What is considered to be a catastrophic injury?

A catastrophic injury causes significant and permanent impact or damage to a victim. However, the term catastrophic injury has a specific meaning and is defined by certain criteria when applied to Ontario's Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) for motor vehicle accidents.

Some examples of catastrophic injuries according to SABS criteria include:

• A severe brain injury;
• Loss of a limb;
• Extreme loss of vision; and
• Paralysis, among other injuries.