Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
Some injuries don’t just cause temporary pain—they change a person’s life forever. These are known as catastrophic injuries. Whether caused by a car accident, a fall, or a workplace incident, these injuries often lead to lasting disability, ongoing medical treatment, and emotional strain. Many victims are left unable to work or care for themselves independently.
If you or someone you love has experienced this type of injury in Tulsa or anywhere in Oklahoma, understanding your legal rights and taking the following steps is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common types of catastrophic injuries, their impact, and how Oklahoma law applies to these severe cases.
Catastrophic injuries usually involve permanent damage to the body or brain. They may affect how a person thinks, moves, communicates, or feels pain. These injuries typically require long-term care and have significant effects on quality of life.
A traumatic brain injury happens when a sudden jolt or blow to the head disrupts normal brain function. These injuries often occur in car crashes, motorcycle accidents, and slip and fall incidents.
Some TBIs may cause mild symptoms like confusion or headaches, but others can lead to memory loss, seizures, mood changes, or long-term cognitive problems. Severe TBIs can result in a coma, permanent disability, or even death.
According to the CDC, over 223,000 traumatic brain injury-related hospitalizations occurred in the U.S. in 2019 alone, many stemming from motor vehicle crashes and falls.
The spinal cord controls movement and sensation. When it’s injured, it can affect the entire body below the point of injury. These injuries can happen in serious crashes, diving accidents, or from falls from heights.
Some people lose the ability to walk (paraplegia), while others may lose function in all four limbs (quadriplegia). Recovery is often a long process, and many individuals require lifelong medical and daily care.
A 2022 study by the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center found that the average first-year cost of care after a high cervical spinal cord injury exceeds $1 million, with ongoing annual costs over $185,000.
Severe burns can cause intense pain, disfigurement, and lasting nerve damage. Third- and fourth-degree burns are the most serious. These injuries often happen in fires, explosions, and vehicle accidents. Burns may affect not only the skin but also deeper tissues, muscles, and bones.
Recovery usually involves surgery, skin grafts, and months of rehabilitation. Scarring and restricted movement are common long-term effects.
When a body part is lost due to trauma or surgical removal, it’s considered an amputation. These injuries often happen in manufacturing accidents, car crashes, or because of medical complications.
Living with an amputation requires adjustment, including learning how to use a prosthetic limb and dealing with emotional challenges. Physical therapy and mental health support are often essential.
Organ injuries may not be visible right away, but they can be life-threatening. Damage to organs like the lungs, liver, kidneys, or heart can occur in high-impact accidents. These injuries may require emergency surgery and long-term health management.
A catastrophic injury affects more than just the physical body. Many victims lose the ability to work, perform basic tasks, or enjoy their usual routines. Families may need to step in as caregivers, and homes might require expensive changes to accommodate new needs.
Mental health is also affected. Depression, anxiety, and grief are common after such life-altering events. Furthermore, the financial burden of medical treatment, therapy, and lost income can exacerbate the stress of the situation.
If your injury happened because of someone else’s actions, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. Oklahoma follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation if you were partly at fault—as long as you were less than 51% responsible.
Oklahoma Statute Title 23 §23-13: In all actions hereafter accruing for negligence resulting in personal injuries, Contributory carelessness will not prevent recovery if the negligence of the person injured is of lesser degree than the negligence of the defendant.
Oklahoma’s statute of limitations for personal injury is two years from the date of the accident (OK Stat §12-95). That means you must file a lawsuit within that time, or you may lose the right to seek compensation.
People living with catastrophic injuries often need support for the rest of their lives. A personal injury claim may include compensation for both financial losses and the pain and hardship caused by the injury.
The outcome of any case depends on its specific facts. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Injury Type | Physical Impact | Long-Term Costs | Recovery Needs |
Traumatic Brain Injury | Memory loss, confusion, seizures | $85,000–$3M+ | Neurology, therapy, lifelong care |
Spinal Cord Injury | Paraplegia/quadriplegia | $500K–$5M+ | Rehab, assistive devices, home care |
Severe Burns | Nerve damage, limited mobility | $200K–$1M+ | Surgeries, skin grafts, pain mgmt. |
Amputation | Limb loss, prosthetic needs | $100K–$1.5M+ | Prosthetics, physical therapy |
Organ Damage | Internal bleeding, organ failure | Varies widely | Surgery, long-term monitoring |
Catastrophic injury cases are complex. Proving future care costs, permanent disability, or emotional suffering requires solid evidence and expert opinions. Insurance companies often try to downplay these damages.
Having a legal team that understands the long-term effects of serious injuries can make a real difference. A personal injury lawyer can help gather evidence, estimate damages, and negotiate for fair compensation on your behalf.
Yes. In Oklahoma, you can still file a claim if you’re less than 51% responsible. Your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
You generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under Oklahoma Statute Title 12 §12-95.
Victims may be compensated for medical bills, lost income, future care costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress, depending on the specific details of the case.
Not always. Insurers may try to settle for less than the full value. Legal help can ensure your claim is properly valued.
Medical records, accident reports, expert opinions, photos, and proof of financial losses are essential in building a strong case.
Catastrophic injuries can profoundly impact every aspect of a person’s life—from their health and employment to their independence and financial stability. Understanding the legal path forward can help ease some of that burden. If someone else’s actions caused your own, you may have the right to seek compensation for your losses.
At Graves McLain Injury Lawyers, our team is experienced in handling complex personal injury cases across Oklahoma. We help clients secure the financial support they need to move forward. If you’re with a catastrophic injury, don’t. Explore your legal options today.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
