What types of injuries are considered catastrophic?

In Indiana, a catastrophic injury is a severe personal injury that includes a physical and/or mental impairment. The injury must have long-term, life-altering implications for the victim. All catastrophic injuries cause harm to the victim and disrupt their lives, but the level of impairment varies from person to person. Generally speaking, common types of catastrophic injuries include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, burn injuries, and severe fractures. Spinal cord injuries often present as paraplegia or quadriplegia, which means the victim is either partially or fully paralyzed. These injuries often require lifelong medical care and the need for specialized equipment. Likewise, a traumatic brain injury can cause long-term cognitive dysfunction, loss of motor skills, and even personality changes. Amputations and burn injuries also cause extreme pain and suffering. Depending on the severity, an amputation can cause an individual to lose the function, mobility, and sensation in a limb. Similarly, burns can cause extreme scarring, disfigurement, and the need for reconstructive surgery. Lastly, severe fractures often require multiple surgeries and months of rehabilitation before the individual can even return to their pre-injury lifestyle. Overall, any severe injury can be considered catastrophic. While some injuries can be healed, others can cause long-term disability and impairments that require extensive medical treatment and financial resources.

Related FAQs

How long does a catastrophic injury lawsuit take to resolve?
How can I protect my rights during the settlement process in a catastrophic injury case?
How do I prove my medical expenses in a catastrophic injury case?
What is the difference between a catastrophic injury claim and a wrongful death claim?
How can I prove that my catastrophic injury was caused by another person’s actions?
What is the statute of limitations for filing a catastrophic injury claim?
What is the difference between actual and potential damages?
What should I do if the insurance company denies my catastrophic injury claim?
What is the legal definition of catastrophic injury?
How can I prove the severity of my catastrophic injury?

What types of injuries are considered catastrophic?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts