The most serious injuries result in an individual left permanently disabled. This can be a loss of a limb, brain or spinal cord damage, or even total paralysis. However, people who suffered catastrophic injuries may be able to recover compensation for their losses.
What Makes an Injury Catastrophic?
In general, a catastrophic injury is one that leaves a permanent negative effect on a person’s life. This effect must result in a significant reduction in a person’s physical or mental abilities. Prominent examples of these include:
- Amputation or loss of function of a limb
- Brain damage
- Spinal cord damage
- Paralysis
- Third-degree burns
- Blindness or deafness
A catastrophic injury can occur in almost any situation or scenario. Many catastrophic injury suits are no different from any other personal injury claim except for the seriousness of the injuries. For example, any car crash may result in a catastrophic injury claim if the injuries suffered are serious enough. The case must examine every injury as an independent portion of the claim according to a rule known as the eggshell skull rule, all defendants must pay damages caused or enhanced by the incident, no matter the plaintiff’s status prior to the incident or misfortune.
