So what exactly is a catastrophic injury? One of the most generally accepted definitions is an injury in which someone suffers permanent or debilitating damage that prevents them from working. Some places define a catastrophic injury as a severe spinal, spinal cord, or cerebral injury. It can include amputation as well.
The ramifications of a catastrophic injury go well beyond the actual injury. Permanent disabilities like paralysis or brain damage like CTE can alter a person and the way they interact with others. Not only are they no longer able to perform any gainful work but they may no longer be able to enjoy life. Daily activities like using the bathroom or eating can become chores that put a burden on the victim and their loved ones.
In a legal sense, catastrophic injury falls under personal injury law. Handling this kind of case requires understanding the immediate and long-term injuries at issue. These cases often involve substantial future medical expenses. The attorneys at KBA often work with specialists, experts in the area of life care planning, vocational rehabilitation and assessment, and doctors who understand how life will be forever changed.