When someone is hurt in an accident, the injuries can range from minor scrapes to life-changing trauma. A catastrophic injury is a type of injury that changes a person’s life forever. These injuries are often severe, long-lasting, and may prevent someone from working or living as they used to.
In Georgia, people who suffer catastrophic injuries may be entitled to significant compensation if someone else caused the harm.
Understanding Catastrophic Injuries
A catastrophic injury is more than just a serious injury. It affects a person’s ability to live independently or return to work. These injuries usually cause permanent damage to the body or brain. Because they are so serious, they often require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, or even help with daily activities.
Some injuries are considered catastrophic right away. Others may not be obvious until later, when doctors see how the injury affects the person over time. This is why it’s important to talk to a lawyer who understands how these cases work.
Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries
Several types of injuries are typically seen as catastrophic in a legal context. These include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
A traumatic brain injury happens when a person hits their head hard or their brain is shaken inside the skull. TBIs can lead to memory loss, trouble speaking, mood changes, or even permanent brain damage. Sometimes, a person may be unable to return to school, work, or care for themselves.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can cause partial or full paralysis. This means the person may lose feeling or movement in parts of their body. Many people with spinal injuries need wheelchairs, physical therapy, and special medical equipment to get through daily life.
Severe Burns
Burns that cover a large area of the body or damage deep layers of skin and tissue are considered catastrophic. These injuries can lead to infections, nerve damage, and scarring. Often, burn victims need multiple surgeries and skin grafts to recover.
Amputations
Losing a limb, like an arm or leg, can completely change a person’s life. Amputations affect mobility, strength, and independence. People with amputations may need prosthetics and ongoing therapy to adjust.
Vision or Hearing Loss
Losing the ability to see or hear can be devastating. It impacts how a person communicates, moves around, and works. These types of injuries often require special training and tools to adapt to the new way of life.
Each of these injuries brings serious physical, emotional, and financial challenges, which is why they are treated differently under the law.
What Makes an Injury “Catastrophic” in Georgia?
Under Georgia law, an injury is considered catastrophic when it prevents someone from doing their previous work or performing daily activities without help. The law considers how the injury affects the body, mind, and ability to earn a living.
In some cases, a doctor’s diagnosis and testimony are used to prove that an injury is catastrophic. Medical records, therapy notes, and expert opinions all help show how the injury has changed the person’s life.
If an injury is found to be catastrophic, it can lead to more financial compensation. This can include money for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
Contact Our Atlanta Catastrophic Injury Lawyers at Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers for Help After an Accident
Catastrophic injuries change everything. They bring pain, stress, and uncertainty—but they also bring an opportunity to seek justice. Understanding what qualifies as a catastrophic injury is the first step toward rebuilding your life. With the help of a skilled Atlanta personal injury lawyer at Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers, you can get the compensation you need to move forward.
If you or a close one have suffered from medical malpractice in Atlanta, Georgia, please call Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers at (770) 390-7550 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation today.
We proudly serve in Fulton County.
Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers
2 Ravinia Dr NE Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30346