St. Louis Catastrophic Injury Attorneys

What is a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury is a severe injury that results in long-term or permanent damage to the victim's body or mind. These injuries often have significant and life-altering consequences, impacting the individual's ability to perform daily activities, work, or maintain relationships. 

Common types of catastrophic injuries include:

• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis, loss of sensation, and impaired motor function. These injuries often lead to permanent disabilities and may require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs occur when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. Depending on the severity, TBIs can lead to cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes, and physical disabilities.
• Loss of Limbs: Amputations or severe limb injuries can occur due to accidents, trauma, or medical conditions. Losing a limb can significantly impact a person's mobility, independence, and quality of life.
• Severe Burns: Burns that cover a large portion of the body or penetrate deep tissue can cause long-term physical disabilities, disfigurement, and psychological trauma. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts and reconstructive surgery.
• Multiple Fractures: Injuries involving multiple or complex fractures to bones can result in chronic pain, limited mobility, and long-term disability. Fractures may require surgical intervention and prolonged rehabilitation to regain function.

What are the long-term effects of catastrophic injuries?

The long-term effects of catastrophic injuries can vary depending on the type and severity of the injury. They may include chronic pain, permanent disabilities, loss of mobility, cognitive impairment, emotional distress, and decreased quality of life.

How do catastrophic injuries impact daily life?

Catastrophic injuries can significantly impact an individual's ability to perform daily activities, work, and engage in recreational pursuits. They may require assistance with tasks, modifications to living spaces, and ongoing medical care and support.

What are the financial implications of catastrophic injuries?

Catastrophic injuries can lead to substantial financial burdens due to medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and ongoing care needs. In some cases, individuals may also face expenses related to home modifications, assistive devices, and specialized treatments.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Missouri?

You must file your injury lawsuit against the negligent party before the statute of limitations expires. In Missouri, the statute of limitations is generally five years, so you have five years from the date you were injured to start the legal process. In cases involving wrongful death, you have three years from the date of the victim’s passing to file a claim on their behalf. If your case involves a government defendant, you usually only have 90 days to pursue a claim. You will be barred from recovering compensation if you miss the applicable deadline, so do not wait to discuss your options with a legal professional.

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover in a Missouri Injury Claim?

In Missouri, compensatory damages are divided into three categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages. Economic damages compensate victims for financial losses that can be easily calculated, while non-economic damages are awarded for intangible consequences. Punitive damages are rare but are intended to punish the defendant beyond what is necessary to compensate the victim and discourage similar behavior in the future. We can help you understand how these distinctions apply to your case and what you can expect to recover.

Our team will fight to obtain full and fair compensation for all of your losses, including: