December 1, 2022 | Catastrophic Injury

Car accidents can be scary experiences. However, some people are lucky enough to walk away from an accident unscathed. Others aren’t so lucky. They end up with severe injuries that alter their lives forever. These are what are known in personal injury law as catastrophic injuries. Catastrophic injuries are not only devastating to the victim of the accident but also their loved ones. These injuries result in changes in relationships as well as high costs for the family.

Below, we discuss some of the most common types of catastrophic injuries suffered in car accidents and options for compensation for victims.

Common Catastrophic Injuries Caused By Car Accidents

There are various types of catastrophic injuries that can occur as a result of a car accident. Some of the most common types of injuries include:

• Head and brain injuries

These injuries are often caused by a blunt force to the head or penetration of skull and brain tissue by an object. The injuries may result in brain hemorrhage or even traumatic brain injuries. Damage to brain tissue is often permanent and can result in the loss of a person’s functions including speech, movement, reason, concentration and more.

• Severe burns

Burns can leave the victim of a car accident permanently disfigured. Fourth and third degree cover a large portion of the body and affect the deeper tissues in the body. They can even be life threatening. Victims may require plastic surgery, multiple skin grafts and even physical therapy in order to recover from their injuries. Even with all this, the victim never fully recovers from their injuries. They may still suffer from permanent damage to their nerves, loss of function and a lifetime of pain.

• Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are often permanent. They often result in the permanent loss of movement and sensation in part or the whole of your body. The victim for example may become a paraplegic. This means that they will have some movement in their upper body but not be able to walk. A quadriplegic is someone that has no sensation or movement in all their limbs.

Survivors of spinal cord injuries require care for the rest of their lives. They may also require multiple treatments. This can be costly to their families. Recovering financial compensation can help to provide the family with a sense of stability.

• Loss of limbs/amputation

Amputations can occur as a result of the severing of a part of the body such as a hand or a leg during an accident. They can also be the result of a medical decision made to save the accident victim’s life. For example, if a limb has been severely crushed in the accident, amputation may be necessary to save the victim’s life.

• Injuries to internal organs

Damage to organs may result from blunt force trauma or penetration of the organ by an object. These injuries can result in internal bleeding. They are life threatening and often require immediate surgery to save the victim’s life.

Recovering Compensation for Catastrophic Injuries in a Car Accident

Catastrophic injuries can place a large financial burden on the shoulders of the victim and their family. These injuries can result in the victims not being able to return to work or earn money through other means. They may require multiple treatments and a lifetime of care. They may also require specialized equipment and medication.

While financial compensation will not reverse the injuries suffered by the victim, it can help to provide the victim and their family with financial stability. The victim will be able to receive the treatment they need to recover as much as possible.

Many times, recovering compensation from a negligent driver’s insurance policy isn’t enough when the victim has suffered a catastrophic injury. A car accident attorney can help you seek compensation from all possible sources. Some sources of compensation for injuries suffered in a car accident include:

• The driver

If a negligent driver caused the car accident that resulted in your injuries, you can file a lawsuit against them and obtain compensation. This is especially the case if the insurance they carried was not sufficient to cover your damages. However, the driver may not have the financial resources to compensate you.

• Other liable parties

You can file a personal injury lawsuit against other parties that may have been responsible for the accident. Some of these parties include the manufacturer of faulty vehicle parts or the government agency responsible for the repair and maintenance of the road.

• Uninsured and underinsured coverage

You may also seek compensation from your own insurance. If the motorist that caused the accident is underinsured or uninsured, you may be able to recover additional compensation through your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

• Medical insurance

If you have medical insurance, you may be able to recover compensation by filing a claim to the insurance company to cover your medical expenses.

Be sure to consult with an experienced car accident attorney. They will help you identify all possible avenues to recover compensation.

Catastrophic Injury – Car Accident