Catastrophic Injuries

Each state has laws that allow people to take such action in court if they suffer a catastrophic injury. You can act in the best interests of you and your loved ones by learning:

• What qualifies as a catastrophic injury
• Which type of legal action is available to you

What is a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury, by definition, is one that impacts one of the major systems in the body. It limits, impairs, or halts the proper function of the brain, spinal cord, GI tract, urinary tract, respiratory system, or skin.

More specifically, a catastrophic injury is one that significantly affects the lives of the sufferer and his or her family. It often occurs without warning and may result in permanent disability or premature death of the injured person.

People who suffer catastrophic injuries often experience limited or impaired movement, speech, sensation, and cognitive abilities. They often cannot resume their normal routines and may experience a drastic change in the way they must live their lives because of their injuries. Because the injury occurred through no fault of their own, they may have the right to pursue legal action under their state’s personal injury or workers’ compensation laws.

Examples of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries come in a variety of forms, all of which severely impact the lives of people who suffer them. Some of the most common catastrophic injuries include:

• Brain injuries
• Injuries to the spinal cord like paralysis
• Accidental amputation of a limb
• Severe burns
• Multiple fractures
• Neurological disorders

These injuries may prevent people from going to school, working, or otherwise functioning normally in society. They also put a severe strain on a family’s normal routine as well as its finances. People who suffer from catastrophic injuries could have reason to pursue legal action against the person or party responsible for their illness or injury.

Legal Action for Catastrophic Injuries

Depending on the circumstances behind the catastrophic injury, you may have just cause to take legal action against the person or party that caused you to suffer the injury or illness. If you were hurt on the job, for example, you can file a workers’ compensation claim against your employer and pursue either temporary or permanent disability benefits. Likewise, if you were hurt as the result of medical malpractice, you could file a lawsuit against the medical provider responsible for your injury.

Before you take legal action and file either a workers’ compensation claim or a lawsuit, however, you may find it best to retain the services of an experienced personal injury lawyer. An attorney who specializes in this area of law will know what type of case you can pursue.

Catastrophic injuries severely impact the lives of people who suffer them, as well as their families. You can pursue legal compensation in court by filing a workers’ compensation claim against the person or party responsible for your injury.