Just about any serious injury can feel catastrophic to the victim. However, no widely-accepted legal definition for catastrophic injuries exists at this time. Despite the lack of a definition, many lawyers view catastrophic injuries as those that have a long-lasting or permanent effect on the victim's ability to function, particularly in a work setting.
Look to the future after negligent catastrophic injuries occur
Finding a definition of what makes injuries catastrophic is practically impossible. Some victims might be so grateful to have survived a car accident that they view serious injuries as minor compared with the possibility of death. On the other hand, parents caring for a child badly injured through medical malpractice tend to view the injury as devastating or catastrophic.
Catastrophic injuries come with long-lasting consequences
Any injury serious enough to require medical attention can disrupt your life, but catastrophic injuries are particularly devastating. When such injuries occur due to negligence, many victims experience financial difficulties on top of the injury's physical effects. Unfortunately, all of the effects associated with catastrophic injuries can continue for weeks, months or even an entire lifetime.
