What You Need to Know About Catastrophic Injuries

May 22, 2015

Catastrophic injuries are the most severe injuries that occur in an accident before it becomes fatal.

If you or a loved one have been catastrophically injured, it is critical that you reach out to an experienced attorney as quickly as possible.

Here’s what you need to know about catastrophic injuries, and what your next step should be.

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

In Indiana, there is no clear law that defines a catastrophic injury.

Generally speaking, a personal injury can be considered catastrophic when it permanently injures, disables, or disfigures an individual.

Often, people with catastrophic injuries will need years of medical care and extensive surgeries, and may be unable to return to work or even participate in daily activities.

Many people who are catastrophically injured are disabled for life and may even require assistance with basic living needs. In-home nursing assistance may be required for injured individuals who need help with bathing, eating, dressing, and grooming.

In other cases, catastrophically injured individuals are unable to stay at home and must be relocated to an assisted living facility.

What Differentiates a Catastrophic Injury Claim From a Traditional Personal Injury Claim?

In most catastrophic injury claims, the damages that are required to be paid by the defendant to the plaintiff are much higher than in traditional personal injury claims.

This is because the level of injury is much more severe and, as a result, the plaintiff’s medical expenses and loss of enjoyment of life are greater. Usually, the defendant is required to pay enough damages to “make the plaintiff whole.”

Are There Limits on Compensation for Catastrophic Injury Claims?

Catastrophic injury claims can easily climb into the hundreds of thousands, and even millions, of dollars. Generally, all of the plaintiff’s actual medical expenses will be covered.

However, there may be limits on the amount of non-economic damages, such as damages that are awarded for emotional pain and suffering, as well as punitive damages. How much is awarded varies greatly from case to case, and there’s no true cap on the amount of the final settlement.

Contact Sarkisian Law Offices Today

If you or a loved one have suffered a catastrophic injury through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for compensation.

At Sarkisian Law Offices, we understand how devastating these types of accidents can be, and we are committed to providing you with aggressive legal representation to help you get the full and fair financial restitution you deserve.

Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your case in detail by calling 219-942-7171.

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