Overview

All injuries have an impact on the lives of the injured person. However, injuries that have a tremendous impact on the lives of the injured person are often called "catastrophic". They generally occur without any warning and result in serious bodily impairment. These types of injuries include:

Often, these injuries affect the central nervous system, which causes other complications. These complications can include:

Catastrophic injuries are difficult to manage and often require intensive medical attention. The long-term needs of a person who suffers a catastrophic injury are far more extensive than the needs of someone with lesser injuries. While some individuals are able to fully recover from a catastrophic injury, most individuals suffer permanent disability, pain, or a reduced life expectancy- especially if they receive delayed or improper medical attention.

If a catastrophic injury is caused by negligent behavior on the part of another person or manufacturer, a personal injury claim can be made. Given the huge financial impact of a catastrophic injury, damages from a personal injury claim can be a vital part of recovery. Often, catastrophic injuries have a long-term impact that may not be immediately apparent. For example, burn victims must often undergo years of reconstructive surgery. Children who suffer catastrophic injuries will require special attention as they mature. Since many individuals who suffer a catastrophic injury also suffer a loss of earning capacity, the need to protect the injured person's legal rights and determine the financial value of a personal injury claim is vital. An attorney with experience in catastrophic injury claims can help the victim to ensure they receive adequate compensation and protect themselves against financial hardship in the future.