Read Bio
Since 2005, Michael Bonamarte IV has been a passionate advocate for victims of negligent conduct, corporate malfeasance, and medical malpractice. He has won numerous awards and recognitions, including Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers’ Rising Star. He has presented for the American Association for Justice, the AAJ Nursing Home Litigation Group, the John Marshall Law School, and numerous other legal associations. He regularly lectures at Chicago-area aging organizations about nursing home abuse. His writings have been published by the American Bar Association, the Chicago Daily Bulletin, and numerous other prestigious publications.
Read Bio
Since 2005, Michael Bonamarte IV has been a passionate advocate for victims of negligent conduct, corporate malfeasance, and medical malpractice. He has won numerous awards and recognitions, including Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers’ Rising Star. He has presented for the American Association for Justice, the AAJ Nursing Home Litigation Group, the John Marshall Law School, and numerous other legal associations. He regularly lectures at Chicago-area aging organizations about nursing home abuse. His writings have been published by the American Bar Association, the Chicago Daily Bulletin, and numerous other prestigious publications.
Key Takeaways
Catastrophic injuries are those that result in a sudden and severe loss of function, changing the victim’s life forever. Any type of accident can result in a catastrophic injury, not just a high-speed car crash.
On this page, the experienced legal team at Levin & Perconti explains what qualifies as a catastrophic injury, how they most commonly appear, and what types of accidents are most likely to cause them.
What Defines a Catastrophic Injury?
The exact definition of a catastrophic injury depends on who is classifying it and why. Some medical and legal sources use a narrower definition of catastrophic injury focused on severe injuries to the brain, spine, or spinal cord. Other definitions, including those used in legal and insurance contexts, may focus more broadly on whether the injury causes permanent impairment, disability, or long-term loss of function.
One federal statute defines a catastrophic injury as one whose direct and proximate consequences permanently prevent a person from performing any gainful work, while the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research says a catastrophic injury can be anything from a fatal injury to one that eventually results in a full recovery.
While there is no specific definition of a “catastrophic injury” in Illinois or any legal threshold related to the term, it’s typically used to describe a serious physical injury that results in a severe permanent or long-term disability.
What Are Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries?
Some of the injuries most commonly described as catastrophic include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) result from a violent physical blow to the head. While many mild TBIs are temporary, such as concussions, severe TBIs can cause permanent brain damage and leave the victim with a total mental disability.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Damage to the spine can affect the body’s entire nervous system, potentially leading to paralysis. Depending on the extent of the victim’s paralysis, a spinal cord injury could require permanent full-time care.
Burn Injuries
Significant burns can cause extensive disfigurement, permanent scarring, and unbearable pain. The pain and limited mobility resulting from serious burn injuries could require long-term medical care and prevent the victim from living a normal life.
Amputations
Having a limb removed as a result of an accident will dramatically change one’s life forever. While many amputees can return to a degree of normalcy using adaptive equipment and other assistance, they can never regain the same level of function as before.
Severe Organ Damage
If a vital organ is damaged or destroyed in an accident, it can require intensive, invasive medical treatment just to keep the victim alive, much less maintain their quality of life.
What Are Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries?
While any type of accident can result in a catastrophic injury under the right circumstances, some tend to cause them more frequently than others. Some of the most common sources of catastrophic injuries include:
- Motor vehicle accidents, particularly those involving commercial trucks or high speeds
- Workplace accidents, such as falling objects, heavy machinery malfunctions, or unsafe conditions at construction sites
- Medical malpractice and surgical errors
- Defective products, such as an electronic device that unknowingly poses a fire hazard
What Is the Difference Between a Catastrophic Injury and a Permanent Disability?
Catastrophic injuries often cause permanent disabilities, but they are not the same thing. Someone can be born with a permanent disability, such as cerebral palsy, or develop one unrelated to a physical injury, such as brain damage after a stroke.
If you are left with a permanent disability after a catastrophic injury caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to pursue significant compensation from the responsible party to cover your medical expenses, ongoing care costs, and the impact on your quality of life. If you have a permanent disability independent of an injury, you may have to rely on health insurance and support programs to pay related costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Catastrophic Injuries
What Determines Whether an Injury Is Catastrophic?
Can a Catastrophic Injury Worsen Over Time?
How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Catastrophic Injury?
Can a Catastrophic Injury Cause Psychological or Emotional Trauma?
Let Us Help You Understand Your Rights After a Catastrophic Injury
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in an accident, the trusted attorneys at Levin & Perconti are ready to help. With over 400 years of combined experience, our team knows how to navigate a complex case and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call (312) 332-2872 today to schedule your free consultation.
