What is a Catastrophic Injury?

New Orleans Catastrophic Injury Attorney

Personal Injury Attorney Fighting on Behalf of Victims of Catastrophic Injuries across the Gulf Coast

Catastrophic injuries are a particular category of injuries that result in long-term consequences for the victim.

Often these injuries are permanent, and the individual cannot prevent it from happening to them. The long-term effects create financial, emotional, and physical devastation to victims and their families. Also, these injuries put stress on the victim’s family, because they need supervision or assistance with everything from eating to hygiene.

How Do Catastrophic Injuries Happen?

Catastrophic injuries occur in numerous settings, and they are more so considered “catastrophic” because of the impact they have on the person experiencing them. Sometimes, the accident itself is minor, but the severity of the injury is much worse.

Some causes of a catastrophic injury might include:

• Car accident
• Work related injury
• Slip and fall
• Pedestrian versus automobile accident
• Medical malpractice

What Qualifies for a Catastrophic Injury Case?

.A catastrophic injury is any permanent injury that affects a person for the rest of their life. To be considered “catastrophic” the injury must result in disability or even disfigurement. A key factor used to determine if an injury is devastating enough for this classification is the recovery process for the injury itself. If the injury is debilitating and has an extensive recovery process required, or if the victim cannot perform essential life functions on a long-term basis or needs assistance, it is catastrophic.

Catastrophic injuries could dramatically reduce a victim’s expected lifespan as well.  A permanent disability that makes it impossible for the victim to work or help support their family is also an indication of whether that injury is catastrophic.

Types of Catastrophic Injuries

While certain types of injuries qualify, remember that it is more so the impact that injury has on the victim. Some common injuries associated with catastrophic claims include:

• Permanent spinal cord damage
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Total or partial paralysis
• Amputations
• Severe burn injuries
• Disfigurement and significant scars

Catastrophic Injury Claims versus Standard Injury Claims

A catastrophic injury claim is not the same as a standard injury claim. Catastrophic injuries have higher value settlements because these injuries affect the victim for a majority of their life. When a defendant causes those injuries, a personal injury lawsuit is filed so that the damages awarded to the plaintiff help make them financially whole.

While most of these victims have disabilities the rest of their lives, the financial burden and emotional impact of those injuries are lessened through compensation.

Damages are not only higher, but much more complicated to calculate and argue. It requires an attorney with experience in such devastating injuries to accurately calculate what it would cost for lost wages, surgeries, long-term medical care, and more.

Speak with a New Orleans Catastrophic Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, contact the Shlosman Law Firm in Louisiana. We are your local advocates who fight for your right to compensation after a serious and debilitating accident.

Speak with us for a free case evaluation now at 504-826-9427 or contact us online to get started.