Catastrophic Injury Attorneys in Austin

In particularly severe cases, an individual may suffer catastrophic injuries after an accident. Catastrophic injuries are classified as injuries that are disabling in nature. This can include traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, paralysis, accidental amputations, severe burns, or internal organ damage. In most cases, the medical treatment required for these types of injuries is extensive and ongoing. The cost of care, coupled with the loss of income/wages can prove a serious financial burden for the victim and his or her family.

Catastrophic injuries are also different from other types of injuries in that they can render the victim unable to perform any type of gainful work. In other words, a person who has suffered a catastrophic injury is not only unable to return to his or her previous employment, he or she is unable to work at all.

To find out how an Austin catastrophic injury attorney can help you take legal action, contact Howry Breen & Herman at (512) 430-4844 for a free consultation.

Understanding Catastrophic Injuries and Their Impact in Austin

Just as there are countless different types of accidents, catastrophic injuries can occur in any number of ways. Unfortunately, such injuries are often the result of another person, company, or entity’s negligence.

Catastrophic injuries commonly occur as a result of:

• Car, truck, or motorcycle accidents
• Sporting accidents (especially football and cheerleading)
• Bicycle and pedestrian accidents
• Golf cart and utility vehicle accidents
• Construction and oilfield accidents
• Defective products, including defective drugs and medical devices
• Medical malpractice
• Dangerous or defective premises

This list is not exhaustive; any type of severe accident can lead to catastrophic injuries. At Howry Breen & Herman, we assist victims of catastrophic injuries in their fight for a fair recovery.

While we regularly handle all types of catastrophic injury claims, we particularly focus on:

• Brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) often result in significant, permanent damage and limitations. Our firm has successfully represented victims of all types of TBIs—from concussions to coup-contrecoup injuries to skull fractures—fight for fair compensation for their current and future damages.
• Burn injuries: Severe burns are not only physically disfiguring, but they also leave lasting emotional scars. Our attorneys fight to help burn injury victims recover fair financial compensation for their ongoing medical expenses, future care, pain and suffering, and other life-altering damages.
• Spine injuries: A spinal cord injury can have numerous, long-lasting effects, from limited mobility to total paralysis and lifelong disability. At Howry, Breen & Herman, LLP, our attorneys fight to help victims of serious spine injuries recover the compensation they need to heal and move forward with their lives.
• Amputation: The loss of a limb or extremity due to injury or medical conditions. Amputation can severely impact a person's mobility and daily activities, often necessitating prosthetic devices and extensive rehabilitation.
• Broken Bones: While many fractures heal with proper treatment, severe or complex fractures—such as compound fractures where the bone breaks through the skin—can result in long-term disability or complications.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs, which can be life-threatening and may require surgical intervention or long-term medical management.
• Vision Loss: Severe trauma to the eyes or head can result in partial or complete loss of vision, which can significantly affect daily life and personal independence.
• Hearing Loss: Serious injuries to the head or ears can lead to partial or total loss of hearing, impacting communication and quality of life.

No matter how difficult or complex your case may be, our team is here to provide you with compassionate, one-on-one legal counsel and uncompromising representation from start to finish. With nearly 25 years of experience, including extensive litigation experience, we are well-equipped to try even the toughest of cases.

Long-Term Effects of Catastrophic Injuries

The long-term effects vary depending on the type and severity of the injury, but common consequences include:

• Physical Disabilities: Catastrophic injuries often result in significant loss of mobility, requiring the use of wheelchairs, prosthetics, or other assistive devices. Chronic pain and limited functionality, such as reduced cognitive abilities from brain injuries, can severely impact daily activities and overall quality of life.
• Medical Complications: Ongoing medical care is typically necessary for catastrophic injuries, including surgeries, physical therapy, and regular check-ups. Patients may face complications such as infections or secondary conditions, complicating their recovery process and requiring additional treatments.
• Psychological and Emotional Impact: Individuals may experience mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD due to their injury and its life-altering effects. The emotional trauma from adjusting to a new way of life can significantly affect their psychological well-being.
• Social and Lifestyle Changes: Physical and psychological changes can alter personal relationships, social interactions, and community involvement. Employment challenges may arise, potentially leading to financial stress and the need for career adjustments or reliance on disability benefits.
• Financial Strain: The costs of ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and adaptive technologies can create substantial financial burdens. Additionally, the loss of income due to reduced work capacity can lead to financial instability and increased stress.
• Impact on Daily Living: Daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, or cooking may become challenging, necessitating assistance or adaptive equipment. Home modifications may also be needed to accommodate physical disabilities, enhancing accessibility and independence.
• Long-Term Rehabilitation Needs: Long-term rehabilitation is often required to maximize recovery and adapt to new physical or cognitive limitations. Continuous support from healthcare professionals, social workers, and counselors is crucial for managing the long-term effects of the injury.

Securing Maximum Compensation for Catastrophic Injury Victims in Austin

Catastrophic injuries have lasting, life-altering impacts, both for victims and their loved ones. Often, a close family member of the victim will have to take off work, either temporarily or permanently, in order to care for their loved one. The cost of mounting medical bills can be staggering, and the physical and emotional strain on victims and their families is often immense.

At Howry Breen & Herman, we understand just how difficult it is to move forward after a catastrophic injury. Our team strives to ease your stress in any way possible. Our Austin catastrophic injury attorneys can handle every aspect of your case so that you can focus on healing, and we always seek to recover the full settlement or verdict you are owed.

Did you or a loved one suffer severe, life-altering injuries as a result of someone else’s negligence? Call our firm at (512) 430-4844 for a complimentary case evaluation with our legal team.