What is a Catastrophic Injury?

Car crashes and other types of accidents may result in serious injuries. A catastrophic injury is an injury so severe it causes life-long disability or debilitation, and often involves the loss of mental or physical capacity or deformities. Catastrophic injuries severely alter the lives of the victim and often the victim’s family.

Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries

• Traumatic brain injury
• Paralysis and spinal cord injuries
• Brain damage
• Loss of Limb

Any injury that causes loss of function or motor skills is generally considered catastrophic. Some more apparent catastrophic injuries are paralysis and brain damage; however, other examples include those that require the use of walking devices or wheelchairs for an extended period of time.

The victim of a catastrophic injury may require lengthy recovery time, while others may never fully recover. In some severe cases, the victim may need full-time care for the rest of their life. Additionally, they may not be able to work for an extended period or, in some cases, ever again.

Am I Entitled to a Settlement

When someone is injured due to the negligence of another person, they may be entitled to compensation to cover damages. An experienced personal injury attorney will work with the victim (or the victim’s family) to determine who is at fault, and gather evidence to prove negligence. To prove negligence, you must show that the at-fault party owed a duty to you and that negligent action resulted in your injury.

Damages you may be able to recover in a personal injury claim for catastrophic injury include:

• Medical expenses (current and/or future)
• Lost wages
• Mobility devices or assistance
• Temporary or permanent care
• Trauma counseling
• Compensation for loss of enjoyment of life

Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

At Saladino & Schaaf, we have years of experience representing Kentuckians in personal injury lawsuits. If you have been injured through no fault of your own, contact us online or at 270-444-0406 (Paducah Office) or 270-753-1529 (Murray Office) to schedule a free consultation today. You may be entitled to significant compensation, but the clock is ticking.