Catastrophic Injury
Definition
- A person is considered catastrophically injured if they have suffered any of the following:
- paraplegia.
- quadriplegia
- the amputation or other impairment causing the total and permanent loss of use of both arms or both legs (after September 1, 2010 a single amputation is sufficient)
- the amputation or other impairment causing the total and permanent loss of use of one or both arms and one or both legs
- total loss of vision in both eyes
- Brain impairment that, in respect of an accident, results in,
- a score of 9 or less on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS); or
- a score of 2 (vegetative) or 3 (severe disability) on the Glasgow Outcome Scale
- 55% whole body impairment pursuant to American Medical Association Guidelines – once your condition has stabilized or two years after the motor vehicle collision or after stabilization
- Class 4 or 5 impairment due to mental or behavioral disorder under American Medical Association Guidelines – once your condition has stabilized or two years after the motor vehicle collision
In order to be assessed to determine if you are catastrophically injured a claimant must have a medical doctor or neuropsychologist sign an OCF-19 application. This form must be completed in full and submitted to your auto insurer if you wish to establish that you have suffered a catastrophic impairment as a result of your motor vehicle accident.