When a significant, life-altering injury occurs, it can profoundly affect not only the victim, but loved ones as well. Brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, loss of sight or hearing, major medical conditions, amputation of limbs and other severe injuries can cause a family’s once-secure financial foundation to buckle under the weight of medical bills and loss of income. According to the Mayo Clinic, the emotional strain caused by these types of injuries leads to anxiety and trauma.
The financial challenges
The financial challenges accompanying catastrophic injuries profoundly impact both the injured person and family members. Extensive, ongoing medical treatment can be exorbitantly expensive, even with insurance coverage. Typically, insurance companies cover a part of the immediate medical care, but they may not provide for long-term care or cover the full extent of medical bills. Significant expenses can include:
- Immediate Medical Care: Emergency services, surgeries, hospital stays
- Rehabilitation: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy
- Long-term Needs: Home care, medications, medical equipment
- Unexpected Costs: Modifications for accessibility to living spaces and transportation
Lost wages are also a significant concern — victims may be unable to work and may experience a decrease in earning potential. Chronic pain, emotional distress and the loss of enjoyment of life, which are difficult to quantify, can all further exacerbate the financial strain.
The emotional impact
The emotional toll of catastrophic injuries cannot be overstressed. When a loved one suffers from life-altering injuries like a severe head injury or spinal injuries, the sheer weight of their needs casts a profound shadow over a family’s everyday life. The roles within the household shift dramatically, with family members often becoming caregivers, a responsibility that’s as relentless as it is heartrending. The family may experience:
- Grief: Mourning the life and abilities once enjoyed.
- Caregiving Burden: There is a constant demand for providing physical and emotional support.
- Relationship Strain: Changes in dynamics can lead to stress and conflict.
- Emotional Distress: Chronic sorrow, guilt, and fear of an uncertain future.
- Lifestyle Change: Abandoning personal ambitions to cater for the injured.
Previous hopes, dreams and everyday joys are replaced by daily care for the injured. The result: families are not just caring for someone with physical injuries; they’re mourning the loss of a precious life irrevocably changed.
Securing Justice Through Legal Action
An attorney that regularly handles catastrophic injury cases can vigorously fight for what families rightfully deserve, ensuring justice and compensation for what has been lost. The victim may be entitled to compensation to cover ongoing medical treatment costs, emotional distress and chronic pain, and payment for loss of future earnings.
