While any injury can be distressing, those which result in life-changing disability can be particularly devastating. Known throughout the legal profession as “catastrophic injuries,” these injuries are so serious in nature that their effects leave the victim permanently damaged and unable to perform gainful work.
Is There a Legal Definition of Catastrophic Injuries?
No. While there is no established law or standard which defines when an injury is or is not catastrophic, generally speaking, most legal professionals consider a catastrophic injury to be any type of injury that cannot be fully recovered from, leaving a person’s physical condition permanently altered. Catastrophic injuries are typically connected with severe physical harm to the brain or spinal cord, though they may also involve the loss of a limb through amputation or extensive scarring from severe burns. Catastrophic injuries often require victims to endure a lifetime of hardship and expensive treatments, the worst of which necessitating round-the-clock medical assistance.
Catastrophic injuries can occur under a myriad of circumstances, including:
- Car accidents
- Animal attacks
- Motorcycle collisions
- Truck accidents
- Construction accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
How Are Catastrophic Injuries Compensated?
Under normal circumstances when a person is injured, their losses will have clear-cut costs, such as medical bills, lost wages, copays, and repair costs for damaged property. All of these costs are totaled together to form a person’s “economic damages.” Non-economic damages, or damages for less-measurable losses such as pain and suffering, are determined by applying a multiplier of one through five to this total.
Determining an appropriate amount of damages can be much more difficult when a person’s injuries are catastrophic, since their losses are often open-ended. In these situations, compensation will be based on the severity of a person’s “residual injuries,” or injuries which permanently reduce their quality of life. While compensation will be based on numerous factors, generally speaking, the more serious the injuries are, the higher the settlement.
Pursue Full and Fair Compensation Today
The strain on victims and families in the wake of a catastrophic injury can be enormous. Unfortunately, in many cases, without the monetary compensation provided from settlements and verdicts against those responsible, a victim’s future medical care may be financially impossible to sustain.
At Karsman, McKenzie & Hart, we understand the immense emotional, physical, and financial hardship a catastrophic injury can bring. If you or a loved one has been left severely injured due to another party’s carelessness, our Savannah personal injury lawyers are prepared to do everything within our power to ensure you receive the financial resources and medical care you need. With decades of compassionate legal experience and a track record of millions recovered on our clients’ behalf, we have what it takes to ensure your rights are guarded during this difficult time.
Get started towards pursuing justice by calling our office today at (912) 335-4977
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