Catastrophic injuries are life-altering occurrences that bring physical, emotional, and financial turmoil. It is not uncommon for someone who is catastrophically injured to become disabled for life or debilitated for several years, depending on the intensity of the injury.
These injuries can affect the individual’s ability to perform day-to-day activities, hinder their ability to have gainful employment, and prevent them from living a normal life. In Denver, a city with a thriving legal community, law firms specializing in personal injury cases help individuals facing these complex and challenging situations. This blog discusses the rehabilitation costs and catastrophic injury claims in Denver.
Catastrophic Injuries Types and Stats
According to data from the National Safety Council (NSC), in 2021, a staggering 62 million individuals suffered non-fatal, preventable injuries that necessitated medical attention. The financial toll of addressing these injuries in the United States reached a staggering $1,255.4 billion.
Unfortunately, some of these injuries proved fatal, with a mortality rate of 67.8 deaths per 100,000 people. It marks an alarming 11.9% increase from the previous year in 2022.
Different types of catastrophic injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can result in learning disabilities or permanent brain damage
- Permanent disfigurement affecting areas such as the face or limbs
- Spinal cord injuries leading to chronic pain or paralysis
- Severe injuries with the potential for limb amputation
- Fires can cause extensive burn injuries covering significant portions of the body
Cost Estimation for Rehabilitation
Estimating future rehabilitation expenses for catastrophic injury claims is a complex procedure that takes into account several important factors:
Medical Examination: Denver law firms work with medical specialists to determine the full degree of the victim’s injuries and their long-term consequences. This assessment aids in determining the type and duration of therapy necessary.
Tailored Treatment Plans: It is critical to develop a customized treatment strategy. It comprises physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and any specialist treatment required for the individual injury. Denver legal firms collaborate closely with medical specialists to develop customized strategies.
Choosing the Right Facilities: The rehabilitation center you choose might greatly influence your budget. Denver legal firms can aid in locating the best facilities for the victim’s requirements while keeping the related costs in mind.
Predicting Duration: Catastrophic injuries sometimes need lengthy recovery periods, lasting years. Denver legal firms work hard to calculate the length of rehabilitation and the accompanying costs.
Future Medical bills: It is vital to plan for future medical bills. Denver legal firms consider any continuing medical treatments, drugs, or assistive equipment that may be necessary.
Considerations for Mental Health: Catastrophic injuries have a major psychological impact. Denver legal firms recognize the need to address mental health concerns and ensure rehabilitation plans include psychological help.
The Importance of Mental Health
Mental health is an essential aspect of the healing process for victims of catastrophic injuries. The emotional consequences of such injuries can result in despair, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues.
Denver legal companies understand the importance of addressing these concerns and work with mental health specialists to:
- Determine the victim’s psychological impact on the injury.
- As part of the recovery process, include mental health therapy and counseling.
- Calculate the expenses involved with mental health care.
- Advocate for including mental health coverage in health insurance policies and injury claims.
Choosing Health Insurance
When it comes to covering rehabilitation costs for catastrophic injuries, health insurance is critical. Denver law companies are critical in assisting customers in navigating the complications of health insurance, which might include:
- Examining existing health insurance policies to assess rehabilitative coverage.
- Advocating for the inclusion of rehabilitative services in insurance claims.
- Negotiating with insurance companies to obtain equitable and comprehensive coverage.
- When applicable, investigate alternate coverage sources, such as Medicaid or Medicare.
Important Factors to Consider in a Catastrophic Injury Claim
If you have been a victim of a catastrophic injury, you need to take into consideration several factors that impact the value of your claim:
- Age of the injured individual and how long their life expectancy is
- The intensity of the injury and the time it’ll take to heal
- How the catastrophic injury will impact their daily activity
- All non-economic damage that includes lost wages, medical expenses, or future earning capacity
- Liability of the responsible party
- Expertise in legal representation
- Jurisdiction in which the claim was filled
Final Thoughts
Estimating future rehabilitation expenses in catastrophic injury claims requires a thorough grasp of medical requirements, mental health factors, and health insurance complexities. Personal injury legal companies in Denver contribute essential experience to this procedure.
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic accident in Denver, you must seek the help of competent and sympathetic legal companies. These experts have the knowledge and passion to ensure that victims receive the treatment and assistance they require, addressing physical and mental health requirements.
Contact us at The Bourassa Law Group to work with a professional catastrophic injury lawyer in Denver who can navigate you through the settlement negotiations.