According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), up to 50 million people worldwide experience permanent disabilities due to car accidents each year. The NIH notes that these disabilities cause “serious economic damage” to families across the United States, with high medical bills and lost wages. Not only do these disabilities affect the injured patients, but they also cause family members to abandon work and care for their disabled loved ones. Missouri families confronted with this issue may hear the term “catastrophic personal injuries” when pursuing legal action or medical care. What exactly does this phrase mean, and how are catastrophic personal injuries treated differently by courts in Missouri? These are questions that an experienced and compassionate personal injury lawyer in Missouri may be able to help answer. To continue this important discussion, consider contacting our legal team today at Steelman Gaunt Crowley at (573) 341-8336.
The Definition of Catastrophic Personal Injuries
In simple terms, catastrophic personal injuries are serious, life-changing disabilities. They are usually permanent, often involving parts of the body vital to normal function. That being said, the exact definition of this term may vary. The National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research (NCCSIR) states that catastrophic injuries are “permanent functional disabilities” and “temporary functional disabilities,” citing examples such as spinal cord injuries, intracranial hemorrhages, fractured skulls, internal organ injuries, and many others. Perhaps most notably, the NCCSIR also states that catastrophic personal injuries include fatalities.
Other medical authorities and organizations may define catastrophic injuries in more narrow terms. Some only consider injuries to the spine, spinal cord, and brain to be “catastrophic,” especially those that result in paralysis, loss of motor control, and serious cognitive decline. Traffic authorities and first responders often report that a specific car accident has caused catastrophic injuries, although it may be difficult to determine exactly what this means when reading a traffic report. Often, authorities use this somewhat vague term when they are not yet sure about the details of a specific injury.
The Etymology of “Catastrophe”
The etymology of the word “catastrophe” provides further clues on the nature of these serious injuries. Stemming from both Latin and Greek roots, the literal meaning of catastrophe is a “sudden turn of events” or a “reversal of the expected.” Although the term has negative connotations today, this was not the case when it first appeared in the 1500s. During this time, the word catastrophe simply represented the conclusion of a theatrical play. However, the phrase often applied to tragic plays – and it eventually became synonymous with tragic endings.
The true origin of the term “catastrophe” may provide helpful insights to accident victims. Catastrophic personal injuries may represent sudden, unexpected life changes – but the phrase itself does not have any inherently negative roots. After assessing various legal options alongside Steelman Gaunt Crowley, accident victims may be able to see their injuries in a more optimistic light – especially with sufficient compensation for medical expenses, missed wages, and non-economic damages.
The Legal Implications of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic personal injuries have various legal implications, and victims may want to gain a cursory understanding of these legal concepts before moving forward with their injury lawsuits. After a life-changing injury, it may be vital to pursue enough compensation to cover past, present, and future damages.
The Importance of Waiting Until Maximum Medical Improvement
Maximum medical improvement (MMI) may be a crucial concept after catastrophic personal injuries. Victims reach their MMI when their injuries stop improving. At this point in time, doctors agree that the victim will likely experience their current ailments for the rest of their life. Generally speaking, it is impossible to predict the long-term effects of an injury before reaching MMI. Due to the life-changing aspects of catastrophic injuries, victims may need to wait until this point in the healing process before pursuing compensation. If a victim accepts a settlement before this date, they risk facing unexpected economic challenges in the future without the necessary financial support.
Catastrophic Injuries Usually Lead to Non-Economic Damages
Catastrophic injuries are associated with non-economic damages. These losses are psychological or emotional, and they often represent the life-changing aspects of accidents. One example is “loss of enjoyment of life,” which occurs when victims can no longer engage in beloved activities. For example, a car accident victim may find it impossible to go on hiking trips after becoming a paraplegic. This damage can lead to additional financial compensation, but only if the plaintiff can prove that they engaged in certain active hobbies before the crash.
Another example of non-economic damage is disfigurement, which occurs when the physical appearance of a victim is permanently altered by an accident. Victims may want to pursue compensation for the psychological effects of disfigurement, as this damage goes above and beyond the cost of medical treatment. For example, a car accident victim may emerge from the emergency room with two amputated limbs. While they might recover compensation for the cost of surgery, they may also recover additional compensation for the psychological effects of this disfiguring injury. There are many other examples of non-economic damages in catastrophic personal injury lawsuits, and they often depend on the unique circumstances of each victim.
Catastrophic Injuries May Lead to Wrongful Death Claims
The NCCSIR defines catastrophic personal injuries as potentially fatal, and wrongful death claims in Missouri are therefore possible under this definition. A wrongful death lawsuit occurs when a family member (usually a spouse, parent, or adult child) files a claim on behalf of their deceased loved one. This process is similar to a normal injury lawsuit, but they may involve different damages. Perhaps the most obvious example is the cost of a funeral, but spouses and dependent children can also recover compensation for the lost future income of the decedent.
Contact Our Dedicated Missouri Personal Injury Legal Team at Steelman Gaunt Crowley To Learn More
While catastrophic personal injuries may represent “a sudden turn of events” in family lives, a personal injury lawsuit in Missouri may help mitigate their impacts. With compensation for medical expenses, missed wages, and various non-economic damages, victims may be able to handle future challenges with greater confidence and financial security. Negligent parties who cause catastrophic personal injuries should face accountability, and Steelman Gaunt Crowley may be able to guide families through this legal process. While internet research may represent a positive first step, consultations could offer more personalized guidance based on the unique circumstances of each family. Consider calling (573) 341-8336 to continue this conversation.
