Contact a Iowa catastrophic injuries lawyer representing clients in Des Moines, Iowa today to schedule your free initial consultation."

Overview

Injuries that have a tremendous impact on the lives of the injured person are called "catastrophic". They generally occur without any warning. These types of injuries include:

• Brain injury.
• Spinal cord injury.
• Neurological disorders.
• Severe burns.
• Accidental amputation.
• Multiple fractures.

• Loss of mobility or sensation.
• Loss of cognitive ability.
• Respiratory or circulatory problems.
• Problems with other organs or systems, such as the urinary, digestive, or immune systems.

If a catastrophic injury is caused by deliberate or negligent behavior on the part of another person, a personal injury claim can be made. Given the huge financial impact of a catastrophic injury, damages from a personal injury claim can be a vital part of recovery. Often, catastrophic injuries have a long-term impact that may not be immediately apparent. For example, burn victims must often undergo years of reconstructive surgery. Children who suffer injuries will require special attention as they mature. Since many individuals who suffer a catastrophic injury also suffer a loss of earning capacity, the need to protect the injured person's legal rights and determine the financial value of a personal injury claim is vital. An attorney with experience in catastrophic injury claims can help the victim to ensure they receive compensation and protect themselves against financial hardship.

Compensation Issues

Often, insurance will only cover a small part of the cost of a catastrophic injury. It is often necessary to look for alternative compensation. This is an important reason to hire an attorney who has experience with catastrophic injury cases. For example, car accidents often involve drivers with poor records and little or no insurance. While large jury awards do exist in personal injury claims, they are relatively rare and most accident victims do not receive the full amount they require for recovery. These and other reasons make it vital to consult with an attorney who has experience in catastrophic injury law, in order to protect your rights and find all possible sources of legal recovery or benefits. These scenarios help to demonstrate how an experienced attorney can help to protect your rights:

• Severe burns. Burn victims rarely have sufficient insurance coverage. For example, if two drivers suffer burns in a car accident, an experienced attorney will be able to investigate the accident and fire and discover defects in the vehicle or road, hidden assets, or insurances that can greatly increase the amount of damages recovered. Further, an experienced lawyer will have a better chance of increasing the insurance benefits you are entitled to.
• Brain injury. Accidents causing brain injury can occur in a number of different environments and ways. While an inexperienced attorney might simply seek workers' compensation after a workplace accident, an experienced attorney can explore other options for recovery, such as investigating whether equipment involved in the accident was defective. In addition, experienced attorneys will better be able to examine medical records for possible malpractice and determine liability in areas like a construction site, where multiple parties have degrees of control over an area (and therefore legal responsibility for an accident).
• Childhood injuries. Childhood injuries, especially fractures, can require difficult medical procedures even after the fractures heal. An improperly cared-for limb can even be permanently impaired. A lawyer with experience in catastrophic injury can anticipate problems like these and make certain that damages cover this possible outcome.
• Drunk-driving accidents. If you are struck by a driver without liability insurance, your attorney may advise you that you can only recover your own uninsured driver benefit. However, a more experienced attorney can help to build a case against other responsible parties, such as the bar or restaurant that served the drunk driver. Also, a possible defect in your car or the other driver's car may serve to justify a product liability claim against one or both car manufacturers. The expense of a product liability claim may deter an inexperienced attorney.