When do injuries become catastrophic?
On Behalf of The Andres Lopez Law Firm , PA | October 4, 2022 | Catastrophic Injuries
Any injury the potential to disrupt your life. A simple slip-and-fall accident in a Florida store might result in a fracture that prevents you from working for a few weeks. But the term “catastrophic injuries” refers to those that have considerable impact.
Understand what makes an injury “catastrophic”
Catastrophic injuries refer to ones that are so severe that you could sustain significant harm. Catastrophic injuries typically result in at least one of these:
- An inability to continue working
- Disfigurement
- Permanent disability
- In need of ongoing and permanent care
Catastrophic injuries can affect all parts of the body
Not all catastrophic injuries are permanent, but all of them require significant medical treatment. You may need medical treatment for both physical and mental therapy, as well as treatment for pain or to restore the ability to perform daily functions. Common examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Burns
- Amputation
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Brain injuries
- Organ damage
Catastrophic accidents can occur in a variety of settings
Car accidents cause some of the most severe and life-threatening catastrophic injuries. These types of accidents typically affect the nervous system strongly, making it increasingly difficult to resume your daily activities with the same ease as you did prior to your accident.
Other common causes of catastrophic injuries include:
- Accidents at work
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Sports
- Construction site accidents
- Defective medical treatments
Determining fault for your injury is important
If you sustain a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may have the basis for a personal injury claim. Common parties involved in a personal injury claim for a catastrophic injury include medical providers, employers, and drug manufacturers. Pursuing legal action helps to prevent similar harm from happening to others. It may also help with monetary compensation to replace lost wages and pay for medical bills.