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 it is an injury that severely and/or permanently affects the victim’s ability to return to his or her pre-injury life, including the ability to work. These injuries often lead to substantial lifestyle changes and require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and adaptations to daily living. Understanding the full scope of catastrophic injuries is essential when seeking legal redress, as the impact on the victim's life is profound and multifaceted.

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. The complexity of TBIs also involves significant legal intricacies, as establishing the cause and long-term effects can be challenging but necessary for attaining rightful compensation.

Among the most severe catastrophic injuries are spinal cord injuries. Often caused by motor vehicle accidents, sports-related injuries, and violence, spinal cord injuries can 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. The financial implications are immense, often necessitating legal action to ensure the future financial security and well-being of the injured party and their family.

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.

Beyond loss of function, amputations require significant adjustment, including prosthetics, physical therapy, and psychological support to help restore independence and quality of life. The cost of these adjustments can be overwhelming, making legal guidance critical in pursuing compensation for ongoing needs related to the injury.

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

The injury often involves prolonged healing processes and extensive cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, resulting in substantial medical costs and personal suffering.

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.

Adjusting to vision loss requires specialized rehabilitation services, technological aids, and psychological support systems to help patients adapt and maintain independence. Visual impairment not only limits daily functioning but can also severely restrict professional opportunities, emphasizing the importance of pursuing legal compensation.

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.

The impact of hearing loss extends into communication difficulties that can hamper professional and personal interactions, making it crucial to address these through adaptive devices, medical treatments, and legal avenues for compensation, ensuring the person affected can lead a fulfilling life.

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.

Treatment for nerve damage often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including pain management, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery, to mitigate symptoms and improve quality of life. Given the long-term care often required, exploring legal options for compensation is vital to cover the extensive associated costs.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Catastrophic Injuries in Upper Marlboro

What Should I Do Immediately After a Catastrophic Injury?

After a catastrophic injury, immediate medical attention is crucial. Document all medical visits and follow recommended treatments. Once urgent medical needs are addressed, consider reaching out to a legal professional specializing in catastrophic injury claims in Upper Marlboro. Having legal documentation from the start can help strengthen your case and ensure that you are fully compensated for all aspects of your injury, including potential future medical costs, rehabilitation needs, and lifestyle changes.

How Does Maryland Law Affect My Catastrophic Injury Claim?

Maryland applies the principle of contributory negligence, which means if the injured party is found even slightly at fault for the incident, they may be barred from recovering damages. This makes it crucial to have a knowledgeable attorney to build a strong case proving that you had no contributory role in the accident. This stringent legal standard highlights the necessity of expert legal guidance to navigate complex injury claims successfully.

What Types of Compensation Are Available for Catastrophic Injuries?

Compensation typically covers medical expenses, ongoing care costs, lost wages, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages might be pursued if gross negligence is evident. The compensation sought should reflect all past and prospective expenses, ensuring that the injured party can maintain a quality life, backed by a comprehensive care and rehabilitation plan.

Why Farmer & Klopfer for Your Catastrophic Injury Claim?

stands out for its client-centered approach and aggressive legal strategies. The firm has a longstanding presence in Upper Marlboro, offering personalized services backed by a track record of tens of millions in settlements and verdicts. Their commitment to treating clients with the utmost importance, coupled with their thorough understanding of the local legal landscape, offers victims comfort and confidence in handling intricate injury claims.

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