In personal injury law, the term “catastrophic injury” means something specific, perhaps not how you would define the word. In this area of law, catastrophic injuries are severe injuries that have a long-lasting impact on a person’s life. This injuries are so severe (“catastrophic”) that they, in fact, often alter an individual’s physical, emotional and financial well-being.
Defining the term
In defining the term for legal purposes, we think of a catastrophic injury as one that involves significant damage to the body that results in permanent disability or impairment. Common examples include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries that cause paralysis, severe burns, amputations and multiple fractures. In addition to how severe these injuries are, they also often lead to chronic pain, emotional distress and a diminished quality of life.
The impact of catastrophic injuries
The impact of a catastrophic injury is usually profound. Victims may face challenges in performing daily activities, requiring assistance from caregivers or family members. This loss of personal independence and shift in family dynamics can take a serious psychological toll on a person, and sometimes this means the person injured becomes very depressed, anxious, or develops another mental health condition that adds to the established injury.
The legal aspects
In personal injury cases, when there is a catastrophic injury, the plaintiff (through their attorney) has to prove that the injury is catastrophic. Doing so will make a huge difference in how well the person is compensated by the negligent party. Compensation examples include: medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages related to the injury. An experienced personal injury attorney can help assess your case.
Catastrophic injuries are nothing short of traumatic and life-altering events, and people who go through these must receive medical and emotional support. Understanding the definition of a catastrophic injury is vital for people who have gone through this and are entitled to compensation.