What Classifies as a Catastrophic Injury in Georgia?

April 19, 2023 | J.L. King

When a person is injured due to the negligence of another, they may be able to pursue compensation for their injuries. In some cases, the injuries sustained are considered catastrophic. What qualifies as a catastrophic injury in Georgia, though, and what does that mean? Does it differ from other types of injuries, and if so, how?

A catastrophic injury is one that involves a long-term impact on the victim’s quality of life. These injuries often require extensive medical care and may result in permanent disabilities.

Some examples of catastrophic injuries that people in the state of Georgia have suffered include the following:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries
Amputations
Severe burns
Internal organ damage

The essential difference between a catastrophic injury and other types of physical damage is the severity and long-lasting effects on the victim’s life.

For instance, a broken bone, while an immensely painful injury, will usually heal in a few weeks or months. Spinal cord injuries, on the other hand, can result in permanent paralysis or chronic pain, and they often require a lifetime of medical treatment and care to manage.

What Causes Catastrophic Injuries?

Catastrophic injuries can be caused by a variety of accidents and incidents.

Some of the most common examples are as follows:

The severity of a catastrophic injury depends on several factors, which may include the force of impact, the location of the injury, and the victim’s overall pre-injury physical health. For example, a motor vehicle collision that results in a TBI will likely cause more severe and long-term effects than a broken arm.

What Are the Consequences of Catastrophic Injuries?

Catastrophic injuries can have a monumental impact on the injured person’s life, both physically and emotionally. Some of the likely developments of catastrophic injuries include the following:

Permanent Disability

Catastrophic injuries can result in permanent disabilities that require ongoing medical care. Permanent disabilities may include paralysis, amputations, and severe brain damage.

Loss of Monetary Income

Catastrophic injuries can prevent the victim from working, often resulting in a loss of income and increased financial hardships.

Emotional Distress

Catastrophic injuries are traumatic and often cause severe emotional distress and mental health concerns. Examples include anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Decreased Quality of Life

Catastrophic injuries can limit the victim’s ability to enjoy their life to the fullest, as they may be unable to participate in the everyday activities they once enjoyed.

How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help Pursue Compensation for a Catastrophic Injury?

If you or a loved one has sustained a catastrophic injury because of the negligence of another individual, consult a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. A skilled lawyer will help you understand your legal rights and options, and they will guide you through the process of seeking financial compensation for your injuries.

Some of the ways an accident or injury lawyer can help are as follows:

Investigating the Accident

It is critical to have a seasoned legal professional help you recover evidence that validates your version of events. A personal injury lawyer can investigate the accident and gather evidence to establish liability.

Calculating Damages

A personal injury attorney can also help you determine the full extent of your damages. In most cases, these include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

A legal specialist can forcefully negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Do not attempt to settle without a skilled injury lawyer by your side.

Choose the Right Personal Injury Attorney for Your Georgia Catastrophic Injury Case

Make sure to choose an attorney with experience handling catastrophic injury claims. These cases can be complex and require specialized knowledge and skills to get what’s rightfully deserved.

Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm For Help Today

For more information, please contact The King Firm at your nearest location to schedule a free case evaluation today.

Tifton Office
1603 US Hwy 41, Tifton, GA 31794
(229) 386-1376

Griffin Office
3317 Fayetteville Rd, Griffin, GA 30223
(404) 567-4546

Or if you would prefer to reach out to us online, please visit our contact us page.