Any kind of injury that changes the way you look or feel may feel catastrophic to your life, but what does it really mean to have a catastrophic injury? Are there only specific injuries that fall into this category, like spinal injuries or brain injuries, or can any injury that impacts you be catastrophic under the right conditions?
Legally speaking, a catastrophic injury is usually one that takes away the ability for you to work. There is no specific injury that falls into this category, but if an injury or collection of injuries causes you the inability to work, then you may be said to be “catastrophically injured.”
What kinds of injuries are usually categorized as catastrophic?
Most commonly, the injuries that can be categorized as catastrophic include:
- Severe spinal cord injuries
- Severe burns
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries that lead to paralysis of some kind
- Amputations
Even severely broken bones or injuries leading to severe pain could constitute catastrophic injuries depending on the circumstances.
Seeking care for a catastrophic injury
After you suffer a serious injury, your priority should be to seek medical care. You need to not only seek care but also stick to the treatment plan that is provided for you. Doing this will help you show how significant your injuries are and that you’re working with your medical providers in order to heal.
After time has passed and you have evidence for your personal injury claim, you will use that information, namely your treatment plan and medical history, to show how significant the damage is. If you collect enough information about your injuries and how they have negatively impacted your life, your attorney may be able to prove that they should be classified as catastrophic injuries and be compensated as such.
How much is a catastrophic injury case worth?
It depends on the case. Factors like how much you spent on treatment, your age, your earning capacity and others will help determine the value of a personal injury claim. Your attorney can give you more insight, so you know what to expect as you move forward with your claim.