When you hear the word “catastrophic” in the news, it is usually used to describe a traumatic event caused by nature, such as an earthquake, tornado, a flood or tsunami, or perhaps a disaster caused by man, such as a tanker oil spill, the collapse of a building, or a devastating forest fire.
Tragic, disastrous, fatal—these are just some of the words which describe a catastrophic event. These same words can be used to describe the dire situation which occurs when you or a family member suffers a catastrophic injury as a result of an accident or perhaps as a result of another person’s negligence. Like those affected by the catastrophes of nature; the lives of Catastrophic Brain or Catastrophic Spinal Cord victims and their families are changed forever. Depending on the severity of the injury, they may be unable to return to work or engage in normal day-to-day activities. They may even need someone to help feed and clothe them. Often the victim requires extensive long-term care.
The most common cause of Catastrophic injuries are motor vehicle accidents, motorcycle accidents, accidents on ATV, dirt bikes and snowmobiles and slip and fall accidents.
Transport Canada’s National Collision Database (NCDB) collects data on all reportable motor vehicle accidents in Canada each year. According to the Transport Canada website (www.tc.ga.ca) “In 2012, the number of motor vehicle fatalities was 2,077; up 2.7% from 2011 (2,023.).” The same study (Canadian Motor Vehicle Traffic Collision Statistics 2012) looks at the number of injuries and fatalities by age group. According to the report, in 2012 the number of serious accidents was reported in the 25 to 34 age group at 1,867, followed by 1,679 accidents reported in the 45 to 54 age group. Seniors had the highest numbers of fatal accidents at 395. Source www.tc.ga.ca
Traffic accidents can result in catastrophic injuries. If you or someone you know has been involved in a motor vehicle accident which resulted in catastrophic injuries, you may be eligible to apply for a Catastrophic Impairment designation under Ontario’s No-Fault Benefit system. You may also be eligible to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against those responsible. An application for such is a complex and lengthy process involving a mountain of paperwork. Often insurance companies require the injured party to undergo multiple medical and other examinations to fight the catastrophic impairment designation because of the significantly higher benefits available for medical, rehabilitation and attendant care under the No-Fault Benefits schedule.
Horowitz Injury Law has nearly 35 years of experience in Catastrophic Impairment cases, representing our clients with care, empathy and expertise. Catastrophic injury compensation cases are complex; that is why you need our expert team to help get the compensation you and your family deserve. Call us today for a free consultation at 416-925-4100.
