Workplace injuries are an all too common occurrence. Any work-induced ailment or illness—such as chemical burns, total knee replacement, total hip replacement, heart attack, stroke, carpal tunnel, vision impairment, hearing damage, eye injury, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, psychological injuries, and more—is covered under workers’ compensation. When determining these benefits, however, not all injuries are treated equally. One such classification, “catastrophic,” categorizes injuries that fully disrupt daily life for the impacted employee. 

“Catastrophic” injuries are severe and life-altering traumas that occur while an employee is performing their occupational duties. These injuries typically have a profound and often permanent impact on the injured worker’s life and well-being. Costs include extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and irreparable damage to everyday work and life. These injuries not only have a serious impact on the livelihood of the affected employee, but also on the lives of family, friends, loved ones, and employers.

As a worker, it is your right to reclaim your life and seek out compensation for your loss. Workers’ compensation coverage provides a source of financial stability following such a catastrophe, but it is imperative you seek out the “catastrophic” designation to access these expanded coverage options. This is not a meaningless classification; it is a legal definition that distinguishes relatively major impacts from minor harm. 

Catastrophic v. Non-Catastrophic

The definition of “catastrophic injury” in the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act, Official Code of Georgia, Annotated, §34-9-200.1 is an injury that falls into one of the following categories: 

• Spinal cord injury
• Amputation 
• Severe brain or closed head injury
• Second- or third-degree burns
• Total or industrial blindness
• Any other injury of a nature and severity that prevents the employee working

Common non-catastrophic injuries include:

• Head injuries
• Repetitive-use injuries
• Heart attacks
• Temporary hearing damage
• Temporary vision impairment
• Minor burns
• Cuts
• Nerve damage
• Muscle strains
• Sprains
• Broken bones

Both catastrophic and non-catastrophic injuries typically occur due to slip and fall accidents, construction accidents, auto accidents, and general occupational hazard accidents. The distinguishing factor between catastrophic versus non-catastrophic is not the cause of injury, but rather the severity of the resulting damage. While some workers fully recover from their injuries and resume work, some suffer such great harm they never return to their job. The latter is what constitutes a “catastrophic” calamity. 

The process of determining a “catastrophic” distinction can sometimes be cumbersome—this is where a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney can help. With over 20 years of experience handling these types of severe injuries and helping victims navigate the numerous roadblocks and obstacles along the way, Poirier Law Firm is here to provide assurance for even the gravest of trauma and suffering. Let us fight for your rights following an on-the-job injury—reach out today.