catastrophic injury

What is a Catastrophic Injury?

Some injuries are so severe that the injured will never return to his or her previous level of functioning.  These kinds of injuries are often referred to as catastrophic, and a catastrophic injury will impact all aspects of a person’s life.  Life altering injuries may prevent an accident victim from returning to work and performing daily living functions. Individuals that sustain a catastrophic injury like a disfiguring burn may be able to file a personal injury claim against the person or company that caused the accident.

Catastrophic Injuries Defined

A catastrophic injury is legally defined as an injury that an accident victim will not likely fully recover from or an injury that will prevent the accident victim from living life as they once did.  Catastrophic injuries are among the most severe type of injury due to their long term and even permanent nature.

Examples of Catastrophic Injuries

Injuries that may be deemed catastrophic include:

  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Loss of a limb
  • Disfiguring or severe burns
  • Brain damage
  • Loss of hearing
  • Loss of vision

Damages for a Catastrophic Injury

Catastrophic injuries are a personal injury class unto their own due to the tremendous damages frequently involved in these cases. The ongoing nature of a catastrophic injury claim renders these claims unique. Catastrophic injury victims will often pursue damages for their current and future medical expenses, current and future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering. For a disabling disability, damages can easily climb into the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.

A catastrophic injury claim will necessitate strong medical testimony from the victim’s treating physician and other specialists in the field of injury. Medical testimony will be required to prove the long lasting nature of the injury and its impact on all aspects of the victim’s life. It is critical that anyone who has suffered a catastrophic injury take swift action to protect their legal rights. The expenses related to a catastrophic injury are simply insurmountable for the average family, making it crucial that the party responsible for the accident be brought to justice through the legal system.

SHARE

Read More from Our Blog

CHARGED WITH A CRIME?

Schedule a Free Consultation

NEED HELP?

We will help you understand your rights!