If you have been seriously injured in an accident, you may already feel overwhelmed and hopeless at how long it seems to take to recover. To you, your injuries seem severe and, at least for now, life-changing. However, you and other residents of Illinois should understand the term “catastrophic injuries” when it comes to the legal system.
Catastrophic injuries involve those that significantly impair your quality of life for the long term or are permanently disabling, as FindLaw explains. A catastrophic injury may also be one that prevents you from being able to work for several months while you recover. The following examples illustrate injuries that may be classified as catastrophic:
- Both of your legs were broken in a car crash, requiring you to take time off work for extensive surgeries and rehabilitation.
- You suffered a traumatic brain injury after slipping on ice outside the grocery store.
- You were severely burned in a house fire caused by a malfunctioning toaster oven.
- You received internal injuries after being hit by a car while you were crossing the street.
In time, you may fully recover from a catastrophic injury, or you may have complications that last the rest of your life. In either case, you are likely to have significant medical bills and may need extensive treatments and procedures during your recovery. Understandably, you may wish to pursue compensation for your suffering. The information in this blog is meant to educate you, but it should not replace the advice of a lawyer.