After an accident, the victim may suffer with catastrophic injuries but the insurance company might delay or deny the claim. That is why it is important to get the right prognosis.
The Glasgow Coma Scale, or GCS, has been used by Canadian Brain Injury Association to determine the severity of a catastrophic brain injury. This test will cover the motor response, the eyes, as well as verbal communication too. The results come in a numeric value and the scores could be as little as 3 to as much as 15. If the results are under 9, that person would be considered to have a catastrophic brain injury. Scores is determined by the following:
Eye: The eye test measures whether or not the eyes can open and to what degree.
1- The eyes do not open
2- The eyes open in response to the feeling of pain
3- The eyes will open with response to speech
4- The eyes will open spontaneously
Verbal: This test will determine how coherent the speech is after an accident. The score runs from 1 being the lowest to 5 being the most they can receive.
1- No speech at all
2- Incoherent noises which would include groans or moans
3- Incoherent words or inappropriate words
4- Speech is confused
5- Speech is understandable
Motor skills: This test will include motor control. The score can go from 1 to 6.
1- No movement at all
2- Extension of limbs that is abnormal
3- Flexion of limbs that is abnormal
4- Withdrawing due to pain
5- Localized pain, such as grabbing an area on the opposite arm that may be hurting
6- Is able to follow commands
This type of testing is used to observe the state of the victim and to observe any progress that may be made. The insurance companies will try to argue with these results and deny a catastrophic injury diagnosis. It’s important that the GCS test is performed at the right time. If it is performed too soon after an accident, it may be performed again the following day in order to measure progress. If the first score total was 9 or lower, than a catastrophic diagnosis may not change.
Getting the compensation you deserve
Every case is different. For example, a mental condition that develops after the accident and suffering from a physical injury too can mean catastrophic injury. The regulations and rules for defining a catastrophic injury are not just cut-and-dry. You will most likely need to hire a personal injury lawyer in Oakville to assist you in obtaining the money that you are owed. You also want to include the best in medical care and be able to pay for any rehabilitation that you are going to depend on throughout the recovery process.
Insurance companies are always working to reduce their payout in case of an accident. You need a lawyer with years of personal injury experience to help you win your case, cover wages, help with recovery and more.
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