When you hear the term “catastrophic,” your mind probably instantly thinks of a severe, large scale event like an earthquake or tsunami. If something is catastrophic, it most likely yielded a great amount of damage to a person or property. The legal definition identities this kind of injury similarly. The law defines a catastrophic injury as an injury with “direct and proximate consequences [that] permanently prevent an individual from performing any gainful work.” In layman’s terms, a catastrophic injury disrupts the status quo and prevents and leaves an individual with permanent, life-changing injuries.
Examples of Catastrophic Injuries
The most common causes of catastrophic injuries often include the following:
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- Loss of limb
- Burn injuries
- Injuries that result in internal bleeding, such as ruptured liver or kidneys
These types of injuries are considered catastrophic because of the life-long pain, treatment and adjustment the individual must endure as a result of them. Traumatic brain injuries, for example, can result in abnormal speech and other cognitive dysfunctions. A spinal cord injury can result in paralysis, loss of bladder and/or bowel control and chronic pain. Individuals who have had to have their arm or leg amputated as a result of an accident often struggle with physical and emotional challenges as they adapt to their new normal. These kinds of injuries are catastrophic in nature because they completely upend a person’s life, their ability to complete daily tasks, to continue working and result in emotional pain and suffering.
How Are Catastrophic Injuries Caused?
Depending on the circumstance, catastrophic injuries may be the result of motor vehicle accidents, workplace accidents and other forms of negligent behavior. Most commonly, catastrophic injuries are the direct result of:
- Car accidents
- Tuck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Defective products
- Falls
- Construction accidents
- Medical malpractice
Should I File a Lawsuit?
Unlike other types of injuries, the costs associated with a catastrophic injury often do not have an end in sight. Most often, injured individuals and their families will have to pay for continuing medical care, physical and/or occupational therapy, medical equipment such as a lift or wheelchair, medication and more. These expenses come on the heels of the individual’s inability to work or continue in their field which makes filing a claim to hold the negligent party responsible all the more important.
The Law Offices of Richard A. Stoloff works directly with a Certified Life Care Planner who will be able to assess your financial needs now and in the future. We know that when you’ve sustained a life-changing injury, this compensation may be the only source of income you and your family have to survive. That’s why we aggressively pursue maximum compensation for our clients to ensure that their current and future needs are met. Schedule a consultation with us today to get started on your claim.
Contact a Galloway Township Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Catastrophic Injury Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to someone’s negligence in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at the Law Offices of Richard A. Stoloff represent clients injured because of an auto accident in Ventnor City, Atlantic City, Galloway Township, Egg Harbor, and throughout New Jersey. Call (609) 601-2233 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 605 New Road, Linwood, NJ 08221, as well as an office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.