Types of Catastrophic Personal Injuries
There are a variety of injuries that can be classified as “catastrophic.” Even though the list can be quite extensive, the lawyers at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. frequently deal with clients facing several common catastrophic injuries, some of which lead to lawsuits and others that lead to settlements. Situations ranging from pedestrian accidents involving motor vehicles to maritime and offshore worker accidents can result in life-changing injuries that leave victims physically and emotionally devastated. Still, help is available for the victims of such accidents. An offshore injury lawyer with Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. can assist those who have sustained injuries onshore or offshore.
Common Catastrophic Injuries
Depending on the nature of the accident, an individual can sustain catastrophic injuries to the spinal cord and brain, as well as trauma to various internal organs. With respect to spinal cord injuries, it is not uncommon for injuries to the spine to leave the victim paralyzed in some form. Individuals with complete spinal cord injuries often suffer a total loss of movement and feeling below the place of the injury, while those suffering from incomplete spinal cord injuries do not suffer from such total loss.
Some accident victims, such as offshore workers and those involved in automobile accidents, sustain what are known as traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These kinds of catastrophic injuries occur to the brain, substantially impairing the victim in one or more areas of functioning. TBI can affect either the whole brain or a limited area of the brain.
Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. injury lawyers also have extensive experience litigating catastrophic injury cases involving damage to internal organs. These types of injuries typically involve serious trauma to an individual’s vital organs. Such trauma often causes permanent damage to the victim, which ultimately leads to the need for organ transplants, constant medical treatment, potential follow-up surgeries and ongoing medical care. Unfortunately, in some cases, particularly those where an organ transplant is needed but not readily available, the injury can be fatal.
Catastrophic Injuries in Maritime Situations
Most attorneys know there are a plethora of conditions that can lead to accidents on or off the high seas. Strong currents, navigational hazards, violent storms and basic human error can all play a role in causing catastrophic injuries. Unfortunately for individuals working offshore, employer negligence is one of the more common causes of accidents. That being the case, it is crucial for maritime workers to understand their employers are required to maintain safe working conditions and provide adequate protection against avoidable hazardous situations to their employees.
Accidents stemming from explosions and fires, equipment malfunctions, falls and other deck incidents can lead to lost limbs, burns and more. Maritime employers are supposed to properly train their employees on current safety practices and requirements; however, some employers negligently fail to do so. The employer’s failure often leaves the workers paying the ultimate price.
Contact an Attorney for Help Today
Whether you were hurt on a roadway or while on a ship halfway around the world, a Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. lawyer can assist with your legal needs. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries. Contact us today to learn more about your rights under the law.
