Understanding Catastrophic Injuries And Your Rights in St. Louis, MO

Catastrophic injuries are severe and life-altering injuries that often result in long-term or permanent disability, significant medical expenses, and profound impacts on a victim’s quality of life.

These injuries can occur in various situations, including car accidents, workplace incidents, or slip and fall accidents.

As a personal injury lawyer in St. Louis, I’ve seen how these devastating injuries can affect victims and their families, not only physically and emotionally but also financially.

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

Catastrophic injuries typically involve damage to the spine, brain, or other critical parts of the body. Common types include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These can result from blows to the head, causing anything from temporary loss of function to permanent cognitive and physical impairments.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, drastically altering one’s independence and requiring extensive rehabilitation.
  • Severe Burns: Burns can result in disfigurement, permanent scarring, and require multiple surgeries, including skin grafts.
  • Amputations: The loss of a limb can affect mobility, employment, and mental health, leading to a lifetime of adjustments.

The Impact on Victims and Families

Catastrophic injuries often require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive devices, such as wheelchairs or prosthetics.

Additionally, victims may face ongoing pain, mental health challenges, and a significant reduction in their quality of life. For families, these injuries bring emotional strain and financial hardship, as they may need to adjust to a new reality and, in many cases, become primary caregivers.

Legal Rights for Catastrophic Injury Victims

In Missouri, if someone else’s negligence caused your catastrophic injury, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. This compensation can cover:

  • Medical expenses: Including surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and long-term care.
  • Lost wages and earning capacity: Catastrophic injuries often impact your ability to work, either temporarily or permanently.
  • Pain and suffering: Recognizing the profound emotional toll of such an injury.
  • Loss of consortium: For families affected by the injury.

Missouri follows a comparative fault system, which means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you might still be eligible for compensation. However, the amount may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Insurance companies may try to minimize the compensation you receive or even deny your claim altogether. Having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side can make a significant difference.

I will work to gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent you in court to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Get the Support You Need

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in St. Louis, you don’t have to face this battle alone.

Contact Sansone & Lauber today for a free consultation, and let’s discuss how we can help you secure the compensation needed to move forward with your life.

Together, we can fight for justice and support your journey to recovery.