Experienced Portland Catastrophic Injury Attorney
Portland Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
Find out why we are some of the best Portland Maine catastrophic injury attorneys
Catastrophic Injury Defined
A catastrophic injury is defined as any life-altering or permanent disability caused by an accident or other incident that can have a negative effect on the victim’s physical and/or mental health.
Catastrophic injuries can range from spinal cord damage to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and may result in long-term physical, mental, and emotional impairments. Injuries of this nature require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy.
Victims of catastrophic injuries often require years of treatment and support in order to rebuild their lives after the accident. Unfortunately, these costs can be financially devastating for the victim and their family members.
If you have suffered a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence, it is important that you seek legal advice as soon as possible in order to protect your rights and pursue compensation for your losses.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries are among the most severe injuries and can have long-lasting effects. These include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Severe burnsÂ
- AmputationsÂ
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are among the most serious and debilitating types of catastrophic injuries. TBIs can occur when a person’s head is subjected to a sudden, violent impact or jolt, such as in a car accident or slip and fall. These injuries can be mild or severe and can have:
- Long-lasting physical effectsÂ
- Cognitive effects
- Psychological effects
Symptoms of TBI may include:
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentration
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Impaired coordination
- Sensory deficits
- Mood changes
- Depression
Victims of these types of injuries may experience permanent disability or disfigurement that can affect their ability to work and enjoy life. In addition to physical pain and suffering, victims may also experience emotional distress due to the trauma associated with these severe accidents. [1]
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are among the most serious types of catastrophic injuries and can result in permanent disability or paralysis. These types of injuries occur when the spinal column is damaged due to a traumatic event such as:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Another form of negligence
Spinal cord injuries can cause nerve damage that affects the individual’s ability to move and feel sensations below the point of injury. Victims may also experience:
- Chronic pain
- Loss of bladder
- Bowel control
- Sexual dysfunction
- Other physical impairments
Severe Burns
Severe burns can be debilitating, disfiguring, and even fatal injuries. A burn is classified as severe when it affects more than 10 percent of an adult’s body surface area or any part of a child’s body.
In addition to the physical pain associated with this type of injury, victims may also suffer emotional trauma due to the extensive scarring that can result from these types of burns. Severe burns are typically caused by fire or electricity and may occur in accidents involving:
- Chemicals
- Machinery
- Hazardous materials
At Goldberg & Loren our attorneys will provide knowledgeable legal counsel and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the claims process. [2]
Amputations
Amputations can be traumatic events for injury victims, resulting in devastating physical and emotional damage. Amputations occur as a result of serious accidents such as:
- Car crashes
- Elevator accidents
- Falls
- Medical malpractice
Survivors often face long-term physical and psychological effects that may include:
- Loss of mobility and limb function
- Phantom limb pain
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Other long-term complications
Our Portland personal injury attorneys at Goldberg & Loren have over 30 years of experience representing victims of catastrophic injuries and their families.
Catastrophic injuries can be financially devastating for victims and their families. As such, it is important to seek legal representation to ensure that you receive fair compensation for all of your losses. Our personal injury lawyers will help you secure maximum financial recovery. [3]
Causes of Catastrophic Injuries
Depending on the circumstances, a catastrophic injury may be caused by:
- Defective Products - Malfunctioning or defective consumer products can cause harm resulting in catastrophic injuries. [4]
- Falls - Falling from heights or slipping/tripping accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, especially for older adults.
- Fires and Explosions - Burn injuries or trauma caused by fires or explosions can be catastrophic and life-altering.
- Motor vehicle accident - Collisions involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, or pedestrians can lead to catastrophic injuries.
- Medical malpractice - Surgical errors, misdiagnoses, or medication mistakes can lead to catastrophic injuries.
- Railroad Accidents - Train collisions or accidents involving railroad workers can cause devastating injuries.
Determining Fault in a Catastrophic Injury Claim
Our legal team will gather evidence regarding your personal injury claim and determine whether negligence has contributed to your injury. Â
Duty of Care and Negligence
Duty of care is a legal requirement that individuals or entities must act in accordance with what a reasonable person would do in similar circumstances.
Negligence is the failure to exercise the duty of care, and it can take many forms. For example, if a doctor fails to diagnose an illness or if an employer fails to provide safe working conditions, they have breached their duty of care and may be found liable for any resulting damages.
Gathering Evidence to Prove Fault
In order to receive fair compensation for your catastrophic injury, it is important to gather evidence that proves fault. This evidence can come from various sources, such as:
- Medical records and reports
- Photographs
- Records of any previous injuries or accidents involving the at-fault party
- Witness statements
Be sure to keep detailed records of all expenses related to your injury, including medical bills, lost wages, and other costs associated with treatment and rehabilitation.Â
Damages Available in a Catastrophic Injury Claim
In the event of a catastrophic injury, victims are entitled to pursue damages to help cover:
- Mental anguishÂ
- Physical disability
- Emotional distress
Medical Expenses, Lost Income, and Pain & Suffering Awards
Medical expenses, lost income, and pain & suffering awards are all damages that victims of catastrophic injuries can pursue.
- Medical expenses - Include any medical bills incurred as a result of the injury, as well as future medical costs associated with recovery.
- Lost income - Is calculated based on the victim’s wages prior to the injury and includes future earnings that may have been earned had the accident not occurred.
- Pain & suffering - Awards take into account physical pain and suffering associated with the injury, along with mental anguish and emotional distress.
- Wrongful Death - Family members of the victim may also be eligible for financial recovery if the injury resulted in a wrongful death.
Punitive Damages for Intentional or Reckless Behavior
Punitive damages are an additional form of compensation awarded to victims of catastrophic injury in cases where the at-fault party acted with intent, malice, or recklessness.
Punitive damages may be awarded when the defendant acted with the knowledge that their actions would cause physical harm or when they engaged in reckless behavior that showed disregard for another person’s safety.
Contact Our Experienced Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Today ​
If you have suffered a severe injury, contact our experienced catastrophic injury lawyers as soon as possible. At Goldberg & Loren, our attorneys are committed to helping you receive the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call us today for a free legal consultation.Â
Sources:
[1]Â M. (n.d.). Traumatic brain injury-Traumatic brain injury – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557
[2] J.D., C. B. (2023, January 20). What Is A Catastrophic Injury? Forbes Advisor. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/personal-injury/catastrophic-injury/
[3] R. (n.d.). What is a Catastrophic injury: Definition, Causes, and Prevention. NeuLife. https://neuliferehab.com/catastrophic-injury/
[4] Consumer Product Injuries – Injury Facts. (n.d.). Injury Facts. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/home-and-community/safety-topics/consumer-product-injuries/
Goldberg & Loren
180 Pool St, Suite 105,
Biddeford, ME 04005
(207) 977-2838
If you've recently experienced a catastrophic injury in Portland, we recommend reaching out to us for a consultation to assess the potential viability of your case and determine if it's worth pursuing.
We Represent Those Injured in Truck Accidents in the Following Cities and Communities Near Portland, Maine.
- Biddeford, ME
- Buxton, ME
- Cape Elizabeth, ME
- Falmouth, ME
- Freeport, ME
- Gorham, ME
- Gray, ME
- Old Orchard Beach ,ME
- Raymond, ME
- Saco, ME
- Scarborough, ME
- Standish, ME
- Westbrook, ME
- Yarmouth, ME
- Cumberland County Maine
- Sagadahoc County Maine
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