You can seek compensation for the covered losses you experience (called damages in legal terms) due to the other party’s negligence. If the injuries you sustain are catastrophic, you can expect each of your categories of loss to be considerable. Your Medical Costs The medical expenses you experience as a result of a catastrophic injury are likely to be not only considerable but also ongoing (in response to your evolving healthcare requirements and any secondary health concerns you face). These include: Emergency services Hospital stays Medical tests, procedures, and treatments Follow-up care Pain management Physical therapy and/or occupational therapy Chiropractic care Home health care Adaptive medical devices, such as walkers, scooters, wheelchairs, and more Assistance with the activities of daily living Prescription medications Treatment and care from doctors, specialists, and other medical professionals Rehabilitation Adaptations to one’s home and vehicle Your Lost Income If you have suffered a catastrophic injury, you may not be returning to work at all. Even if you can work, however, you must take the matter of your lost earning potential into careful consideration. Additionally, your injury will very likely significantly alter the course of your career. Losses of this type are as emotionally devastating as they are financially due to the important role that our careers play in our lives. Your Pain and Suffering The pain and suffering you experience due to a catastrophic injury are likely to be profound. There is not only your actual physical and psychological pain and suffering to consider but also: The immense inconvenience you experience Your physical impairments Any physical disfigurement (which is often caused by burns that are on or near the face) Any decrease in your capacity to enjoy life Your loss of consortium, which refers to the loss of benefits related to family life, including both affection and sexual relations) Additionally, a catastrophic injury can lead to serious emotional effects that can derail your life as you know it, including: Severe mood swings Increased irritability Heightened anxiety that can lead to anxiety attacks Bouts of depression Sleep disturbances that can include insomnia and/or nightmares Difficulty concentrating and/or focusing Terrifying accident flashbacks A tendency to self-isolate and/or to push others away A shift in personality Difficulty coping with life’s stressors Emotional lability Unfortunately, the mental and emotional toll of a catastrophic injury can often isolate victims from their families and loved ones when their support is most important.