There are serious injuries and then there are catastrophic injuries. In a legal sense, a catastrophic injury is defined in a work-related context, i.e., an injury that prevents you from obtaining and performing gainful employment. However, the consequences of a catastrophic injury go far beyond the professional aspects of your life. If you sustain a catastrophic injury, chances are good that you will no longer be able to participate in leisure activities or even care for yourself independently.
Areas of the Body Affected
Catastrophic injuries may also be described as those that threaten or permanently impair life and/or limb. Examples of catastrophic injuries that affect the musculoskeletal system include multiple bone fractures or amputations. A severe burn can be a catastrophic injury due to the massive tissue damage, infection risk, and possible disfigurement. Injuries affecting the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and the spinal cord, are often catastrophic in nature. Death or permanent paralysis can result, as can cognitive disorders. In other words, an injury of your brain could affect your thinking capabilities.
Consequences for Victims and Loved Ones
Victims of catastrophic injuries often never recover fully. They may no longer be able to work to support themselves and their families. Often, they are no longer able to perform daily care tasks such as grooming or feeding themselves. This often means that a member of the family must stay home to take care of the accident victim. If this is not possible from an economic standpoint, family members must hire a caretaker.
Prognosis for Catastrophic Injuries
A catastrophic injury often results in permanent disability. It may be necessary for someone to attend to an accident victim 24 hours a day. Not only does a victim usually not recover from a catastrophic injury, it may put the victim at greater risk for complications, such as blood clots or bedsores, that could lead to premature death.
Damages for Catastrophic Injuries
Because of the seriousness of a catastrophic injury and its potentially life-changing effects, it may be possible to recover significant damages. After a catastrophic injury, you may require extensive medical treatment just to return to a baseline level of function. As a result, your medical expenses may be greater than they would be for an injury that is not catastrophic. You can also potentially recover the costs of long-term 24-hour care, among other damages.
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, contact a law office to arrange to speak to a personal injury attorney in Indianapolis, IN.
Thanks to Ward & Ward Law Firm for their insight into personal injury claims and catastrophic injuries.