A catastrophic injury is defined by the American Medical Association (AMA) as a severe injury to the spine, spinal cord, or brain, including skull or spinal fractures. Such injuries are devastating and life-altering, often requiring perpetual medical care and sometimes resulting in death.
Catastrophic injuries are most commonly the result of car collisions, tractor trailer or bus accidents, industrial accidents, sports accidents, medical malpractice, falls, and workplace injuries, but they can occur under a variety of other circumstances. The frightening range of possible injuries that qualify as catastrophic includes concussions, nerve injuries, amputations, brain injuries, paraplegia, and quadriplegia.
The complications of catastrophic injuries can leave the injured individual and their loved ones fearful of the future. Who will pay the mounting medical bills? What type of care will the injured person require? How will you afford future medical care? What about the contributions your loved one made to the home and family?
Know Your Rights
Under Pennsylvania law, you may have the right to recover monetary damages if you have been injured due to the negligence or recklessness of another person. In addition, the Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Act allows the deceased’s personal representative to pursue a wrongful death claim on behalf of the decedent’s family members. Damages may include reimbursement or compensation for:
- Expected loss of future income.
- Loss of services, protection, care, and assistance provided by the injured.
- Medical expenses incurred as a result of the negligence.
- Future medical expenses.
- Funeral and burial expenses if the injury results in wrongful death.
- Grief, sorrow, mental anguish, and solace.
- Pain and suffering.
- Punitive damages in the event of willful or wanton conduct.
Although damages in a catastrophic injury or wrongful death case cannot heal or bring your loved one back, a successful claim can provide your family with some security as you face an uncertain future. I provide needed, compassionate service to help you achieve that security and stability in the wake of a catastrophic injury.
