An article published in the Belfast Telegraph on February 28, 2019 with the title Drink Drive Belfast Woman Who Hit Pedestrian Causing Catastrophic Injuries Jailed; reported how the male pedestrian suffered catastrophic injuries including “the loss of his left eye, multiple fractures throughout his body and a punctured lung. He also had to undergo reconstructive surgery to his face and hand, requires ongoing surgery, is in constant pain and has suffered both financially and mentally”. It is correct to state that standard personal injury cases are different from catastrophic injury claims in a number of ways. It is important to understand and know what to expect and what to communicate to your lawyer in order to ensure that your case progresses appropriately.

One attorney is recorded as stating that, “In the field of catastrophic injury law we are often confronted with the question what makes an injury catastrophic? This seems like a reasonable thing to ask especially since the term catastrophic injury can apply in a variety of contexts, from emergency rooms to NFL Broadcasts.” The reality is that there is no generally accepted legal definition made for catastrophic injury. However, a widely used definition states that a catastrophic injury means “consequences of an injury that permanently prevent an individual from performing any gainful work.” In addition, other auxiliary definitions provide additional information that catastrophic injuries are ‘any injuries that have serious long-term effects on the victim and that can leave a person suffering from permanent disabilities for the rest of their life.’
When considering the difference between a standard personal injury case and catastrophic injury claims there are five noted differences. “The standard personal injury case proceeds through normal processes and explanation, however, the catastrophic injury is generally worse by significant standards. This basically means that the severity of the damages caused is normally much greater and have a permanent effect on the victim’s life. For example, the individual may remain permanently disabled, suffer brain damage and no longer have the capacity to think or perform general daily activities without the help of another person. In addition, the recovery time may extend the need for hospital medical procedures”, a Crowson Law Group attorney commented.

Injuries associated with catastrophic injury cases are unique with regard to the severity, seriousness and permanence of the damage they pose. Some examples of catastrophic injuries include traumatic brain damage, amputations, spinal cord damage, severe burning, loss of a sense such as hearing or vision and permanent disfigurement. However, in other personal injury cases the victim has a high chance of recovering from their injuries. 

The recovery time associated with standard injuries can take weeks or months, however, in more severe cases such as catastrophic injury it can take years or decades for an individual to recover or recovery may not be possible. For example, an individual may fall into a coma and never fully recover or wake again. Recovery times related to catastrophic injuries are dependent on the injury as well as how much trauma the body takes from the accident. Accident and injury lawyers hired for catastrophic injury cases handle all legal processes and support the client throughout the entire life of the claim.

About the company:

Crowson Law Group is a law firm of renowned professionals who focus on personal injury matters. For legal advice and representation for injuries resulting from aircraft accidents contact a Crowson Law Group Alaska aircraft accidents attorney.