Legal Definition of Catastrophic Injury
A catastrophic injury is a severe injury that results in permanent disability, disfigurement, or significant impairment of bodily function. These injuries fundamentally alter the victim's life and typically require extensive medical treatment, long-term care, and substantial lifestyle modifications.
Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries encompass a wide range of severe conditions:
- ✓Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) causing permanent cognitive impairment
- ✓Spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia)
- ✓Amputation or loss of limbs
- ✓Severe burn injuries requiring extensive skin grafts
- ✓Multiple bone fractures requiring extensive reconstruction
- ✓Permanent organ damage
- ✓Loss of vision or hearing
- ✓Severe facial disfigurement
How Catastrophic Injuries Differ from Other Injuries
While all injuries deserve compensation, catastrophic injuries are distinguished by their permanence and impact. Unlike injuries that heal over time, catastrophic injuries result in lasting changes to the victim's abilities, independence, and quality of life. This distinction significantly affects the compensation calculation.
Impact on Compensation
Because catastrophic injuries require lifetime care and result in permanent loss, compensation typically includes: past and future medical expenses, lifetime care costs, home modifications, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Settlements often reach into the millions or tens of millions of dollars.