Yes. Multiple broken bones typically qualify as a catastrophic injury. While Pennsylvania law doesn’t use the phrase catastrophic injury, the reality is that multiple bone fractures can absolutely reach that level of seriousness, particularly when they cause permanent limitations, disfigurement, or long-term disability. If you’re dealing with this kind of injury, it changes not only your medical care but also your legal rights.
A broken bone can be painful and disruptive. When you suffer multiple fractures in a single accident, however, the consequences go far beyond a temporary setback. At Marzella & Associates, our personal injury lawyers in Harrisburg, PA, can help determine whether your injuries qualify as catastrophic under the law and pursue the full compensation you need to pay for your accident-related expenses.
What is Considered a Catastrophic Injury?
Pennsylvania statutes don’t use the catastrophic injury label. Instead, the law focuses on whether an injury qualifies as a “serious injury” or “serious bodily injury.” These definitions serve as the functional equivalents in many personal injury and auto insurance contexts. For instance:
- A serious injury means severe impairment of body function or permanent severe disfigurement
- Pennsylvania’s criminal code defines a serious bodily injury as one that puts your life at risk, leaves you permanently disfigured, or causes lasting loss of function
Multiple broken bones can absolutely meet these standards. For example, a broken leg that heals cleanly in a matter of weeks may not rise to the level of a serious injury. On the other hand, compound fractures that require multiple surgeries, hardware, such as plates or screws, and months of rehabilitation usually do. If you’re left with limited mobility, chronic pain, or permanent deformity, your case goes well beyond a simple broken bone.
Even though the law doesn’t use the exact phrase catastrophic injury, insurers and courts often treat these severe cases the same way when evaluating damages. That distinction can open the door to compensation for pain and suffering, long-term medical care, and loss of earning capacity.
What a Personal Injury Attorney Can Do for You
Recovering from multiple fractures is overwhelming. You’re juggling doctor appointments, hospital bills, and the stress of not knowing when you can work again. A personal injury lawyer can take on the legal and financial fight for you so you can focus on healing. They will:
- Gather medical evidence that shows how your fractures meet the serious injury standard
- Collect proof showing how your fractures affect your work, mobility, and independence
- Work with orthopedic surgeons, rehabilitation specialists, and vocational experts who can explain the long-term impact of your injuries
- Push back against insurance companies that try to classify your injuries as minor to minimize your payout
- Pursue full damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and future care needs
Our Personal Injury Attorneys Handle Your Claim
If you’re recovering from multiple broken bones after a car crash or other accident, don’t let an insurance provider tell you they’re just broken bones. Reach out to Marzella & Associates online or at 717-876-8681 to schedule your free case assessment. Our personal injury lawyers can review your medical records, explain how the law applies to your case, and fight to secure maximum compensation for you.