February 24, 2022 | Catastrophic Injury

Accidents can happen in a split second. However, their consequences often last for a long time thereafter. In fact, some injuries can be life changing or even fatal. If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury as a result of the negligence or reckless actions of another party, you have the right to hold the at-fault party to account as well as to seek compensation for your injuries. Contact us to speak with an experienced attorney.

What is a catastrophic Injury?

Catastrophic injuries under personal injury law are those injuries that are severe or serious and result in permanent damage to the victim. They are injuries that are life-altering or that have long-term consequences. These injuries prevent the victim from engaging in gainful employment or participating in their day to day activities like they did prior to the accident.

 Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries can take many forms. The following are some of the most common types of catastrophic injuries:

• Traumatic brain injuries

These are the result of significant injury to the head. They are often the result of blunt force trauma to the head. These injuries can range from a mild concussion to more severe conditions such as a coma. Some of the symptoms of traumatic brain injuries include seizures, pupil dilation, vomiting and nausea, loss of consciousness, slurred speech, loss of motor skills, drowsiness and cognitive impairment. Some people are able to recover from traumatic brain injuries while others never do so.

• Spinal cord injuries

The spinal cord runs down the back and is responsible for send signals from other parts of the body to the brain and vice versa. Damage to the spinal cord can result in loss of sensation or inability to move. The result of an acute spinal cord injury will depend on the location of the damage along the spine. An acute injury can result in paraplegia, the loss of sensation in the lower limbs or quadriplegia, the loss of sensation in all the limbs.

• Severe burns

Third and Fourth degree burns are burns that cover a large percentage of your body. They also affect both the epidermis (the outer layer) and the dermis (the inner layer) of the skin as well as the adipose tissue (the fat beneath the skin). They may even affect the muscles, bones and organs. These types of burns are categorized as catastrophic as the victims suffer permanent damage. The damage may include scarring, nerve damage, disfigurement, chronic pain and impaired motion.

• Severe orthopedic injuries

These include injuries such as dislocations, multiple fractures and other extensive damage to the limbs. They also include the loss of limbs due to amputation or severing of the limb in the accident. These injuries can lead to disfigurement, nerve damage, stiffness, limited range of motion and pain.

• Organ damage

Significant organ damage can result in poor functioning of the organ or the complete failure to function. In some cases organ damage can result in death. Organ damage can include injury to the kidneys, liver, spleen or even the eyes. Damage may be due to an accident or medical malpractice.

Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

Some of the most common causes of catastrophic injuries include:

• Car accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Sports accidents
• Boating accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Use of defective products and other accidents.

Impact of catastrophic injuries

Catastrophic injuries are life-altering. They have life-long consequences that may include:

• Mounting medical bills

Catastrophic injuries often result in significant financial strain on the victim and their loved ones. This is because these injuries are not only extensive but also often require long term treatment and care. Medical bills may result in bills amounting to hundreds of thousands (or even millions) of dollars to cater for treatments such as surgeries, medications, physical or occupational therapy as well as lab tests and supportive devices.

• Lost wages

Many catastrophic injuries result in the victim not being able to work or earn an income. They are therefore no longer able to support their family and provide for their basic needs. It can also result in the victim not being able to fulfill their daily duties. For example a stay at home mom with a traumatic brain injury may no longer be able to care for her young children. Not only will she need care but her children will also need child care. This can put significant financial strain on the family.

• Physical and emotional pain

Catastrophic injuries result in physical and emotional pain long after the accident is over. The pain may be overwhelming in the short term. Some people suffer long term chronic pain as a result of their injuries. Victims also suffer emotional trauma. This may develop into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that requires treatments that may include medication and behavioral therapy.

• Loss of enjoyment of life

Catastrophic injuries can also impact the victim’s ability to complete tasks that they may have been able to complete in the past. They may no longer be able to care for themselves or partake of their hobbies. This can have a negative impact on their emotional state and put a strain on their relationships with other people.

Seek justice for catastrophic injuries

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury as a result of the negligence or reckless behavior of another party, contact us. We’ll help you seek justice for your injuries.

Call H&Y Attorneys at 402-933-3345 for a free consultation.

Catastrophic Injury Definition