Catastrophic injuries permanently alter a person’s quality of life, often requiring lifelong therapy, medical care, and adaptive equipment.
These injuries can occur in car and truck crashes, workplace accidents, construction incidents, defective product cases, and even slip-and-fall accidents. Regardless of the cause, their impact is life-altering, both physically and financially.
If you or someone you love has suffered a life-altering injury, contact our experienced Louisiana catastrophic injury lawyers to discuss your case and learn what your claim may be worth.
Which Injuries are Considered Catastrophic?
In personal injury law, a catastrophic injury isn’t just any severe or painful injury; it specifically refers to injuries that result in permanent or long-term disability and prevent a person from performing gainful work or everyday activities.
Examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that affect cognitive or motor function
- Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis or loss of mobility
- Severe burn injuries causing disfigurement or a limited range of motion
- Crush injuries or amputations from vehicle or industrial accidents
- Severe orthopedic injuries requiring multiple surgeries or prosthetics
According to the CDC, traumatic brain injuries are a major cause of death and disability in the United States.
The Cost of Living with a Catastrophic Injury
The financial toll of a catastrophic injury often extends far beyond the initial hospital bills. Victims may require multiple surgeries over a long period of time, long-term physical or occupational therapy, assistive technology (such as wheelchairs or home modifications), and lifelong medications.
Many families must also retrofit their homes or vehicles to accommodate mobility limitations. Studies show that the lifetime costs of a spinal cord injury in the U.S. can range from $0.7 million to as much as $2.5 million.
When an injury prevents a victim from returning to their job, the financial burden becomes even heavier.
Types of Compensation in a Catastrophic Injury Claim
Victims of catastrophic injuries may be entitled to two categories of compensation: special damages and general damages. Louisiana law allows injury victims to recover both special and general damages depending on the facts of their case.
Special Damages (Economic Losses)
Special damages are the measurable financial losses a victim suffers because of their injury. These can include:
- Current and future medical expenses, such as surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation
- Lost income and loss of future earning capacity, if the injury prevents returning to work or limits career opportunities
- Home and vehicle modifications necessary for accessibility, such as wheelchair ramps and vehicle hand controls
- Long-term care or in-home assistance
Because catastrophic injuries typically result in ongoing and permanent costs, these damages are often much higher than those seen in minor or moderate injury claims.
General Damages (Non-Economic Losses)
General damages cover the physical pain, emotional suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from a catastrophic injury. This includes:
- Chronic pain and discomfort
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or depression
- Loss of companionship or consortium for a spouse or family
- Diminished quality of life
General damages can be significant in catastrophic injury cases because the harm is lifelong and affects the victim’s identity and independence.
Why Catastrophic Injury Claims Are Worth More
Catastrophic injury claims consider the lifelong consequences of an accident. These cases often involve expert testimony from medical professionals, vocational specialists, and life-care planners who can project the total cost of future treatment and the victim’s diminished earning capacity.
In Louisiana, verdicts and settlements in catastrophic injury cases can be substantial. Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers has helped more than 58,000 clients and recovered over $1.2 billion for injury victims. (Past results do not guarantee future results.)
Every case is unique, and the final value depends on factors such as:
- The severity and permanence of the injury
- The degree of medical and occupational impairment
- The cost of current and projected future care
- The emotional and psychological impact of the injury
- The strength of the evidence and expert testimony
How Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers Can Help
Determining the full worth of a catastrophic injury claim involves understanding how the injury will affect your entire life going forward. Our Louisiana catastrophic injury lawyers work with medical experts, economists, and life-care planners to calculate your needs for the years ahead.
We can help you:
- Collect and document medical evidence and future treatment projections
- Evaluate loss of earning potential and long-term care costs
- Handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies
- Present a strong case for full and fair compensation
At Dudley DeBosier, our fee is contingent on outcome, meaning we only receive a payment if we recover compensation on your behalf.
Moving Forward After a Life-Changing Injury
Catastrophic injuries change lives forever, but you don’t have to face the challenges alone. From the first consultation through settlement or trial, Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers will be by your side, fighting for the resources to rebuild your life.
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in Louisiana, contact our Louisiana catastrophic injury lawyers today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the justice and financial recovery you deserve.
Disclaimer: This content has been reviewed by Chad Lederman, Director of Legal Operations at our New Orleans office.
