If you have been injured in a catastrophic accident, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention from a qualified doctor. An injury from this type of accident may have residual effects that can include brain malfunction, emotional scars, and difficulty performing basic motor activities. Sometimes the effects don’t even show up until years after the accident, so it’s not a type of accident that should be taken lightly.

It can be overwhelming when dealing with a catastrophic accident that was caused intentionally or by the negligence of another person. For the victim, it will affect the quality of life until full recovery is achieved, if at all. Taking care of a catastrophic injury is a complex process that requires a specialized team of medical professionals.

Examples of catastrophic injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Loss of sight or hearing
  • Body disfigurement
  • Severe burns
  • Multiple fractures

Virginia Catastrophic Injury Claim Statute of Limitations


In the state of Virginia a person has two years from the date of injury or death to file a claim. However, in a medical malpractice case in which a foreign object is found in the body, a person has one year from the date the object was discovered to file a suit.

What Is a Catastrophic Injury Claim Worth?

Every case is unique, and because a catastrophic injury can affect a person for the rest of their lives, determining what a claim is worth will take some time. Some of the factors that will be considered are the various medical expenses, lost wages, plus emotional strain and stress on the victim and his/her family members.

Don’t Let Insurance Companies Bully You


Because catastrophic claims cost a great deal of money for insurance companies, they will often try to avoid accepting a claim as “catastrophic”. They will try whatever they can to change the claim to non-catastrophic. If the victim is not represented by a lawyer, they will try to pay out the least amount of money as they can.


If you or a loved one has been involved in a tragic accident that has caused severe injury, we highly recommend consulting with an experienced Virginia accident injury lawyer who understands the long-term implications of these types of injuries. You need a professional by your side who can help you get through the challenges of receiving medical treatment and obtaining disability benefits, in addition to ensuring that your claim is established as catastrophic.

O’Bryan law handles injury claims in Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover, Powhatan, Goochland, Petersburg and other cities and counties in central and southside Virginia.