January 2, 2025 | Catastrophic Injury

Catastrophic injuries are life changing events whose impact is felt not only by the victim but also their loved ones. Victims and their families are left grappling with the physical, emotional and even economic consequences of these injuries for the rest of their lives. When a catastrophic injury is the result of the negligent or reckless actions of another party, it is only just to hold that party accountable for their actions (or lack thereof).

At High & Younes attorneys’ LLC, we’ve witnessed the impact of catastrophic injuries on victims and their families first hand. Below, we discuss catastrophic injuries, their impact and how hiring an attorney can help.

What is a Catastrophic Injury?

An injury is considered catastrophic in personal injury law when it has a long term impact on the quality of life of the victim. These injuries are often severe and life-changing. Even with the right medical treatment, the victim will never experience complete recovery and will suffer the consequences of the injury for the rest of their life. Examples of these types of injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries – these are injuries that occur as a result of damage to brain tissue. They result in memory loss, cognitive impairment and permanent loss of function in some parts of the body.
• Spinal cord injuries – these are injuries affecting the spinal cord. They may result in partial or total paralysis including quadriplegia or paraplegia.
• Severe burn injuries – these injuries not only cause extreme pain but can also result in long-term disfigurement, loss of function and nerve damage.
• Amputations – the loss of a limb either as a direct result of the accident or medical complications results in permanent disability.

How Do Catastrophic Injuries Compare to Other Personal Injuries

Catastrophic injuries, like other injuries, fall under the same umbrella of personal injury law. However, catastrophic injuries differ from other personal injuries in various ways.

• Severity

Personal injuries in general often involve temporary injuries such as fractures, sprains or even whiplash. The victim often recovers in weeks or months after the accident. Catastrophic injuries are severe and have a long term impact. The victim never fully recovers from their injuries. These injuries alter every aspect of the person’s life for the long term including their ability to work and carry out day to day tasks.

• Compensation

The payout for both catastrophic injuries and other personal injuries is designed to compensate victims for damages resulting from the accident that caused the injury. These include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage and more. However, unlike with other personal injuries, the future must be considered when determining compensation for a catastrophic injury. This is because the injury will continue to have a significant impact on the life of the victim and their family. Factors such as future medical expenses, loss of income due to the loss of their ability to work, long term care, housing in a specialized facility or modifications to their home, must be taken into account. As a result, the payout for a catastrophic injury is often significantly larger than for other personal injuries.

Long Term Impact of Personal Injuries

By definition, catastrophic injuries have a long term impact on various aspects of the victim’s life.

• Medical impact

Victims of catastrophic injuries never fully recover from their injuries. They often require continual medical care for the rest of their lives. This may include multiple surgeries, regular physical therapy, the use of assistive devices, long term hospitalization or housing in a specialized facility. In some cases, victims may face complications such as chronic pain or infections. These may further complicate the treatment or management of their condition.

• Financial impact

Catastrophic injuries often result in significant financial strain on the victim and their family. From medical treatment to rehabilitation, the cost of healthcare can be overwhelming. The strain is furthered by the fact that the victim may never be able to make a living following their injury. Family members may be forced to quit their jobs in order to provide care to their injured loved one. Many families face bankruptcy as a result of the long term expenses involved in the treatment and care of the injured.

• Emotional and psychological impact

Victims experience grief due to the loss of their abilities as well as the changes to their lifestyle. They may also suffer psychological trauma as a result of the events that led to the injury. The mental health of the victim’s family is also greatly affected due to watching their loved one suffer as well as the strain that the injury places on them.

Seek Catastrophic Injury Representation in Omaha at High & Younes, LLC

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury that was the result of the negligence or reckless actions of another party, contact High & Younes, LLC and schedule free consultation with an attorney from our law firm. We combine legal expertise with genuine care to help victims of catastrophic injuries rebuild their lives after a devastating injury. Contact us today to get started with your fight for justice.

Catastrophic Injury Representation Omaha