What makes a personal injury catastrophic? How is that determined? Many who has suffered an accident has probably asked this question when seeking damages for their injuries. There is a difference that exists between a catastrophic injury and a personal injury and learning what distinguishes each other can better aid the victim in seeking remedies for his or her injuries.
Catastrophic injuries:
Usually, a person can sue for a catastrophic injury when it has affected a body part that, once damaged, can truly hinder the life of the victim, such as: the head, the brain, the spine, extremities, among others. In other words, if the injury can cause a disability and/or a serious impairment to the victim, then the victim has the right to sue for catastrophic injuries.
Damages:
The victim of a catastrophic injury can seek damages if he or she can prove that the other party was being negligent and was acting in a reckless or intentional disregard for others’ safety and well-being, then the victim is entitled to damages for his or her injuries.
In most cases, damages are highly likely to be substantial and could include lost wages, compensation of damaged property, and medical expenses. However, a victim can also claim damages for noneconomical injuries such as pain and suffering, psychological and emotional anguish, inability to enjoy life, disabilities, disfigurement, among others. The reason for this is due to the intense damages that affect the person’s life.
Knowing this information can better aid a victim in determining if he or she has suffered catastrophic injuries and how it can be remedied.
