A catastrophic personal injury is one that is life-altering and includes traumatic brain injuries or physical injuries that result in long-term loss of function, such as paralysis or amputation.

While we hope that none of our clients ever have to suffer such an injury, if they do, we are there for them to help them recover the compensation they deserve to cover the costs of such an injury.

Catastrophic injuries: A closer look

Catastrophic injuries are those that are difficult, if not impossible, to recover from, and may last for the duration of a person’s life.

They include:

  • Amputation or dismemberment
  • Eye injuries, including those that lead to blindness
  • Burns, which can be disfiguring
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Serious scarring
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones

Specific catastrophic injuries, especially those that related to the brain or the spinal cord, can cause lifelong problems with little or no chance of recovery. In those cases, people generally require a personal caregiver, which can elevate damages significantly.

How much is a catastrophic injury worth?

Most catastrophic accidents are the results of car accidents, although workplace injuries, sports accidents, medical malpractice incidents – especially childbirth-related – and military injuries are also common causes. If the injury was the result of negligence on the part of another person, such as in a car accident or a workplace accident that occurred due to unsafe conditions, a personal injury lawsuit may help provide compensation for medical costs, emotional trauma, lost wages and pain and suffering.

In most cases, because of the long-term care that will be required by those suffering a severe injury, catastrophic injuries are often worth at least a million dollars or more due to long-term medical care such as physical and occupational therapy, lost wages and pain and suffering.

In the event of a workplace accident, there will likely be enough insurance to cover the cost of even a high-stakes settlement, including expert witnesses required to cement a case in court.

For example, in 1986 in Manitowoc, Wis., three employees of a construction company were rebuilding an incinerator for Red Arrow Products Inc., a manufacturer of liquid wood-smoke flavors. During the project, 100 pounds of charcoal dust fell out of a pipe and ignited after coming into contact with a propane space heater.

Three men suffered serious burns and received between $2.1 to $15 million each after a nine-week trial, the longest in Manitowoc history.

Car accidents – especially those that are the result of someone driving under the influence – and big rig accidents can also result in large settlements if they result in serious, catastrophic injuries.

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in an accident, call a personal injury attorney today. He or she can help you get the compensation you deserve after an accident, and for those who need funds now, can help connect you with companies that offer cash advances that can be paid off after the lawsuit has been successfully litigated in court.