursue your claim. Speaking to our compassionate personal injury attorneys can help you explore your legal options and determine what compensation may be available for your injuries.

When Is an Injury Catastrophic?

The term “catastrophic injury” is not defined in Minnesota law, but the term is informally used to describe the most serious personal injury cases. In general, this term is used to describe an injury that causes permanent or long-term disability, significantly reduces your independence, or substantially interferes with your ability to work and complete everyday activities.

The severity of an injury depends on more than the amount of pain you experience immediately after an accident. Factors like your long-term prognosis and the extent of any permanent limitations also matter. Let a Northfield catastrophic injury attorney help you understand the strength of your case.

What Are the Types of Catastrophic Injuries?

Catastrophic injuries can affect different parts of the body and create a wide range of permanent limitations. Although every injury is different, certain conditions can involve extensive treatment and lifelong consequences.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury occurs if an external force damages the brain. Serious brain injuries can affect your memory, concentration, speech, movement, emotional regulation, and ability to make decisions.

Severe Burns

Severe burns can damage the skin, nerves, muscles, and underlying tissue. Depending on the extent of your injuries, treatment can involve hospitalization, multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and prolonged rehabilitation.

Paralysis

Paralysis involves the loss of voluntary movement in one or more parts of the body. Depending on the location and severity of the underlying injury, paralysis can affect a single limb, both legs, one side of the body, or all four limbs.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Your spinal cord carries signals between your brain and the rest of your body. Damage to the spinal cord can interfere with movement, sensation, strength, and other essential bodily functions. Even if you retain the ability to walk, a serious spinal cord injury can prevent you from performing physically demanding work or participating in activities you previously enjoyed.

A Northfield attorney for catastrophic injury claims can help injured individuals pursue compensation for the long-term effects of these conditions. Our firm can evaluate your medical records and other evidence to determine the damages supported by your case.

What Compensation Is Available for Catastrophic Injuries?

The compensation available after a catastrophic injury depends on the severity of your condition and how it affects your life. Our attorneys handling Northfield catastrophic injury cases could help you seek damages for:

  • Lost wages during your recovery
  • Diminished future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Permanent disability
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Accurately calculating these damages matters because your future needs can change as you age. If your injuries require continued treatment or permanently limit your ability to earn income, those anticipated consequences should become part of your claim.

Reach Out to a Northfield Attorney About a Catastrophic Injury Today

If you are living with the consequences of a catastrophic injury, now is the time to explore your options. You may be entitled to damages.

That is where the support of a Northfield catastrophic injury lawyer comes in. At Maschka Personal Injury, our attorneys can handle every aspect of your case from beginning to end. Call today to learn more.