Damages in San Antonio Catastrophic Injury Cases
Catastrophic injuries, which include injuries that cause long-lasting or permanent damages and challenges, often mean significant suffering, as well as a heavy financial impact. When you work with a catastrophic injury attorney to put together an injury claim, they will help you lay out all the challenges you suffered because of your injuries. Take a look at the damages in San Antonio catastrophic injury cases and consider how they may apply to your claim.
Medical Costs
When it comes to the damages in catastrophic injury claims in San Antonio, often, medical bills top the list. Medical costs may include:
- An ambulance ride or other emergency medical transportation
- Emergency room care
- Hospitalization
- Surgeries and procedures to treat the injury
- Follow-up appointments with a care provider
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- In-home care
- Durable medical equipment, including crutches, braces, and wheelchairs, as well as home medical equipment
Individuals dealing with catastrophic injuries may also have to make major changes to their homes or vehicles in order to account for their injuries. They can include those costs as part of their claim. Keeping track of those medical expenses from the early days can make it easier to calculate the cost of medical treatment when the time comes to file a claim.
Future Anticipated Medical Costs
Some individuals with catastrophic injuries will have substantial medical costs ahead, even after they file a personal injury claim. They may need ongoing procedures or surgeries, in-home care and support that goes on long after the initial injury, or medical equipment that they will need to have replaced multiple times over the years. As part of a catastrophic injury claim, injured individuals can include future anticipated medical costs.
Income Losses
Catastrophic injuries can lead to income losses in several ways.
Missed Work Right After the Accident
In the weeks and months immediately following an accident with catastrophic injuries, the injured individual may have to spend quite a bit of time out of work. How long it takes before they can return may depend on numerous factors, from the extent of their injuries to the position they hold, how their injuries impact their ability to perform that job, and their employer’s policies.
Time Missed for Appointments and Procedures
In addition to time missed right after the accident, injured individuals may have to go through follow-up appointments or have additional procedures after they return to work. Those procedures can lead to additional missed time.
Inability to Return to Work
Some types of injuries can permanently prevent the injured individual from performing their former job role. As a result, they can claim compensation for that lost earning potential.
General Damages
Catastrophic injury claims, in addition to offering compensation for the many direct financial damages associated with the accident, may include a category known as general damages. General damages cover the non-financial challenges individuals can face following an accident, such as:
- Physical pain
- Loss of independence
- Inability to engage in hobbies and activities
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Changed relationships with friends and loved ones
While financial compensation cannot change or prevent those concerns, it can make it easier for the affected individual to manage some aspects of their life.
Discuss Damages in San Antonio Catastrophic Injury Cases With an Attorney
The damages in San Antonio catastrophic injury cases can depend on a lot of factors, including the specific losses you faced and even the insurance policy that covers the liable party. Working with a lawyer can help you get fair compensation for your losses. Reach out to Felix Gonzalez Law Firm to learn how we can help you calculate the value of your damages and file a claim.
