February 11, 2025 | Catastrophic Injury

When you’re injured in an accident, you will most likely experience the impact of the injuries for a while. In many cases, the impact isn’t life long and you are able to get back to your day to day life. However, in some unfortunate cases involving severe injuries, the impact of the injuries affect the victim for the rest of their lives. Below we take a look at the later type of injuries and why they are different from other types of personal injuries.

Defining Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries are severe injuries that have a long-term impact on the victim. They may result in permanent disability, significant impairment or a drastic reduction in the victim’s quality of life. These types of injuries often include injuries that affect the brain, spinal cord or other critical bodily functions. These injuries result in an inability to perform daily activities or maintain employment. These injuries also often require extensive medical intervention, rehabilitation and lifelong care.

Types of Catastrophic Injuries

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

These injuries involve severe head trauma. They are the result of head injuries that may involve direct impact, penetration of the skull or the brain colliding with the inner surface of the skull. These injuries can cause cognitive impairment, memory loss, behavioral changes or permanent disability.

• Spinal cord injuries

Spinal cord injuries involve damage to the spinal tissue. These injuries may involve severing or direct other damage to tissues of the spinal cord or damage to the spinal column affecting the nerves leaving the spinal cord. These injuries can result in paralysis affecting different parts of the body depending on the level of the injury. This can affect mobility as well as bodily functions.

• Amputations

These injuries involve the loss of limbs or other parts of the body such as fingers or toes. The damage to the victim’s body is permanent and often affects their mobility and independence. Victims may also be affected psychologically as a result.

• Organ damage

Injuries to vital organs such as eyes, ears or internal organs can impair the victim’s life. For example, the victim may be affected by lifetime blindness. These injuries often require ongoing medical treatment and may severely affect the victim’s quality of life.

• Permanent disfigurement

Injuries often leave scars. However, catastrophic injuries can leave scars or other forms of disfigurement that are permanent. For example, severe and extensive burns can result in extensive scarring. This can impact the victim’s self-esteem and social life.

• Multiple bone fractures

Extensive bone damage can result in mobility issues. Victims also suffer tremendous pain and may never experience a full recovery. They may have to undergo multiple surgeries and rehabilitation.

Why Catastrophic Injuries Are Different From Other Personal Injury Cases

• Higher medical costs

Victims of catastrophic injuries often have to undergo long-term treatment including multiple surgeries, rehabilitation and physical therapy. Some may require specialized care as well as medical equipment. The costs related to treating and managing their injuries can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars over a lifetime. It is important for victims to not only consider past medical bills when seeking compensation but also medical bills they may incur in the future related to treatment they are yet to undergo.

• Loss of earning capacity

Unlike with other minor injuries, the victims of catastrophic injuries never fully recover. Many are unable to return to work in the same capacity or at all. Their dependents therefore are likely to suffer greatly as a result of the loss of income. Victims must consider the long-term impact of not being able to make a living when seeking compensation.

• Permanent disability and lifestyle changes

Many victims of catastrophic injuries experience permanent disabilities that alter their way of life. They may require modifications to their homes, assistive devices as well as ongoing caregiving. This can be expensive and ought to be factored into the compensation provided to the victim.

• Emotional and psychological impact

The events leading to the catastrophic injury often have a devastating impact on the psychological health of the victim. The victim may also suffer further psychological trauma from the impact that the injuries have on their lifestyle and that of their family. It isn’t uncommon for victims to suffer depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

• Higher compensation claims

As can be seen from the above, catastrophic injury cases often result in higher compensation. As a result, these claims often face resistance from the at-fault party as well as insurance companies. They may take longer to resolve.

Conclusion

Catastrophic injury cases are complex. They require specialized legal knowledge and experience. If you or a loved one have been affected by a catastrophic injury caused by another party, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, High and Younes Attorneys LLC. Schedule free consultation and learn about the best approach to take with your case.

What Are Catastrophic Injury Cases