What Makes An Injury Catastrophic

Pursuing Claims For A Castratophic Injury

When someone suffers a life-altering injury that results in permanent disability or impairment, this is often referred to as a “catastrophic” injury. Under 34 U.S. Code § 10284, these are also defined in some circumstances as those that permanently prevent someone from being able to perform gainful work.

By suffering a catastrophic injury, victims are often faced with years of costly medical procedures and lifestyle changes. These injuries may require vocational rehabilitation, assistive care, life care planning, and home renovations for accessibility.

Examples Of A Catastrophic Injury

Catastrophic injuries can affect any part of the body. Some of the most common examples include:

  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Paralysis or quadriplegia
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Severe burns
  • Amputation

Chronic illnesses and certain mental health conditions like PTSD may also be considered catastrophic injuries depending on the circumstances.

What Damages Might Be Awarded?

Since catastrophic injuries can affect all aspects of your life, the damages that can be recovered often reflect these implications. In addition to the medical costs, those whose catastrophic injury was caused by another party may recover the following through legal action:

  • Current and future lost wages.
  • Loss of consortium (often sought by the injured person’s spouse or family).
  • Pain and suffering.
  • Disability expenses including mobility aids, home modifications, and assistive care.
  • Property damage.

Working with an experienced attorney can help you understand what other damages you and your family may be entitled to following a catastrophic injury diagnosis.

Contact Our Mississippi Injury Attorneys

The Lawyers That Listen at Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman PLLC understand the financial, physical, and emotional toll that catastrophic injuries can take on the whole family and are here to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

By scheduling a free consultation, we can discuss the full scope of your injuries and their implications to determine the best course of action for your case. Call (662) 222-0597 to get in touch with a member of our team.

About the Author
Jefferson D. Gilder is a Partner at Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman and was admitted to the Mississippi and Tennessee Bars in 1990. Mr. Gilder is admitted to practice in all courts in Mississippi and Tennessee including Federal Court, the Fifth and Sixth Circuit Courts of Appeal, and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Gilder's areas of practice include personal injury, criminal, medical malpractice, civil rights, and product liability. Mr. Gilder spent his first ten years as an attorney practicing with his father, Robert G. Gilder, at Gilder Law Firm in Southaven, Mississippi before forming Gilder, Howell & Assoc., P.A. with Jamie W. Howell, Jr. in June of 2000. This firm although as another legal entity has now combined their resources and experience with Chatham – Pittman, to form Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman. If you have any questions about this article, you can reach Jefferson through our contact page.