What to Do After Suffering a Catastrophic Injury in Washington

All injuries are traumatic and painful, but learning that an injury has left you with permanent harm and perhaps an uncertain future can be devastating, especially when someone else’s careless, reckless, or wrongful actions caused the injury.

While no legal claim erases an injury, especially one with permanent consequences, an experienced Renton catastrophic injury attorney can help you recover the full value of your claim against the responsible party. But first, knowing what you should do after the accident can help you achieve a favorable result in the legal process, so you can focus on physical and emotional healing.

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury is one from which the injury victim cannot ever fully recover to be as they were before, but instead leaves them with permanent harm that may impact many aspects of their life.

Common catastrophic injuries in Washington claims include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), severe burns, disfigurement, loss of hearing or vision, organ loss, or traumatic limb loss. Catastrophic injuries often result from car accidents, motorcycle crashes, pedestrian accidents, and other preventable causes.

When an injury causes disability and chronic pain, it’s a catastrophic injury. A catastrophic injury victim may need substantial financial resources to cover their lifelong care plan costs, which is why consulting with a Renton catastrophic injury lawyer early in the process is crucial to understanding your full financial recovery needs.

What to Do at the Accident or Injury Scene

If your injury is catastrophic, it’s likely that you cannot take any action at the scene due to severe trauma and incapacitation. Still, if you or an uninjured companion can use a cell phone, it’s advantageous to do the following:

• First, apply first aid and call 911 to seek emergency services
• While waiting, ask an uninjured person to use a phone camera to take photos of the cause of the injury, such as the cars and crash scene after a vehicle accident
• Photograph any visible injuries
• Add the name and contact information of anyone involved in the injury
• Add the contact information of any eyewitnesses

Go directly to the hospital from the accident scene in an ambulance so you receive careful handling and emergency treatment as soon as possible, and have documented evidence that the injury occurred at the scene and not elsewhere. When you’re stable and recovering, you can share the evidence you’ve gathered with your catastrophic injury attorney to support your claim.

Documenting Crucial Evidence of Catastrophic Injury Damages in Washington

Under Washington’s fault-based law of pure comparative negligence, any party that causes or contributes to an injury to someone else is legally responsible for the related damages. However, the injury victim has the burden of proof in the case to demonstrate the at-fault party’s liability and the full value of their damages, including economic and non-economic damages.

During the days and weeks after the accident, the following steps can help you protect your financial future, so you can focus on reaching the maximum recovery for your injury:

• Ask for a detailed medical report describing the full extent of your injury, the doctor’s recommended treatment protocol, and your prognosis
• Carefully follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations
• Save copies of all medical bills, statements, and receipts for out-of-pocket costs
• Obtain copies of your tax returns and recent direct deposit slips showing your normal income, and a statement from your employer about your lost work days and how your injury impacts your ability to perform your job tasks

Finally, reach out to an experienced Renton catastrophic injury attorney and direct all communication with the defendant and their insurance company to your lawyer. A skilled catastrophic injury lawyer will investigate your case thoroughly, document all damages, and fight to recover the full compensation you need for your permanent injury and lifetime care.