What are Catastrophic Injuries?

Catastrophic injuries are injuries that have a long-term or permanent effect on the life of a person that has been injured, and that may require significant medical treatment. Some people hurt in catastrophic accidents recover. Others may live with permanent disabilities, extreme suffering, a significantly shortened life span or a permanently altered way of life.

Catastrophic injury or illness can include brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputations, multiple fractures, burns or other congenital or neurological disorders. A catastrophic injury or illness very often causes severe disruption to the central nervous system, which in turn affects many other systems of the body. In addition to possible loss of movement, sensation and communicative and cognitive abilities, the injury or illness may impact breathing, circulation, skin, the urinary system, the gastrointestinal system and other body systems. Injuries classified as "catastrophic" can include loss of eyesight, hearing, severe burns, disfigurement, head injuries, or loss or paralysis of limbs.

A catastrophic injury affects how the patient lives. Each family member may have to make dramatic adjustments in her or his life to care for the injured person. There may be tasks that will have to be relearned, such as how to walk, talk or write. The patient may require a lifetime of medical care and/or repeated medical procedures.

Catastrophic injury cases are among the most complex cases and should be handled with the help of an experienced attorney. Hala Gores understands the extensive treatment and recovery process behind catastrophic injuries, and can help the injured person receive the compensation that they and the family deserve. Cases typically involve claims for pain and suffering, reimbursement for past and future medical expenses, lifetime care and loss of earnings.

Do I have a case?

To determine whether you have a case, we will need to know basic information about what happened. For a free evaluation of your case, click here.

Disclaimer

These materials have been prepared by Hala J. Gores, P.C. for informational purposes only and are not legal advice. Transmission of the information is not intended to create, and receipt does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship between the sender and receiver. Internet subscribers and on-line readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel. Information submitted on this website or by email should not be considered confidential. If this concerns you, telephone or write to us by regular mail.