Beyond the Physical: Psychological Impacts of Catastrophic Injuries

By Neal S. Gainsberg | March 10, 2017

Beyond the Physical- Psychological Impacts of Catastrophic InjuriesCatastrophic injuries can happen because of a vehicle accident, a slip and fall, a physical attack, medical malpractice, or for many other reasons. Common catastrophic injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputation of a body part, severe burns, multiple fractures, birth injuries, and any injury that has long-term consequences because the victim never returns to full health.

When someone suffers a catastrophic injury, the initial focus is on trying to maximize the physical health of the victim through surgeries, medical treatments, and rehabilitative care. When tragedy strikes, it is the job of an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney to work with the victims’ doctors to understand the long-term medical needs of the client and to figure out the medical costs that will be needed to take care of and provide for the victim throughout the remainder of his/her life.

Sadly, for most catastrophic injury victims, the bulk of the pain only begins after the realization that he/she will not fully recover. Some of the issues that our lawyers address when clients are paralyzed, burned, or lose the ability to function are:

  • Psychological difficulties. Often, individuals who suffer a catastrophic injury get depressed and anxious about their diminished ability to enjoy life’s pleasures, to work, and to engage with family, friends, and coworkers.
  • Substance abuse. Accident victims who had any history of alcohol or drug abuse are a major concern. Their injuries are likely to cause them to restart the abuse or cause the use of alcohol and drugs to worsen.
  • The need for a guardian. Victims who can no longer manage their financial affairs and/or make decisions about their health may need to have a guardian appointed for them. Guardians are competent adults approved by the local courts. Banks and organizations may also be able to serve as financial guardians.
  • Many people who suffer a catastrophic injury develop fears about doing the same activity that caused the accident. For example, someone who sustains a catastrophic injury because of a car crash is very likely to fear getting in a car again.
  • Many victims need to relearn how to walk, how to talk, how to eat, and how to do many things. Part and parcel of the physical rehabilitation is overcoming the mindset that the patient will never get better or never be the same.

At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, we understand how completely devastating catastrophic injuries are. They change lives forever. If you are suffering from a catastrophic injury or a child, sibling, parent, relative, or friend has a traumatic medical condition, please call our Chicago personal injury lawyers for help. Phone us at 312-600-9585 or complete our contact form to make an appointment. We see victims away from the office when necessary.

 

Posted in Personal Injury