The severity and long-term effects of an injury can make it catastrophic. In federal law (34 USC 10284), a catastrophic injury is “an injury, the direct and proximate consequences of which permanently prevent an individual from performing any gainful work.”
In plain terms, a catastrophic injury takes away your ability to work. Examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries that result in paralysis
- Brain injuries that result in cognitive impairment or memory loss
- Amputations
- Severe burns that lead to scarring and disfigurement
- Blindness or hearing loss
- And more
Spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and traumatic orthopedic injuries are the most common catastrophic injuries because they often lead to serious disabilities.
What Causes Catastrophic Injuries?
Human beings are more fragile than we seem, and anything can cause a catastrophic injury. Sadly, catastrophic injuries are often the result of negligence (the legal term for carelessness) and intentional acts (such as violence and abuse).
Common causes of catastrophic injuries include:
If someone else caused your catastrophic injury, you should not have to suffer the consequences on your own.
How to Recover from a Catastrophic Injury
Unfortunately, the victims of catastrophic injuries rarely make a full physical recovery. Nevertheless, they can recover financially from the at-fault party and insurance companies. If you file a catastrophic injury lawsuit after an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills – now and in the future
- Assistive care and devices
- Missed wages
- Lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Other economic and non-economic damages
Many people live long, fulfilling lives after suffering catastrophic injuries – especially when they have the right resources.
Any settlement or verdict you win can help you adjust to your disability and access all the care and resources you need. From mental health services to prosthetic limbs and experimental treatments, our team at Scarzafava, Basdekis & Dadey, PLLC works hard to help ensure you have everything you need.
Our award-winning attorneys have been helping people like you rebuild their lives after serious injuries since 1981. We provide you with the legal support you need so you can focus on healing, and you can get started today – free of charge.
Simply call us at (607) 228-8404 or contact us online to learn more about your rights and legal options and schedule your free, initial consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available!