What Is A Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury can happen at any time and have substantial consequences to someone’s life and on the victim’s family.


Woman in wheelchair

In addition to the impact on the victim’s health, there can be significant medical and rehabilitation expenses as well as the ability to continue earning income.

Further, everyday activities may prove challenging and a victim may require everyday care. It is important to realize that some of the impact may not be obvious initially and it may take time to fully assess how the injury may affect the victim’s income and quality of life.

What Qualifies As A Catastrophic Injury?

In order to qualify for catastrophic accident benefits, your injuries must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Paralysis, either partial or total
  • Amputation or loss of function in a limb
  • Blindness
  • Brain injury
  • Debilitating psychiatric conditions that prevent normal function
  • A combination of conditions that result in at least 55 percent impairment of your functioning
  • a class four or five impairment due to mental or behavioural disorders.

A reference to the definition by the Government of Ontario is found here.

Determining whether your injury can be considered as catastrophic is complex. It is important that you contact someone who is experienced in assessing these cases. 

Additional Injuries And Impact

In addition to the main catastrophic injury, there may be other injuries that should be included when determining the impact on the victim. These injuries may include:

  • soft tissue injuries
  • orthopaedic injuries
  • acquired brain injury
  • dental injuries
  • psychological impairment.

At Levy & Associates, we have years of experience assessing catastrophic injury cases and helping our clients achieve the compensation they deserve.

Benefits Available To Accident Victims

There are services and benefits that you may be able to access during your road to recovery. Victims of catastrophic injury may be eligible for the following benefits:

  • Income replacement benefit
  • Non-earner benefit (for persons who don’t qualify for income replacement, such as full-time students)
  • Medical, rehabilitation and attendant care benefits
  • Care-giver benefit
  • Lost education expenses
  • House keeping and home maintenance benefits
  • Visitor’s expenses

Levy & Associates has years of experience helping our clients navigate the complexities of a personal injury claim and fighting for their rights and benefits. It’s critical that you have the best legal advice and representation to ensure you receive the Accident Benefits and compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering, loss of income, past and future medical expenses and inability to do your activities of daily life such as personal care, childcare and housekeeping. Contact us today to discuss the details of your case.


If you or someone you know has suffered a serious personal injury, it could profoundly affect their family, health, emotional well-being and quality of life. With legal cases often taking years, choosing a team that will stand by you, and deliver outstanding representation, is critical.

For A Free Consultation: 1-833-LEVY LAW (5389-529). info@levyinjurylaw.com


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