The criteria for catastrophic impairment are that the injury severely limits your ability to function, work, or live independently.
These injuries go beyond temporary harm and often require long-term medical care and significant lifestyle adjustments. If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in an accident caused by another person, an attorney will help.
Our Marietta catastrophic injury lawyer will connect you with medical providers who work on a lien basis, build a strong claim for compensation on your behalf, and fight for the damages and justice you deserve.
Let’s take a closer look at the criteria for catastrophic impairment and discuss the steps an attorney will take to recover damages.
Understanding What the Criteria for Catastrophic Impairment Are
Catastrophic impairment is determined by looking at how an injury affects a person over the long term. The focus is on permanence and the degree to which the injury limits basic life functions.
If the condition limits your mobility, independence, and the ability to work, there’s a good chance it will qualify as a catastrophic impairment.
In legal and insurance evaluations, catastrophic impairment is typically established through medical evidence, functional assessments, and the opinions of vocational and medical experts. Common factors used to determine catastrophic impairment include:
- Permanent or long-term loss of bodily function
- Severe limitations on mobility or coordination
- Inability to return to prior employment or earn a living in a similar position
- Ongoing need for medical treatment, therapy, or assistive care
- Cognitive or neurological impairment
- The ability to perform routine daily activities
Understanding the criteria for catastrophic impairment is important if you or a loved one has suffered a severe injury. If you’re dealing with a catastrophic injury, reach out to a skilled personal injury lawyer who has the experience required to get compensation for your economic and non-economic losses.
Injuries That May Qualify as Catastrophic Impairment
If you or someone close to you has been seriously injured, learning about common catastrophic injuries may shed light on whether the condition you’re dealing with fits the criteria for catastrophic impairment. Injuries that typically meet the criteria for catastrophic impairment include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), particularly those that cause cognitive or behavioral changes
- Spinal cord injuries, including those that cause paralysis
- Amputations
- Severe burn injuries
- Permanent vision or hearing loss
- Neurological injuries
- Multiple orthopedic injuries that severely limit mobility
If you or a loved one has sustained one of these conditions in an accident caused by the negligence of another person, you may be able to pursue catastrophic injury damages. Consult with an attorney soon to find out if you’re eligible to seek damages and get the representation you deserve.
Damages You May Recover in a Catastrophic Injury Claim
A catastrophic injury often affects far more than your immediate health. These injuries can permanently impact your earning ability, independence, and quality of life.
As a result, you will likely need to seek medical attention and opinions from other experts to generate documentation that proves your condition fits the criteria for catastrophic impairment.
Our lawyers will help you prove that your injury is considered catastrophic and pursue the damages you need to afford long-term care, replace lost earnings, and face other challenges.
Depending on your unique situation, you could receive any of the following forms of compensation for a catastrophic injury claim:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, and future treatment
- Physical therapy costs
- Cost of in-home assistance and specialized medical equipment
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
How a Lawyer Will Help After a Catastrophic Injury
Catastrophic injury claims are complicated, often requiring extensive medical proof and other documentation. To get the best results possible, you’ll need the help of a dedicated attorney who is able to gather evidence, negotiate settlements, and even represent you in court if a lawsuit is necessary.
Here’s what our personal injury attorneys will do to get the compensation you need to manage your injury and live as normal a life as possible despite severe limitations:
- Evaluate whether your injury meets the criteria for catastrophic impairment
- Gather and organize medical records, witness statements, and other important types of evidence
- Document long-term medical needs and functional limitations
- Handle communication with insurance companies
- Calculate the full value of your claim, including long-term costs and losses
- Identify all available insurance coverage
- Negotiate a settlement that meets your needs
- Prepare the case for litigation if settlement negotiations fail
- Answer all your calls throughout the claims process, ensuring you’re always updated on your case
Learn More About the Criteria for Catastrophic Impairment
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury due to another person’s negligence, understanding whether the injury meets the criteria for catastrophic impairment is a critical step.
At Jones & Swanson, we have more than 50 years of combined experience working with clients who’ve sustained severe injuries.
We will help you determine if your injury meets these criteria and pursue the compensation you deserve. Our team has served the local community since 1995 and has recovered over $50 million in damages for injury victims. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and get started on your case.
