Experienced Portland Catastrophic Injury Attorneys
Portland Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
Find out why we are some of the best Portland catastrophic injury lawyers
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 serious types of injuries and can have long-lasting effects. These include:
- traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- spinal cord injuries
- severe burns
- amputations
- other significant physical harm
Depending on the circumstances, a catastrophic injury may be caused by:
- motor vehicle accident
- medical malpractice
- another form of negligence
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.
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 effects
- cognitive effects
- psychological effects.
Symptoms of TBI may include:
- confusion
- memory loss
- difficulty concentration
- headaches
- seizures
- impaired coordination
- sensory deficits
- mood changes
- depression
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. 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
- other hazardous materials.
At Goldberg & Loren our attorneys will provide knowledgeable legal counsel and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the claims process.
Table of Contents
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Types of Catastrophic Injuries
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Traumatic Brain Injuries
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Spinal Cord Injuries
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Severe Burns
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Amputations
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Determining Fault in a Catastrophic Injury Claim
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Duty of Care and Negligence
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Gathering Evidence to Prove Fault
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Damages Available in a Catastrophic Injury Claim
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Medical Expenses, Lost Income, and Pain & Suffering Awards
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Punitive Damages for Intentional or Reckless Behavior
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Contact Our Experienced Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Today
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
- 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.
Determining Fault in a Catastrophic Injury Claim
Determining fault in a catastrophic injury claim is an important step that can be challenging to navigate. It is important to know who is responsible for the accident in order to be able to pursue compensation from the liable party.
An experienced catastrophic injury attorney can help you identify all of the parties who may be at fault and build a compelling case against them. At Goldberg & Loren our Portland personal injury lawyers will work with medical experts to:
- review medical records
- interview witnesses
- obtain other evidence that may support your claim.
They may also consult with experts in relevant fields including engineering or product liability if necessary.
Once the fault has been established, your attorney can then negotiate with insurance companies or file a lawsuit on your behalf in order to seek maximum compensation for your losses.
The process of determining fault in a catastrophic injury claim is essential to obtaining the compensation you deserve.
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. It’s important to establish duty of care when determining liability in a catastrophic injury case.
Negligence is the failure to exercise 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
- witness statements
- photographs
- records of any previous injuries or accidents involving the at-fault party.
At Goldberg & Loren, our experienced personal injury attorney will be able to provide you with guidance on how to collect and present this evidence in court.
It is also important to keep detailed records of all expenses related to your injury, including medical bills, lost wages, and other costs associated with treatment and rehabilitation.
Damages Available in a Catastrophic Injury Claim
In the event of a catastrophic injury, victims are entitled to pursue damages to help cover:
- medical bills
- lost wages
- mental anguish
- pain and suffering
- physical disability
- emotional distress
- other expenses associated with their injury.
Family members of the victim may also be eligible for financial recovery if the injury resulted in a wrongful death.
At Goldberg & Loren, our personal injury lawyers experienced in catastrophic injury claims can provide legal advice regarding the types of damages that may be available in your situation.
In certain cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to victims if it is determined that the at-fault party acted recklessly or with intent to cause harm. It is important to note that any damages recovered should reflect the full extent of your losses due to your catastrophic injury.
Our experienced attorneys will ensure that you receive maximum compensation on a contingency fee basis so you don’t have to worry about paying out-of-pocket costs.
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.
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.
These damages serve as a deterrent for similar behavior in the future and therefore must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Punitive damages may be awarded when the defendant acted with knowledge that their actions would cause physical harm, or when they engaged in reckless behavior that showed disregard for another person’s safety.
In these cases, punitive damages may be awarded on top of any compensatory damages the plaintiff is entitled to receive. It is important to remember that punitive damage awards are not guaranteed.
Contact Our Experienced Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Today
If you have suffered a catastrophic injury, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. At Goldberg & Loren, our experienced catastrophic injury lawyers are committed to helping victims receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries.
We understand the impact these injuries can have on a person’s physical and emotional well-being, and we strive to ensure that victims receive maximum compensation for their losses. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Goldberg & Loren Personal Injury Attorneys
6500 S Macadam Ave #300,
Portland, OR 97239
(971) 339-8080
If an accident left you or a loved one with catastrophic injuries we may be able to help. Contact us for a free consultation.
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