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What’s the Difference Between Catastrophic Injury Claims Versus Personal Injury Lawsuits?
Filing a Catastrophic and Personal Injury Claim in Philadelphia
All catastrophic injury cases are personal injury claims, but not all personal injury claims are catastrophic. When you’ve been hurt in an accident, it’s crucial to distinguish between the two before you start to pursue a lawsuit. Otherwise, you could lose out on some of the compensation you’re entitled to.
What factors differentiate these two very similar types of cases? Learn about the three top factors that make an injury catastrophic below.
1. The Type of Injury
One of the biggest factors that will determine whether your injury is considered catastrophic is the type of injury you suffered. Some injuries are inherently more severe than others. Here’s a look at some injuries that a courtroom would consider catastrophic:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Amputation/loss of limb
- Severe burns with significant scarring
- Organ damage
- Multiple bone fractures
- Eye injuries
- Exposure to chemicals
These types of injuries can’t be immediately corrected. They usually cause some form of long-term damage.
2. The Severity of the Victim’s Condition Post-Injury
Catastrophic injuries are defined as ones where the injury causes a permanent disability. That means even after they’re treated for their injuries, their post-injury condition isn’t what it was before the injury. Often, the victim is unable to continue working in the same profession.
On top of not being able to work, the person may also suffer significant emotional distress as a result of their disabilities. Their personal relationships may suffer, and they could also be in need of continuous medical care for the rest of their lives.
3. Types of Compensation Available
Another factor that differentiates catastrophic injury cases from personal injury cases is the types of damages available for the victim. Plaintiffs who suffer catastrophic injuries suffer enormous losses. During a lawsuit, that translates to much higher compensation awards. Damages often include lifelong earning capacities, extensive medical bills and significant emotional distress awards.
Depending on the behavior of the defendant, you may also be able to pursue punitive damages. These awards are given when the defendant has been overly reckless or egregious when they caused the accident to occur. Due to the nature of catastrophic injuries, it’s crucial to obtain legal representation to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Case in Pennsylvania
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to personal injury in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at the Marrone Law Firm, LLC represent clients injured because of personal injury in Cherry Hill, Philadelphia, and throughout New Jersey and Philadelphia. Call 215-709-7360 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 532 Marlton Pike West, 2nd Floor, Cherry Hill, New Jersey as well as offices at 200 South Broad Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19102.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
