“Catastrophic injury” is an area of personal injury law that considers cases of severe harm and extensive damage. While there are many different types of catastrophic injuries, every injury that is considered as catastrophic has one characteristic in common — these injuries completely debilitate the health and abilities of victims.
There are alternative definitions of “catastrophic injury,” however. Sometimes, the term is only used to describe injuries to the brain and spinal cord. In other cases, “catastrophic injury” includes injuries which cause a victim to be unable to work. All of these definitions are correct in some way. Essentially, any injury that causes severe and permanent harm to a person can be considered as catastrophic.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries
Many different types of accidents can cause catastrophic injuries, including motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, and other incidents. Any part of the body can be impacted by a catastrophic injury: The organs, limbs, and even a person’s skin can be severely harmed in a way that is considered as catastrophic. A catastrophic injury may cause purely physical harm, or could lead to a loss of mobility, senses, organ function, or mental ability.
The following conditions can be considered as catastrophic injuries:
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Paralysis
Burn injuries
Amputation and limb loss
Loss of hearing
Loss of sight
Catastrophic Injury Claims
To manage their condition, people who live with a catastrophic injury often require extensive treatment and attentive care. The price of medical care, along with other expenses caused by a catastrophic injury, is costly. Victims of catastrophic injuries can file a legal claim to receive compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. By holding at-fault parties accountable for their negligence, an injury victim can receive coverage for the care they need and the damages their injury has caused.
Compensation for non-economic damages may be available through a personal injury claim as well. Non-economic damages include the emotional and mental impact caused by an injury. In cases of catastrophic injuries, these damages can be severe. A person who has sustained a catastrophic injury, as well as the family of the victim, may experience pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, anxiety, depression, and other devastating effects of distress.
At The Dickinson Law Firm, LLC, we are dedicated to helping injury victims receive the care and financial resources they need. We are available to discuss the details of your case and help you get started on a claim.
Send us a message or call (770) 924-8155 to schedule a free consultation with our attorneys.