What is a Catastrophic Injury?

March 2023

A catastrophic injury does not have a universal definition, but generally refers to an injury that has many of the same characteristics.  A catastrophic injury usually results in a permanent disability and requires long-term medical treatment.  The medical treatment will often include surgeries, rehabilitation and ongoing therapy.  In addition, a catastrophic injury usually causes great financial hardship for the person injured and their family.   The financial hardship will include lost time from work or loss of a type of a career.  Further, a catastrophic injury has a major impact on the injured person's physical, emotional and psychologoical well-being.  In addtion to physichal pain, the injured person may struggle with anxiety, PTSD and depression.

Examples of catastrophic injuries include tramautic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations and severe burns.  These types of injuries can occur in many different ways including car collisions, workplace accidents and medical malpractice.

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, it is imperative that you seek experienced legal counsel.  At Herrick & Hart, we have been on the side of the injured since 1951.  We have extensive experience in the field of personal injury law.  We offer a free consultation on personal injury cases.

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