When you suffer an injury caused by someone else’s negligence, the severity of your injuries will determine how much compensation you could be awarded. Individuals suffering from catastrophic injuries are more likely to recover a sizable compensation award than someone who suffers only minor injuries.
However, understanding when an injury is considered catastrophic is crucial as you begin to calculate the value of your damages. No matter what type of accident you were involved in, if your injuries have had a significant impact on your life, pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party may be the best way for you to regain control of your life.
Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries
As described by the American Medical Association, catastrophic injuries are those that affect the brain or spine. However, these are not the only types of catastrophic injuries you can sustain. Any time your life has been profoundly affected, to the point where your life is permanently altered or you cannot get back to life as it was prior to the accident, you may have suffered a catastrophic injury. Some examples of injuries that may be deemed catastrophic include:
- Amputation
- Burn injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Nearly any type of accident has the potential to cause catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common types of incidents known for particularly devastating injuries include:
- Car accidents
- Construction accidents
- Dog bites
- Motorcycle accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Truck accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Work accidents
The Fallout of a Catastrophic Injury Can be Devastating
The marker of a catastrophic injury is the fallout it has on your life. Someone who has a couple hundred dollars in medical expenses and a relatively minor recovery before they reach full functionality and strength again may not have suffered a catastrophic injury.
However, if you are permanently disabled, unable to work, or require around-the-clock assistance to complete daily living activities, your injuries could be catastrophic. Generally, the more severe your injuries are, the more you can expect to recover in damages.
How You Can Recover Compensation for a Catastrophic Injury
The type of accident you were involved in will determine how you can recover compensation for your catastrophic injuries. Several potential legal options may be available to you. Typically, you might start by filing a claim against the liable party’s insurance policy since California follows fault-based insurance laws per California Insurance Code – INS § 11580.1.
Unfortunately, insurance may not fully cover your losses. The insurance company might compensate you for a portion of your medical bills, but that does not mean they will cover your pain and suffering, emotional distress, or other intangible losses. For this reason, it is important to keep your options open and consider a personal injury lawsuit. There are no caps on the amount of damages you can recover for a catastrophic injury.
Consult a Premier Personal Injury Lawyer for Help Today
If you are unsure whether your injuries are considered catastrophic, the best way to find out is to turn to a highly experienced Santa Monica personal injury lawyer from Borna Houman Law. With our no-win, no-fee guarantee, you can fight for the compensation you are entitled to without having to worry about jeopardizing your personal finances. Let us help you and your family get through some of the most difficult times in your life. Fill out our online contact form or call our office to schedule a 100% free consultation as soon as today.