Whether you've recently been involved in a car accident or a construction accident, it's possible for your injuries to be classified as catastrophic, which means that you will have additional legal options at your disposal. However, there's no exact definition for what constitutes a catastrophic injury, which is why it's important to understand when an injury is usually defined as catastrophic.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
Although there's no set definition for what a catastrophic injury is, it's widely believed that any injury that results in the individual being unable to perform work is a catastrophic injury. If the injury that you're suffering from has caused you to be unable to hold a job, it likely classifies as a catastrophic one. This type of injury can have devastating consequences, which is why you should have legal recourse if the injury was caused by the negligence of another person or entity.
These injuries can extend to physical as well as cognitive impairments. When you're suffering from a catastrophic injury, your entire way of life could be affected. You might not be able to exercise like you once did or may notice that your ability to travel has heavily diminished. When this type of injury occurs, it's important that you explore all of your legal options.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries
Injuries that cause major disruptions to your central nervous system will likely be classified as catastrophic. Injuries to the neck and spine are typically regarded as catastrophic, which is why car accidents are among the most common causes of these types of injuries. Injuries to the spinal cord, brain injuries, amputations, and damage to major organs are considered to be catastrophic injuries. It's also possible that severe burns and exposure to various substances and chemicals that are hazardous to your health could qualify as catastrophic injuries.
While a vehicle accident is the main cause for this type of injury, some additional incidents that could lead to a catastrophic injury include accidents in the swimming pool, defects with consumer products, medical devices that are defective, and accidents at a construction site. Contact a personal injury attorney immediately after one of these accidents occurs to explore all of your options.
If you've been injured in an accident and believe that it qualifies as a catastrophic injury, contact us today at Loscalzo & Loscalzo, P.C. so that we can provide you with the representation that you deserve.