What Is Considered a Catastrophic Injury Under Virginia Law?

 Posted on October 22, 2025 in Personal Injury

A catastrophic injury can substantially change your life. It causes long-term or permanent harm that makes it hard to work, care for yourself, or live the way you did before. These injuries often lead to lasting physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress.

Virginia law allows you to seek compensation if someone else’s careless or reckless actions caused your catastrophic injury. While the law does not use the exact phrase "catastrophic injury," the courts recognize this type of injury as one that leads to serious, permanent damage that prevents you from returning to your normal routine or job. Contact our Fairfax, VA personal injury lawyers to learn about your rights and options.

Examples of Catastrophic Injuries That Could Result in a Personal Injury Claim

Some common examples of catastrophic injuries that can result in a personal injury claim include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Injuries to the brain that cause memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or personality changes

• Amputations: Loss of a hand, arm, leg, or other limb that requires prosthetics and lifelong rehabilitation

• Severe burns: Injuries that cause deep tissue damage, nerve loss, and visible disfigurement

• Crush injuries: Damage to muscles, bones, or organs caused by heavy machinery or vehicle accidents

• Spinal cord injuries: Damage that results in partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, or loss of mobility

• Loss of vision or hearing: Permanent sensory loss that limits daily independence and job performance

• Organ damage: Harm to the heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys that affects long-term health and physical ability

• Multiple fractures: Complex or compound bone breaks that require repeated surgeries and long recovery periods

• Disfigurement or scarring: Visible and permanent damage that can affect emotional and social well-being

Common Incidents That Can Result in a Catastrophic Injury

A catastrophic injury can happen almost anywhere. Serious car or truck crashes are the most common causes. Falls from high places can cause devastating injuries. Dangerous property conditions and defective products can also lead to serious, life-changing harm.

In some cases, medical malpractice or physical assaults can lead to catastrophic injuries as well. Victims of negligence have the right to file a civil lawsuit for financial recovery. Under Virginia Code § 8.01-243(A), most victims have two years from the date of the injury to take legal action. Filing after the deadline could mean losing your right to compensation.

How Are Catastrophic Injury Cases Different?

Catastrophic injury cases are more complicated than typical personal injury claims. The main reason is that the harm lasts much longer and affects nearly every part of your life. You may need physical therapy, medical equipment, or home modifications for many years.

These cases often require help from experts. They might include doctors, life-care planners, and financial advisors who can explain how your injury affects your future and what kind of care you will need. Because of the high cost of these claims, insurance companies often fight to pay as little as possible. Our experienced attorneys will help you gather evidence to prove your claim. We will ensure your settlement covers all possible damages.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Fairfax, VA Catastrophic Injury Attorney

Recovering from a catastrophic injury takes time, money, and legal support. At Robinson Law, PLLC, we have more than 50 years of combined legal experience handling complex injury cases. We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney’s fees unless we win your case.

Call 703-844-3746 today to schedule a free consultation with our Fairfax, VA personal injury lawyers. We proudly serve clients throughout Northern Virginia. Hablamos Español.