What is a Catastrophic Injury?

man with spinal cord injury

A catastrophic personal injury is a severe and permanent injury that results from another person’s negligence or wrongdoing. 

These injuries can occur due to various reasons, such as car accidents, falls, sports injuries, medical malpractice, and workplace accidents. If you or your loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and seek proper compensation.

What is considered a catastrophic illness or injury? 

Catastrophic injury or illness refers to severe, permanent injuries that can affect a person’s ability to perform daily activities. These injuries can result in long-term or permanent disability, requiring ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and support.

Examples of catastrophic injuries include:

  • traumatic brain injury
  • spinal cord injury
  • amputations
  • severe burns
  • and organ damage

Types of Catastrophic Injury Explained

woman in wheelchair holding brain scan
  1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):

TBI occurs due to a sudden blow or jolt to the head, leading to brain damage. The severity of TBI can range from mild to severe, affecting a person’s cognitive, sensory, and motor functions.

 Common causes of TBI include car accidents, falls, and sports injuries.

  1. Spinal Cord Injury (SCI):

SCI occurs due to damage to the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. The severity of SCI depends on the location and extent of the injury. 

Causes of SCI include car accidents, falls, and sports injuries.

man with amputated leg
  1. Amputations:

Amputations refer to the loss of a body part, such as a limb, due to injury or surgical removal. Amputations can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform daily activities and lead to ongoing medical and rehabilitation needs.

  1. Severe Burns:

Severe burns can result in permanent disfigurement and scarring, requiring ongoing medical treatment and support. 

Burns can occur due to fires, explosions, chemicals, and electrical accidents.

  1. Organ Damage:

Organ damage can occur due to blunt force trauma or medical malpractice, leading to long-term or permanent disabilities.

Catastrophic Injury Law

If you or your loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you may be entitled to compensation. Compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical and rehabilitation costs.

Be sure to seek the advice of an experienced catastrophic injury lawyer who can evaluate your case and help you navigate the legal process. A lawyer from our firm can help you negotiate a fair settlement or represent you in court to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

REMEMBER: In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for catastrophic injury claims is one year from the date of the injury. This means that you must file your claim within one year of the injury, or you may lose your right to compensation. It’s crucial to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected.

File Your Personal Injury Claim with Gordon Mckernan Today!

what is a catastrophic injury, What is a Catastrophic Injury?

Catastrophic injury cases can cause a lot of physical and emotional distress, requiring ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and support. 

If you or your loved one has been catastrophically injured, it’s important to understand your legal rights and seek proper compensation. Our team of experienced lawyers at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys can help you with your personal injury case to help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. 

Contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation!