Understanding Catastrophic Injuries: Spinal Cord and Traumatic Brain Injury Claims

Posted November 3, 2025 | Personal Injury Blog

Few events change a person’s life as profoundly as a catastrophic injury. Spinal cord damage or a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to permanent disability, loss of independence, and years of medical treatment. These are not just injuries, they are life-altering events that demand justice and long-term financial support.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• What qualifies as a catastrophic injury
• The impact of spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries
• Who may be held liable for these life-changing accidents
• What damages you can recover
• How a catastrophic injury attorney at Fielding Law can help you secure the compensation you need for your future

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury is one that permanently impairs a person’s ability to work or live independently. These injuries often require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and lifestyle adjustments.

Common examples include:

• Spinal cord injuries resulting in partial or total paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) causing cognitive or behavioral changes
• Severe burns, amputations, or multiple fractures
• Loss of vision or hearing
• Severe internal organ damage

Catastrophic injuries can arise from various incidents, including car accidents, truck crashes, construction accidents, or medical malpractice.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Their Consequences

A spinal cord injury disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Depending on where the injury occurs, it can cause:

• Paraplegia: Loss of movement in the lower body
• Quadriplegia: Paralysis of all four limbs
• Partial paralysis: Weakness or limited movement below the injury site

Victims often face secondary complications such as chronic pain, infections, and breathing difficulties. Beyond physical limitations, the emotional toll can be overwhelming.

At Fielding Law Auto Accident Attorneys, our spinal cord injury lawyers work to recover compensation not only for medical care but also for the loss of independence and dignity these injuries cause.

Traumatic Brain Injuries: The “Invisible” Catastrophic Injury

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a blow or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage resulting in coma or permanent impairment.

Common causes include:

• Vehicle collisions
• Falls on unsafe premises
• Sports injuries
• Workplace accidents
• Violent assaults

Symptoms vary but may include headaches, memory loss, difficulty speaking, mood changes, and reduced motor function.

Because TBIs don’t always present immediately visible symptoms, many victims don’t realize the full extent of their injury until days or weeks after an accident. This is why early medical evaluation, and consultation with a personal injury attorney, is critical.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Catastrophic Injury?

Determining liability depends on how and where the injury occurred. Possible responsible parties include:

• Negligent drivers in car or truck accidents

• Employers or contractors who fail to follow workplace safety standards
• Property owners who neglect dangerous conditions leading to slip and fall injuries

• Medical professionals in cases involving surgical errors or delayed diagnoses
• Product manufacturers responsible for defective vehicles, helmets, or equipment

Your catastrophic injury attorney will investigate the cause, identify liable parties, and gather evidence such as medical reports, expert testimony, and witness statements to build your claim.

Recoverable Damages in Catastrophic Injury Claims

Because catastrophic injuries have lifelong consequences, the value of these claims is often significantly higher than standard injury cases. Compensation may include:

• Medical expenses: Hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, assistive devices, and future care.
• Lost income: Both past wages and future earning potential.
• Home modifications: Wheelchair ramps, lifts, and specialized vehicles.
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to engage in previous hobbies or activities.
• Permanent disability or disfigurement.

If a negligent party’s actions were particularly reckless, such as a drunk driver accident or medical misconduct, punitive damages may also be pursued.

The Importance of Expert Testimony

Catastrophic injury cases often rely on expert witnesses, medical professionals, economists, and life care planners, who can explain the full scope of your condition and future needs.

These experts help establish the cost of lifetime medical care and the impact on your earning ability. At Fielding Law, our attorneys coordinate with top experts in both Texas and Utah to ensure every detail of your loss is documented and fully valued.

How Fielding Law Helps Catastrophic Injury Victims

At Fielding Law Auto Accident Attorneys, we understand that catastrophic injury claims require more than legal skill, they require compassion, patience, and relentless advocacy.

Our team helps clients by:

• Investigating every aspect of the incident
• Working with doctors and specialists to prove long-term damages
• Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies
• Taking cases to trial when fair compensation is denied

Whether your injury stems from a motorcycle crash, oilfield accident, or medical error, we’ll stand by you every step of the way.

Contact Fielding Law Auto Accident Attorneys

Catastrophic injuries change everything, your health, your career, and your future. You shouldn’t face the financial and emotional fallout alone.

Let Fielding Law Auto Accident Attorneys fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Texas Offices:

• Mesquite: 18601 Lyndon B Johnson Freeway Suite 315, Mesquite, TX 75150
• Heath: 4232 Ridge Rd #104, Heath, TX 75032
• Richardson: 2221 Lakeside Blvd, Suite 1600, Richardson, TX 75082

Utah Office:

• Taylorsville: 4179 South Riverboat Road, Ste 150, Taylorsville, UT 84123

Call Fielding Law today for a free consultation, because it’s not about us. It’s about you.