August 4, 2022 | Catastrophic Injury, General

Accidents can occur at any time and affect anyone. The severity of injuries suffered as a result of an accident can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe injuries that can be life altering. It is those injuries that have a life-changing impact or long term consequences that are categorized as catastrophic. If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in an accident that was caused by the negligence of another party, you can seek compensation. Contact us to learn more about your rights and options.

What is a Catastrophic Injury?

Catastrophic injuries are defined as those injuries that have a serious impact on the body. These injuries may be life altering or have long-term consequences. The injuries may be temporary or permanent. In either case, these injuries often require a considerable amount of medical treatment.  Victims that have suffered catastrophic injuries may require treatment over months or years. There are even cases whereby it may take a considerable amount of time to fully understand the full extent of the injuries.

Common Catastrophic Injuries

1. Brain injuries

These injuries occur when the accident results in trauma to the brain. A part of the brain may become bruised or damaged as a result of the trauma. The brain may swell, bleed, bruise or become inflamed. These will have a long-term impact on the victim. In some cases, it may be difficult to determine the full extent of the impact of the injury on the victim.

It can be difficult to diagnose brain injuries right away. This is because the symptoms of a brain injury may develop over time. Symptoms can also vary widely for different individuals. Some of the most common symptoms of brain injuries include:

• Difficulty understanding language
• Memory loss
• Vision loss
• Cognitive impairment
• Tinnitus
• Change in personality
• Depression
• Inability to concentrate
• Anxiety
• Impaired senses

2. Spine and neck injuries

Injuries involving the spine and neck can also be quite devastating. These injuries can be debilitating. The victim may lose the ability to use their limbs. This is because injuries that result in damage to the spinal cord will interfere with the ability of the nerves to transmit signals to or from the brain. This may affect the functioning of the limbs, the gastrointestinal system, urinary tract and lungs.

3. Severe Burns

Severe burns are considered a catastrophic injury. These are burn injuries that affect a large area and are deep. These injuries can result in long-term side effects such as lifetime of pain, loss of limbs, permanent disfigurement, infections and permanent disability.

It can take months or even years to fully recover from the severe burn injuries. Victims may require multiple surgeries which may be just as painful as the initial injury. They may also require months of rehabilitation to recover function. Some victims may even suffer a lifetime or chronic pain.

4. Loss of limbs

Victims of accidents may suffer a loss of a limb or a digit such as a toe or finger. These injuries are commonly referred to as amputations. They not only result in permanent disfigurement of the victim’s body but can also cause a lifelong disability. The victim may also suffer emotional and mental anguish from the accident and the consequences of the resulting injury.

Victims that suffer amputations experience tremendous physical and emotional challenges in the long term. For example, their injuries may interfere with their ability to have gainful employment. These injuries can result in the loss of the enjoyment of life for the victims. They may also require long term medical treatment and physical therapy.

5. Internal organ damage

These injuries occur as a result of trauma to internal organs such as the kidneys, bowels, spleen or liver. The injuries can result in internal bleeding or rapture of the affected organs. Damage to internal organs can result in disability or permanent impairment.

Victims that suffer these injuries may require several surgeries or long-term medical intervention to recover. They may be unable to work. Some are unable to lead a normal life as a result of their injuries.

Seeking Compensation for a Catastrophic Injury

Personal injury cases involving catastrophic injuries are often more complex than those involving temporary and less severe injuries. Catastrophic injuries have a significant impact on the life of the victim. They result in huge medical bills that are incurred over long periods. There are also some instances whereby it will take time (months or even years) to determine the full extent of the injuries. In many instances, victims are unable to engage in gainful employment. Some even require full-time care.

The compensation involved in catastrophic injury cases is significantly larger than in other personal injury cases. Insurance companies and at-fault parties are therefore often resistant to paying what they owe. It is therefore important to engage an experienced catastrophic injury attorney right from the start. Your attorney will ensure your rights are protected and will fight for full compensation on your behalf.

Catastrophic Injury Attorney Omaha