Defining Negligence and Catastrophic Injury
Catastrophic injuries often stem from negligent behavior by one or more individuals. Negligence, a legal theory which serves as the basis for a majority of personal injury lawsuits, can be defined as the failure to exercise reasonable care to avoid causing injury or loss to another. If a person engages in a pattern of behavior deemed to be negligent, and they cause a catastrophic injury, they could be held liable for any resulting injuries and damages.
As mentioned above, a catastrophic injury is an injury that causes a marked decrease in functionality. Often, such injuries prevent an individual from engaging in any gainful employment. Some of the most common causes of catastrophic injuries include automobile accidents, medical mistakes, faulty products, and falls.
Common types of catastrophic injuries include:
- Severe head trauma
- Spinal cord and neck injuries
- Organ damage
- Severe burns
- Permanent nerve damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of limb/ amputation
- Paralysis
It may be important to work with a Wylie catastrophic injury attorney who could provide individualized attention and support to injured individuals and help them recover compensation for their damages.