Did you or someone close to you suffer a catastrophic injury? These are not ordinary injuries. Rather, they are life-altering and often permanent conditions that ultimately affect people’s ability to work like they used to, live independently, or enjoy life as they once did.
The aftermath of an experience that leaves you with catastrophic injuries can feel dizzying, upsetting, and overwhelming. However, as stress-inducing as these circumstances can be, you are not alone, especially when you call a Greenville personal injury lawyer at Shane Smith Law.
In Pain? Call Shane! We’re ready to represent you as your Greenville catastrophic injury lawyer. We’ve recovered over $100 million in compensation for 10,000 clients and counting. We have more than 100 years of combined experience, and we’re here for you.
What Qualifies as a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury results in long-term or permanent disability, impairment, or disfigurement. These injuries often affect critical body systems and functions, making it difficult—if not impossible—for victims to return to their pre-injury lifestyle.
While the legal definition may vary depending on the context, catastrophic injuries generally include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Ranging from severe concussions to penetrating brain injuries, TBIs often result in lasting cognitive impairments, memory loss, mood disorders, and reduced ability to perform daily activities.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, chronic pain, and the need for lifelong mobility assistance.
- Severe burns: Third- and fourth-degree burns can result in permanent disfigurement, nerve damage, and complications that require surgical procedures or skin grafts to heal.
- Amputations: The loss of a limb profoundly impacts mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. Prosthetic devices can help, though they are costly and often require ongoing maintenance.
- Multiple fractures or orthopedic injuries: When bones shatter or crush injuries occur, long-term complications—such as arthritis, nerve damage, or limited mobility—often follow.
- Organ damage and internal injuries: Catastrophic internal trauma may require organ transplants, dialysis, or lifelong medical monitoring.
These injuries are often considered “catastrophic” not just because of their severity, but because they permanently alter how victims live, work, and engage with their families and communities.
For a free legal consultation with a catastrophic injury lawyer serving Greenville, call (980) 246-2656
Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Greenville
While catastrophic injuries can happen anywhere, certain types of accidents frequently lead to these life-altering conditions. In Greenville, these causes are common:
- Motor vehicle collisions: Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents remain a leading source of catastrophic injuries in South Carolina. High speeds, distracted driving, and impaired driving all contribute to severe outcomes.
- Commercial truck accidents: Given the size and weight of 18-wheelers, crashes involving large trucks often result in catastrophic harm to occupants of smaller vehicles.
- Workplace accidents: Construction sites, manufacturing plants, and industrial facilities pose risks of falls, machinery accidents, electrocution, or chemical exposure.
- Slip and fall accidents: While some falls cause only minor injuries, falls from heights or onto hard surfaces can lead to brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or painful fractures.
- Medical malpractice: Errors during surgery, childbirth, or diagnosis can leave patients with irreversible harm such as brain damage or loss of function.
- Defective products: Faulty equipment, unsafe medical devices, or consumer goods with design flaws can cause catastrophic injuries when they malfunction.
In each of these cases, the impact extends far beyond the initial accident, as victims often face years of rehabilitation, ongoing medical costs, and permanent changes to their lifestyle.
Greenville Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Near Me (980) 246-2656
The Long-Term Impact of Catastrophic Injuries
Unlike less severe injuries, catastrophic injuries typically require victims to adapt to an entirely new way of living. The long-term impact can be broken down into several categories:
- Physical limitations: Victims may lose mobility, fine motor skills, or the ability to perform basic tasks without assistance.
- Cognitive impairments: Brain injuries can affect speech, memory, reasoning, and emotional regulation.
- Emotional and psychological struggles: Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and loss of self-esteem are common after catastrophic injuries.
- Financial burdens: Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, adaptive equipment, and home modifications quickly accumulate. In many cases, the injured person is no longer able to work, which further complicates financial matters if they lose their primary source of income.
- Family strain: Loved ones may need to step into caregiving roles, which can place immense emotional and monetary stress on entire households.
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Statute of Limitations in South Carolina
Victims of catastrophic injuries in South Carolina must be mindful of the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim. In general, these are the time limits you should know about:
- Three years from the date of injury or death for personal injury and wrongful death claims
- Two years if the claim is against a government entity
Failing to file within these deadlines usually means losing the right to pursue compensation, regardless of the severity of your injuries. The sooner you act, the more time you have to take legal action in your case.
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Call Our Greenville Catastrophic Injury Lawyers ASAP
If you or a loved one is trying to cope in the aftermath of a catastrophic injury, the newfound challenges that this situation has caused can be stressful, overwhelming, and confusing. In the midst of so many changes, it can be difficult to know where to turn or what to do next.
But we want you to know that the Greenville catastrophic injury attorneys at Shane Smith Law are here for you. We’re dedicated to helping clients pursue compensation and seek justice after sustaining life-changing harm.
Don’t wait to take action. The sooner you reach out to our Greenville catastrophic injury law firm, the sooner we can start working on holding the at-fault parties accountable for their actions—or lack thereof. In Pain? Call Shane!
Call or text (980) 246-2656 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
