Serious injuries that result in chronic pain, incapacity or dysfunction are referred to as catastrophic injuries. Individuals who sustain these injuries may experience a permanent or long-term impact on all aspects of their lives, including family life, leisure activities, work and general physical abilities.
A catastrophic injury can prevent you from returning to work. It may result in significant medical expenses, such as home care or long-term care. Further, it may mean that you have to make specialized adaptations for your home, vehicle and workplace.
What constitutes a catastrophic injury?
Defining what constitutes a catastrophic injury involves considering various factors. An injury that requires extensive and costly medical treatment can be classified as catastrophic, even if it does not result in permanent deformity or long-term damage.
Some examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- traumatic brain damage
- permanent wounds or deformities
- amputations
- loss of hearing or vision
- damage to the spinal cord
- severe burns
After a catastrophic injury, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common. This turn of events can also lead to debilitating anxiety, withdrawal from social activities and noticeable personality changes or mood swings.
Many catastrophic injuries not only require emergency care but also necessitate long and difficult recovery processes. The cost of rehabilitation can be very high, and individuals with injuries that prevent them from living independently may need in-home care for the rest of their lives. These situations can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars or more.
What to do after a catastrophic injury
You have the right to seek compensation if you are the victim of a catastrophic injury caused by another’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional conduct. In order to pursue your case, seek assistance from someone who understands personal injury law and how the law can be applied to your case uniquely.
