Catastrophic & Complex Injury Cases

Advocating for Clients Facing Life-Changing Injuries

A catastrophic injury is not just another accident claim. It is a life-changing event that affects every part of your future. Spinal cord damage, severe brain trauma, amputations, and multiple serious fractures can mean permanent disability, loss of independence, and the need for lifelong care. In Ontario, these injuries are treated differently under the law because the consequences are so profound.

Under the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS), a person who is classified as “catastrophically impaired” is entitled to a much higher level of accident benefits. Instead of a standard $65,000 in combined medical and rehabilitation benefits, a catastrophically impaired individual may access up to $1,000,000 in benefits over their lifetime. This can make the difference between getting the care you need and being left without essential support.

Why the “Catastrophic” Definition Matters

Insurers know how high the stakes are, which is why they often fight these claims. The legal definition of “catastrophic impairment” is strict, and disputes are common. An injury may be considered catastrophic if it results in:

Paraplegia or quadriplegia
Amputation or permanent loss of use of a limb
Blindness in both eyes
Severe traumatic brain injury
A whole person impairment of 55% or more
Marked or extreme impairment in mental or behavioural functioning

If you are not classified as catastrophic, your benefits are capped at a lower amount. That is why insurance companies spend so much effort challenging these cases—and why having a knowledgeable lawyer is critical.

The Challenges Clients Face

Many injured people assume their insurer will provide fair treatment. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. We regularly see clients dealing with:

Delayed or denied access to medical and rehabilitation benefits
Pressure to attend repeated insurer medical exams
Disputes over whether their injuries meet the catastrophic threshold
Early termination of benefits, even when they still cannot return to work or daily life

Without strong legal representation, families are often left struggling to pay for therapies, personal support workers, mobility aids, and home modifications out of pocket.

How Beckett Can Help

For more than 25 years, our lawyers have represented clients across Ontario who are living with catastrophic and complex injuries. We know how to navigate the insurance system and how to prove the full impact of these injuries in court or at the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT).

Our team works with medical experts, rehabilitation specialists, and life care planners to build strong evidence that insurers cannot ignore. We have secured compensation to cover:

Long-term rehabilitation and medical treatment
Attendant care and personal support services
Home and vehicle modifications for accessibility
Lost income and loss of future earning capacity
Ongoing costs of living with a disability

These cases are about more than money—they are about protecting your future, your independence, and your dignity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes an injury “catastrophic” under Ontario law? 

The SABS sets out strict criteria, including paralysis, loss of use of a limb, blindness in both eyes, severe brain injury, or a 55% whole person impairment. Mental and behavioural impairments may also qualify if they cause “marked” or “extreme” impairment.

How much compensation is available for catastrophic injuries? 

If your injury is classified as catastrophic, you may be entitled to up to $1,000,000 in medical and rehabilitation benefits, along with increased attendant care benefits. You may also pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault party for pain and suffering, lost income, and future care costs.

What if my insurer says my injury is not catastrophic?

You have the right to dispute your insurer’s decision at the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT). Our firm regularly represents clients in these disputes and has experience challenging insurers’ medical assessments.

Contact Us

We represent survivors of sexual abuse from all across Canada. Our services are flexible and designed to meet your needs — whether that means meeting in person, by phone, or through a secure video call. We offer private, accessible meeting spaces and can also arrange home or hospital visits when appropriate. No matter where you’re located, we’re committed to making the legal process as comfortable and accessible as possible.