Over 120 million visits are made to doctors’ offices and emergency rooms each year for accidental injuries. And while many injuries are minor and heal quickly, others are long-lasting, disabling, and can even result in death.
Of these severe injuries, some are considered to be catastrophic. But what is a catastrophic injury in legal terms, and how do you know if you’ve suffered one? Read on to find out.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury is a serious injury, often resulting in permanent damage to the body. An injury that results in a disability or disfigurement may be considered catastrophic by lawyers.
If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury, you’ve likely lost a vital part of yourself needed for functioning. You may have lost a limb or other body part, or you might have suffered brain damage.
As a result, you can’t work, take care of yourself, or function cognitively as well as you once could.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries
While many injuries can seem life-changing, only a few are considered to be true catastrophic injuries, according to its legal definition.
Catastrophic injuries often involve harm to the brain or spinal cord, which usually leads to irreversible damage. But other types of harm may also be considered catastrophic.
Some examples of common types of catastrophic injuries include:
- catastrophic brain injury
- severe burns
- spine and spinal cord injuries
- limb amputation
- head injuries
- injuries resulting in paralysis
- extensive tissue damage
Catastrophic injuries can have a range of causes. Car and motorcycle accidents, assault, sports, dangerous products, and other negligent behavior can cause a catastrophic injury.
What to Do After a Devastating Injury
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury, the harm to your physical and mental health may be unrepairable. But there are still steps you can take to protect yourself.
First, it’s crucial to receive the medical care you need as quickly as possible. Not all major injuries lead to permanent damage, but extensive damage is more likely if you delay treatment.
Then, if someone or something else caused the injury, a catastrophic injury lawyer may be able to help you and your family receive the compensation you deserve. This compensation can help pay for lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses.
Even if the injury was accidental, you likely have a catastrophic injury case. Intentional harm, negligence, and faulty products can all be to blame for your suffering. Contacting a personal or catastrophic injury law firm can be an important step in restoring your life.
Healing After a Catastrophe
Suffering a catastrophic injury can feel like your life is over. And while the damage may be long-lasting or even permanent, there are still steps you can take to get the care you need after your injury.
Understanding the legal definition of a catastrophic injury can help you identify if you’ve suffered one so you can demand the compensation you deserve.
Then, you can start healing and repairing for the future.
For more information on law topics and your legal rights, read our latest law articles!
Rachel Dixon works on Business, travel and features blogs at Daily Mid Time and Zobuz. She has passionate for travelling and cooking. Spending time with family as well as on internet to enhance her capabilities for well orientated content creation and blog writing.
