What sets catastrophic injuries apart from other personal injuries is their seriousness. They are very difficult to recover from and many a time a full recovery is not possible.

Per 42 USC § 3796b, the legal definition of a catastrophic injury is an injury with “direct and proximate consequences” that “permanently prevent an individual from performing any gainful work.” Catastrophic injuries are generally so serious that the victim is left with permanent damage; they tend to be the result of physical harm to the spinal cord or brain, which can have severe short and long-term impacts on a person’s functional capacities.

Generally, a catastrophic injury implies that the victim suffers long-term or permanent incapacity or disability. These injuries tend to require potential medical treatment for life, surgeries, and a very tough recovery process, thus affecting the possibility of the victim going back to work and earn money. This can be especially tough if the victim is the breadwinner for the family: catastrophic injuries can affect a whole family. In other cases, these serious injuries leave victims unable to function as before, and they need the assistance of a live-in nurse or something similar to cope with everyday-life tasks.

Amongst the common injuries that are considered catastrophic we can mention:

• Traumatic brain injuriesSpinal cord injuries

• Severe burnsBlindness

• Loss of limb or disfigurement

• Organ damage

  Regardless of the specific of your situation, you may be able to seek compensation to help with the emotional toll and financial strain on you and your loved ones.