Definition of Catastrophic Injury
There is not a precise legal definition for the term “catastrophic injury,” though it is generally understood to mean injuries that involve severe harm to plaintiffs and lead to long-term (often permanent) disfigurement, disability, and pain. Persons who suffer catastrophic injuries typically experience the following:
- Inability to perform basic life functions without assistance
- Inability to return to work
- Long-term (potentially lifelong) medical treatment
- Need for assistive devices
- Need for home care services
- Need for home renovations in order to increase ease of movement
- Need for inpatient care
- Need for various surgeries
- Permanent or long-term disability
- Protracted, difficult recovery period
Given the life-altering effects of catastrophic injuries, the personal, physical, and financial damages involved in related lawsuits tend to be much greater. As such, persons suing another person or entity for negligence in cases involving catastrophic injuries may require much more compensation in order to cover their injury-related costs, leading to larger verdicts and settlements in related cases.
Examples of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries can happen in a variety of contexts, from the workplace to the operating table, and they can take multiple forms. They can occur due to workplace accidents, car wrecks, medical malpractice, or any instance of reckless behavior.
Common types of catastrophic injuries include:
- Disc herniation
- Injuries that result in mutilation, disfigurement, and/or major scarring
- Loss of a limb or other body part
- Mental or cognitive injury
- Paralysis of any kind
- Severe burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Surgical never events
- Traumatic brain injuries
Catastrophic Injury Attorneys in Greenville, South Carolina
At Christian & Christian, we represent people who have suffered devastating personal harm. We have personally helped many clients obtain compensation for long-term disabilities, medical treatment, and other costly effects of catastrophic injuries.
Connect with a Greenville catastrophic injury lawyer by calling (864) 408-8883 today.