There are a few distinct differences between catastrophic injury cases and other personal injury cases. Understanding the differences can help you decide which type of legal case makes the most sense for you.
Injury Type
There are differences among the injury types of each case. A personal injury case may include a wide range of injuries, including broken bones, bruises, or whiplash. A catastrophic injury case includes more severe injuries, like temporary or permanent paralysis or brain injury. While traditional personal injuries can be life-changing and expensive, and painful to deal with, they’re not usually as extreme as a catastrophic injury.
Recovery Time
There are also big differences between the recovery time of each injury type. The recovery time of a personal injury may range greatly, between a few weeks to a few years. However, the recovery time for catastrophic injury cases is usually much longer. Some catastrophic injuries, like brain injuries or permanent disability, are for life. These injuries may prevent the person from returning to normal life.
Cost
Traditional personal injuries can be expensive. They may lead to medical bills and lost wages. The difference between catastrophic injury cases is that they include these costs and additional ones. Catastrophic injury cases may also include costs like housing renovations to accommodate mobility equipment, or even vehicle revamps for permanent conditions.
Emotional Damages
Typical personal injuries can have some emotional consequences. However, the likeliness of some emotional outcome is almost always the case with catastrophic injury cases. The injured person may lose their ability to enjoy the same hobbies or activities that they once did. Family members may lose emotional companionship or parental support.
The Need For A Lawyer
There are benefits of using a personal injury lawyer for both smaller personal injuries and catastrophic injury cases. Working with a lawyer for a traditional personal injury case allows you to focus on your recovery. A lawyer can also help you maximize the amount of compensation that you receive.
When it comes to catastrophic injury cases, you may not only want but need the funds to deal with your disability. Insurance sometimes covers initial damages, but many claims are limited to the policy maximum. Some personal injury cases may get close to this limit, but catastrophic injury cases are likely to exceed it. Working with a personal injury lawyer is crucial when dealing with catastrophic injury cases.
Recoverable Damages In A Personal Injury Case
New Jersey allows you to recover damages in both traditional personal injury and catastrophic injury cases. You may be able to recover costs like medical bills, rehabilitation, temporary transportation, lost wages, pain and suffering, and diminished earning capability. While the exact amount you can recover will vary depending on your damages, it’s important to work with a personal injury lawyer who considers both your short and long-term costs.
Sometimes, insurance companies only focus on the short-term, including the repayment of your previous medical bills. However, the costs you’re likely to incur due to the accident are just as important to consider.
Read more: How To Start A Personal Injury Claim In New Jersey
Contact A Hackensack Personal Injury Lawyer To Discuss Your Case In New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to an accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Camili & Capo, PA represent clients injured because of a personal injury in Hackensack, Newark, New Brunswick, Cedar Grove, and throughout New Jersey. Call (973) 834-8457 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 1 Lower Notch Road, Little Falls, New Jersey 07424.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
