What Qualifies as a Catastrophic Injury?

About 63 million Americans suffer injuries that require medical attention each year. From cuts and burns to sprains and fractured bones, people suffer injuries all the time. But the vast majority of these injuries are not catastrophic in nature and won’t lead to you needing to reach out to a personal injury lawyer for help.

So, what would be considered a catastrophic injury, what can cause one, and what should you do if you ever sustain one? Keep reading so that you know which types of injuries would warrant a call to an attorney who handles personal injury cases.

What Is Considered a Catastrophic Injury?

You’ve probably heard the word “catastrophic” used to describe lots of different kinds of injuries. For example, sports analysts sometimes refer to injuries to professional athletes as catastrophic. NBA player Paul George sustained what was called a catastrophic injury in 2014 when he suffered a compound leg fracture that could have ended his career.

But generally speaking, this is not what a catastrophic injury is in everyday life. Instead, catastrophic injuries are usually injuries that affect people for the rest of their lives. Some examples include:

• Brain injuries.
• Spinal cord injuries.
• Amputations.
• Severe burns.
• Organ damage.

In some instances, like with brain injuries, catastrophic injuries can cause lifelong cognitive issues and limited mobility. In other cases, like with spinal cord injuries, they can cause respiratory problems, chronic pain, and even paralysis.

What Can Cause a Catastrophic Injury?

More than 6 million car accidents take place in the U.S. each year, and about 3 million Americans suffer injuries during them. Fortunately, the majority of people injured in car crashes walk away with just minor bumps and bruises. But some sustain catastrophic injuries, like brain trauma, that can continue to impact them for decades.

Many other events can cause catastrophic injuries, too. Here are a few common causes:

• Slip-and-fall accidents
• Workplace accidents
• Medical mistakes
• Construction accidents
• defective products

You can reduce the chances of sustaining a catastrophic injury by taking the proper precautions. Following safety guidelines in the workplace and doing something as simple as wearing a seatbelt while driving your car could prevent catastrophic injuries.

There is, however, always a tiny chance you could sustain a catastrophic injury through no fault of your own. Someone else could create a dangerous situation and cause you to suffer a life-changing injury.

What Should You Do If You Sustain a Catastrophic Injury?

If you ever sustain a catastrophic injury, the first thing you should do is seek immediate medical care. The sooner you’re treated, the better your chances of making a full recovery.

You should also touch base with a personal injury lawyer to discuss your catastrophic injury and find out if you might be able to file a lawsuit against the entity that is to blame for it. This lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis and only collect contingency fees if they can help you earn a settlement or a judgment.

Securing a settlement or judgment in your case could provide you with the funds you need to recover from a catastrophic injury. It could also put you in a better position to lead a more fulfilling life.

Ask Us About Handling Your Case After Suffering a Catastrophic Injury

Are you searching for a personal injury lawyer interested in handling your case involving a catastrophic injury? Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway, P.C. is here to help. We represent those who have suffered these types of injuries as well as those who would like to file wrongful death and product liability lawsuits.

Contact us at 800-433-2408 today to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.