In our state, a catastrophic injury is an event that is severe in nature—an injury that results in long-term health problems or disability and drastic changes in one’s quality of life. These injuries often require extensive medical care, treatment and long-term rehabilitation for the injured individual.
Examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Severe burns
- Bone fractures
- Amputations
On the legal side, catastrophic injuries tend to have certain aspects in common, such as:
- Permanent disability
- Severe disfigurement of a body part or the entire body
- Medical treatment that will last for a very long time
These cases differ from other personal injury cases because they are much more severe and require special attention and care. Details are vital in these cases, and attorneys must be well-equipped with the necessary staff and resources to devote to these cases.
Compensation
Because these situations tend to be severe, people looking for compensation for their serious injuries can ask for compensation to cover:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages and capacity to earn
- Pain and suffering
- Lifestyle modifications and care
As stated above, these cases require a thorough investigation focusing on the details, which are usually the most crucial.
In addition, attorneys will often call experts in to testify on behalf of their clients about their injury. Hence, the court understands the severity of the matter and can make a fair decision.
Knowing what constitutes a catastrophic injury, specifically in our state, is essential because no one can predict the future; it can happen to anyone. Usually, these events are unexpected. However, they are different than average personal injury cases because of their severity and long-term consequences, which require special care on the medical side as well as the legal side.
