When someone is injured through the negligence of a third party, they will have the right to seek fair and maximized compensation from that party through a personal injury claim. How much compensation will be allowed? How much compensation will be needed? Some of the answer will depend on the severity of the injury the plaintiff has suffered. In particular, did the plaintiff suffer a personal injury or a catastrophic injury?
How Personal & Catastrophic Injuries Compare/Contrast
Any sort of injury you suffer due to the actions of another party will be called a personal injury. From sprained wrists to broken ribs to burns, it is most likely they will all be called a personal injury in legal forms and settings.
A personal injury becomes a “catastrophic injury” if it causes immediate disability or disfigurement and/or is never expected to fully heal. As the name implies, an injury of such type or magnitude is catastrophic and heavily impacts the life of the plaintiff from the moment of the accident and well into the future.
Examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Amputations
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries that cause paralysis
- Noticeable scarring (facial disfigurement)
There is no specific accident type that will cause a catastrophic injury. Any sort of accident can end up causing a permanent, serious injury. Even slipping and falling on an icy step could lead to a permanent back injury for example. However, auto accidents and trucking accidents are some of the most common reasons why people become catastrophically injured.
Why Pay Attention to the Difference?
We have established what makes a catastrophic injury different from a typical personal injury. But why is that important? You will want to be able to show that your injury is catastrophic in your claim as this will help you justify a greater compensation amount deserved, assuming that your medical bills have already not been escalated greatly due to the nature of your catastrophic injury.
At The Gilbert Law Group, P.C., our catastrophic injury attorneys, headquartered in Denver but taking cases nationwide, can fight on your behalf in and out of court if you need maximized compensation for your injuries. We have been included in Best Lawyers in America® for the past 20 years due to our dedication to our clients and excellent track record of case results. Using our experience and keen eye for details, we can look for ways to prove the severity of your injury and seek all forms of compensation possible.
You may be entitled for damage recoveries that helps pay for:
- Initial medical costs
- Hospitalization
- Rehabilitation
- Property repair bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Let us get to work on your case today. Contact our firm to request a free consultation.
