Upper Marlboro Catastrophic Injury Attorney

Aggressive Representation for the Severely Injured & Their Families

While any injury can have devastating consequences, some injuries are severely debilitating, affecting nearly every aspect of the victim’s life. In legal terms, these are known as catastrophic injuries, and they often require extensive immediate medical attention and ongoing, even lifelong care. Victims and their families can find themselves facing massive medical bills, compounded by lost income as the victim takes time off work to heal or, in some cases, is unable to return to work at all. The financial, physical, and emotional toll catastrophic injuries bring is staggering—but for victims of negligence, there is hope.

At Farmer & Klopfer, we are prepared to help you fight to hold negligent parties accountable for the damage and harm they cause. If you or a loved one suffered catastrophic injuries in a car accident, after using a defective product, or in any way caused by the negligent or wrongful actions of another person or party, reach out to us today to find out how our Upper Marlboro catastrophic injury lawyers can help.

Call (301) 265-2220 or contact us online to request a free initial consultation with our aggressive and experienced legal team. 

What Are “Catastrophic Injuries?”

While there is no official legal definition of a catastrophic injury, most agree that an injury that severely and/or permanently affects the victim’s ability to return to his or her pre-injury life, including his or her ability to work, is catastrophic in nature.

Types of Catastrophic Injury Cases We Handle

• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Amputations
• Burn Injuries
• Vision Loss
• Hearing Loss
• Nerve Damage

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are some of the most severe of all catastrophic injuries, as the brain controls all human functioning and damage to the brain can seriously and permanently impact this functioning. There are many different types of TBI, ranging from relatively mild concussions to serious internal damage, bleeding, and even penetrating skull/brain injuries.

In nearly every case, a TBI will require immediate medical attention. The victim may experience ongoing effects, limiting physical and cognitive functioning, and may require extensive/lifelong assistance and care.

Among the most severe catastrophic injuries is spinal cord injuries. Often caused by motor vehicle accidents, sports-related injuries, and violence, spinal cord injuries have the ability to impact nearly every aspect of the victim’s life.

Spinal cord injuries often result in the following complications:

• Partial or total paralysis (paraplegia, tetraplegia/quadriplegia)
• Loss of sensation and/or functioning
• Incontinence
• Loss of sexual functioning
• Difficulty breathing/eating
• Severe pain
• Nerve damage

Spinal cord injuries—ranging from herniated discs to Brown-Sequard syndrome to tetraplegia—often dramatically limit the victim’s ability to return to their old, pre-injury life. They may require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, as well as daily assistance with once-normal tasks, such as eating, getting dressed, and using the bathroom. Many spinal cord injury victims will be at least temporarily unable to return to work; many will never be able to support themselves or their families again.

Amputations involve the surgical removal of a limb or part of a limb due to trauma, injury, or medical conditions such as diabetes or vascular disease. Losing a limb can have profound physical and psychological effects on an individual's life.

In some cases, burn injuries are so severe, they are considered catastrophic. This is typically the case with third-degree burns, as well as some second-degree burns. While first-degree burns are considered relatively mild and can usually be effectively treated at home, second- and third-degree burns are much more serious. Both second- and third-degree burns affect the top layer of skin (epidermis) and bottom layer of skin (dermis), and third-degree burns may even affect the surrounding muscles, tissues, and nerves.

Generally speaking, burns are considered catastrophic when:

• Skin is severely damaged and/or irreparable
• Skin grafting and other major treatments are required
• The burns result in severe scarring
• The face, hands, and/or genitals are affected
• A large portion of the body is affected
• Complete healing is not guaranteed/likely
• Skin is left weaker than before it was burned

This refers to partial or complete loss of vision in one or both eyes. It can result from traumatic injuries to the eyes or head, as well as medical conditions affecting the eyes or optic nerves.

Hearing loss can occur due to exposure to loud noises, head trauma, or damage to the auditory nerves. It can range from mild to profound and may be temporary or permanent.

Nerve damage can lead to loss of sensation, muscle weakness, or paralysis in the affected area. It can result from trauma, compression, or diseases such as neuropathy.

What Causes Catastrophic Injuries?

Catastrophic injuries can stem from various causes, including:

• Car Accidents: Collisions with speeding vehicles, drunk drivers, or distracted drivers can cause catastrophic injuries.
• Medical Malpractice: Errors during surgery, medication mistakes, and other medical negligence can lead to devastating consequences.
• Workplace Accidents: Falls from heights, machinery malfunctions, and exposure to hazardous materials can cause severe injuries.
• Product Defects: Defective design, manufacturing, or labeling of products can lead to catastrophic injuries.
• Premises Liability: Unsafe conditions on someone else's property, such as slip and falls or falling objects, can cause serious harm.
• Violence: Assault, shootings, and other acts of violence can result in life-altering injuries.

Eligibility for a Catastrophic Injury Claim

If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury due to another party's negligence, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. To be eligible, you will need to prove that the other party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and their breach caused your injuries.

Proving Catastrophic Injury in Maryland

Maryland follows the standard negligence principles to establish a catastrophic injury claim. Here's a breakdown:

• Duty of Care: You need to show the at-fault party owed you a legal duty to act with reasonable care to avoid causing harm.
• Breach of Duty: You must demonstrate the other party breached this duty by acting negligently (e.g., reckless driving, product malfunction).
• Causation: Evidence must establish a clear link between the at-fault party's breach and your catastrophic injury.
• Damages: You need to prove the severity of your injuries and the resulting damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

For catastrophic injuries, medical records, expert witness testimony, and other documentation become crucial in proving the extent and long-term impact of your injuries.

Who Is Liable for a Catastrophic Injury?

Liability for a catastrophic injury can fall on various parties, depending on the circumstances. This may include:

• Individuals: Drivers, property owners, or others who act negligently can be held liable.
• Companies: Manufacturers of defective products, employers who fail to provide a safe workplace, or healthcare providers who commit malpractice can be liable.
• Government Entities: In some cases, government entities may be liable for injuries caused by unsafe public roads or property.

Statute of Limitations for Catastrophic Injuries in Maryland

According to Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Maryland, including catastrophic injuries, is generally three years from the date the injury occurred. This means you have three years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. There may be some exceptions in specific situations, so consulting with a qualified attorney is essential to understand your specific case.

Long-Term Effects of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries can have a profound and lasting impact on a person's life, including:

• Physical limitations: Loss of mobility, chronic pain, and difficulty performing daily tasks.
• Emotional trauma: Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common.
• Cognitive difficulties: Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and impaired communication skills can occur.
• Financial hardship: Medical bills, lost wages, and the need for long-term care can create significant financial strain.

Get the Aggressive Representation You Deserve

At Farmer & Klopfer, we understand the overwhelming challenges faced by catastrophic injury victims and their families. Our Upper Marlboro catastrophic injury attorneys are committed to pursuing maximum compensation for your damages, ensuring you have the resources needed to move forward with your life.

Get in contact with our firm today to request a no-cost consultation; call (301) 265-2220 to get started.