Calculating Future Medical Costs in a Catastrophic Injury Case

A catastrophic injury is any permanent or life-altering injury that impairs a person’s motor or cognitive functions. While a personal injury victim is often eligible to recover costs related to surgeries, doctor’s visits, physical therapy, and other present medical costs, catastrophic injury victims may recover both present and future medical damages. If you’ve suffered a devastating accident in Charleston, SC, our experienced injury lawyers will fight to help you recover the maximum compensation available to you.

Common Catastrophic Injuries in Charleston, SC

Common injuries in a catastrophic accident may include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Any strike, bump, or blow to the head can result in significant damage to the brain, known as a traumatic brain injury. A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, may be caused by either a closed or open head injury. In a closed brain injury, the head is jostled violently back and forth, causing the bony skull to damage delicate brain tissue.

This differs from an open head injury, in which an object penetrates the skull and punctures the brain. Symptoms of a TBI will range based on severity and extent of damage, but may include headaches, nausea, dizziness, visual impairment, and seizures.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord is a long, tubular structure composed of nerve tissue that extends from the base of the skull to the tailbone. A spinal injury occurs anytime there is injury to any of the nerves that transmit signals from the brain to the rest of the body. Given the crucial role played by the spinal cord, damage to it can result in cognitive or motor impairment.

The degree of impairment will depend on the site and severity of the injury. Symptoms may present as numbness or tingling in the extremities, spasticity (muscles that remain flexed), bladder and bowel dysfunction, body temperature dysregulation, and paralysis.

Severe Burns

A catastrophic burn injury can lead to infection, organ damage, breathing problems, and other serious consequences. Thermal and chemical burns are considered the most severe types of burns since they can cause irreversible cell damage and potential death. Depending on the type of chemical, concentration, and duration of contact, a chemical burn can potentially damage internal organs, destroy DNA, and increase your risk of cancer. Like a thermal burn, a chemical burn can cause death.

Crush Injuries

When excessive pressure is applied to a body part for a prolonged period, crush injuries can occur. Causes may include becoming trapped under a collapsed building or pinned underneath a car. Symptoms may present as a rapid heart rate, trouble breathing, bleeding, bruising, and intense pain. Even after blood flow is restored, a person may experience permanent muscle weakness, loss of dexterity, and disfigurement.

Traumatic Amputations

A traumatic amputation occurs when an accident severs a limb or digit, such as a finger or toe. These injuries often result from motor vehicle crashes, explosions, or workplace accidents. Beyond the immediate effects—such as swelling, infection, and loss of mobility—many amputees also suffer from phantom pain. This condition, caused by abnormal nerve signals to the brain, is common after an amputation. While phantom pain may gradually improve or resolve, some people continue to experience it for life.

Compensation for Catastrophic Injuries

While a catastrophic injury in the workplace would be covered under a workers’ compensation claim, personal injury victims must advocate for just compensation. Unlike your average personal injury, a catastrophic injury accident comes with ongoing medical expenses. These may include revision surgeries, rehabilitative therapies, and hospitalizations.

It is estimated that during a lifetime, a catastrophic injury victim will spend between $1.5 to $2.6 million in medical bills. Sadly, a person who experiences a devastating injury may never be able to perform routine tasks. Many require intensive around-the-clock care for the rest of their lives, with their health steadily declining. If another’s negligence caused your injury, you should not pay a penny for any costs.

Speak with Our Dedicated Injury Lawyers

Given what you have gone through, you deserve compensation for the totality of your medical bills. As a catastrophic injury survivor, you should be given the financial resources you need to treat your condition if required. At Mark C. Tanenbaum, our injury attorneys are devoted to helping those who have survived a brush with death. If you would like to learn what medical damages you may be able to recover, our legal team is ready to assist you. To schedule a free consultation, contact us online or by calling (843) 577-5100.