A life altering injury is a permanent injury which substantially interferes with one's activities of daily life. Generally, catastrophic injuries are defined as injuries that result in long-term medical problems, permanent disability, shortened life expectancy, and anything that is life changing for the individual who has been injured. It often goes beyond what you might envision as a catastrophic injury, such as loss of limb, brain injury, or loss of life. Effort and analysis is expended in determining exactly how an injury alters an individual client's life, because it is different for everyone. This is an important factor in every case.
Life altering injuries are not specifically defined by Connecticut statute, but the law that we rely on in instructing juries is somewhat helpful. Financial recovery is allowed for any complete or partial loss of any type of bodily function. You can also think about the functions that the body parts serve, such as walking, bending, lifting, sitting, reaching, using the hands, or thinking. This can include any of the five senses, whether it is hearing, seeing, or someone's emotional state. An injury to any of these functions or senses can be considered life altering in many ways.
In many cases, these types of injuries result in a loss of income, career or livelihood, as well as past and present tangible losses. There is also the non-economic aspect of the loss of enjoyment of one's life. If one is limited or restricted in how they live or enjoy their life, these elements become items of damages that are considered to be compensable. Thus, the definition of life altering injury can be quite varied. Everyone's definition is going to be different, as every situation and case has wide variations and distinctions.
Accidents That May Be Considered Life Altering
As the term “personal injury” is very broad, it's important to note that there can be many different situations and circumstances that may inflict a serious injury onto an innocent individual. The accidents can result from incidents that happen on highways, in public places, and in the workplace.
Some common causes of physical injuries may include (but are not limited to):
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Defective products
- Dog and animal bites
- Lead poisoning and asbestos
- Medical malpractice cases
- Nursing home abuse
- Premises liability
- Slip and fall
- Wrongful death
- Workplace accidents
There is really no simple classification for life altering injuries, and it does not matter whether they happen at work, home, during a recreational activity or at a social event. Many losses and damages often result from these types of tragedies. As lawyers, we cannot fix people medically, and we are left to make up for the financial losses that clients incur. Catastrophic and life altering injuries in general are very specific to the individual. A client's ability to earn money, conduct life activities and normal routines, as well as their ability to comfort themselves can be affected to varying degrees.
Accidents That Give Rise To Catastrophic Injuries
As the term “catastrophic injury” is very broad, it's important to note that there can be many different situations that give rise to a serious, life altering injury. Some of the obvious types of accidents that catastrophic injuries result from are operating machinery, such as being involved in a motor vehicle collision, operating a forklift if you are working in a warehouse, or heavy objects falling from heights. The human body is frail, and if you exert great forces against it or put it in a situation for which it is not built to tolerate, then it is going to break. Aside from the bones, internal organs - including the brain - are vulnerable to injury.
Accidents can have many different causes, and the resulting injuries are variable and complicated. There may be medical events that take place in the hospital or on the operating table that result in injury. In those cases, the surgeons or medical facility involved may be held responsible. Medical mistakes can occur as a result of misdiagnosis or general neglect. There is always a duty owed to the patient and a standard of care by which to abide. In any activity - including obtaining medical care for an injury - something worse can unexpectedly develop.
Accidents often occur as a result of someone's negligence or carelessness, and they can come in all forms. There are construction-related accidents, accidents that result from medical negligence and injuries that occur as a result of the manufacturing, production, or design of a defective product. Negligence can involve machinery and all types of equipment on the job. It can also involve motor vehicles, including trucks and tractor trailers. We encounter defective premises cases arising out of negligence, particularly those involving maintenance and construction-related issues. There can also be catastrophic events that occur outside of a work environment and result from negligence, such as sustaining a dog bite or slipping and falling.
For more information on Life Altering Injuries In Connecticut, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (860) 322-5302 today.
