Barrie Catastrophic Injury Lawyers

A catastrophic injury changes every part of a person’s life — mobility, cognition, independence, employment, finances, and family stability. At Foster Injury Law, our Barrie catastrophic injury lawyers help individuals and families navigate the legal, medical, and insurance system after life-altering trauma.

We represent people throughout Barrie and Simcoe County, including clients injured in Wasaga Beach, Collingwood, Midland, and Orillia.

For more about our Barrie practice, see our Barrie personal injury lawyers page.

What Qualifies as a “Catastrophic Injury” in Ontario?

A catastrophic impairment is a legal and medical classification under Ontario’s Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS).

It is the highest level of injury recognized in the auto insurance system. A catastrophic designation dramatically increases the available medical, rehabilitation, and attendant-care benefits and is essential to long-term financial security.

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Catastrophic injuries include:

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• Spinal cord injuries resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia
• Severe traumatic brain injuries — see our brain injury lawyers page
• Severe orthopedic trauma (multiple long-bone fractures, pelvic fractures)
• Major amputations
• Loss of vision in both eyes
• Marked or extreme mental or behavioural impairments
• Severe impairments in daily functioning
• Combinations of physical and cognitive impairments
• Catastrophic spinal injuries — see our spinal cord injury lawyers page

These criteria are medical-legal standards and must be supported by extensive documentation and expert assessments. For a deeper explanation of catastrophic impairment and how it is assessed in Ontario, you can read our detailed 2026 catastrophic impairment guide.

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Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Barrie

Catastrophic injuries in Barrie and Simcoe County often result from:

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• High-speed crashes on Highway 400 or Highway 11
• Motorcycle collisions
• Bicycle collisions and pedestrian impacts
• Multi-vehicle or rollover collisions
• Falls from height, deck failures, structural collapses
• Snowmobile and ATV crashes
• Trauma involving impaired, distracted, or aggressive drivers

Many of these events lead to long-term mobility, cognitive, or neurological consequences.

Medical Treatment for Catastrophic Injuries in Barrie

Many clients with catastrophic injuries first receive emergency treatment at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH).

Follow-up treatment may involve:

• Toronto-based spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation centres
• Neurologists, neurosurgeons, and orthopedic specialists
• Occupational therapy and physiotherapy programs
• Assistive device and adaptive equipment providers
• Home and vehicle modification experts
• Psychological and neuropsychological treatment

We coordinate closely with treating professionals and independent examiners to document the full extent of your injuries and long-term needs.

The Importance of Catastrophic Designation (CAT Status)

Catastrophic designation increases available accident benefits, including:

• Up to $1,000,000 (or more, depending on optional benefits) in medical and rehabilitation funding
• Up to $6,000/month in attendant care
• Case management
• Assistive devices, home modifications, vehicle modifications
• Long-term rehab and community reintegration support

We help clients obtain CAT status by:

• Coordinating medical and functional assessments
• Challenging insurer denials
• Gathering neurological, psychological, and functional evidence
• Preparing medical-legal reports
• Presenting a clear legal-medical basis for CAT designation

Catastrophic injuries often involve overlapping conditions — for example, a spinal cord injury combined with a traumatic brain injury or severe orthopedic trauma.

Accident Benefits (SABS) After a Catastrophic Injury

Accident benefits are available regardless of fault after a motor vehicle collision.

Catastrophic-level benefits can include:

• Medical and rehabilitation funding
• Attendant care
• Income replacement benefits
• Housekeeping and home maintenance (in some cases)
• Case management services
• Transportation and mobility assistance
• Assistive devices and adaptive equipment

Insurers frequently dispute catastrophic status, and early legal help is essential to protect your rights.

Tort Lawsuits After a Catastrophic Injury

A lawsuit against the at-fault party may compensate for:

• Pain and suffering
• Future care and rehabilitation
• Lifetime income loss
• Loss of competitive advantage
• Attendant care and personal support
• Home and vehicle accessibility modifications
• Psychological and emotional support
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Family Law Act claims for loved ones

Catastrophic injury lawsuits require detailed medical, vocational, and financial evidence.
We handle the litigation and negotiation process while you focus on care and recovery.

Community Support & Rehabilitation Resources

Many clients benefit from peer and community programs offered by Spinal Cord Injury Ontario, Ontario Brain Injury Association, and other rehabilitation organizations. We connect clients with resources that support long-term adaptation, independence, and community reintegration.

How Our Barrie Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Help

We support clients by:

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• Offering free consultations
• Explaining SABS and tort rights
• Coordinating neurological, psychological, and functional assessments
• Challenging insurer denials
• Gathering comprehensive medical and vocational evidence
• Working with life-care planners and rehab specialists
• Negotiating with insurers and defence counsel
• Preparing cases for litigation and trial if needed

Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation and support you need to rebuild your life.

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Related Pages 

• Brain injury lawyers
• Spinal cord injury lawyers
• Bicycle accident lawyers
• Motorcycle accident lawyers
• Barrie personal injury lawyers
• Innisfil Personal Injury Lawyers
 

Talk to a Barrie Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in Barrie or Simcoe County, Foster Injury Law is here to help.

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis — you do not pay legal fees unless we are successful. Call 705-408-4438 or contact us online. We can meet at our Barrie office, your home, hospital, or by phone or video.