Semi-Truck Accident 101: What Every Passenger Car Driver Should Understand

What's A Catastrophic Injury?

30 May 2023 by Kenneth Graham

A serious injury can have a devastating impact on a person's life. If the injury happened in an accident or incident that was caused by another's negligence, the injury's effects can seem even worse.

Especially serious injuries are sometimes classified as catastrophic. The term is used to describe injuries that are sustained in a sudden, instantaneous way, such as in a car accident, for example, or in an explosion. The damage resulting from these injuries is severe in nature and often has a permanent, life-altering effect. Common areas of the body where catastrophic injuries occur include the spinal cord, head, brain, nervous system, and organs like the heart or lungs. Extensive burns or loss of limb injuries are also often classified as catastrophic.

Catastrophic injuries often result in the following:

• Permanent damage to the body or organs, such as neurological damage, nerve damage, or severe organ damage 
• Deformity from injuries like facial injuries or damage from severe burns
• Amputation
• Spinal cord damage that may result in either full or partial paralysis
• Permanent loss of hearing or sight 

These types of injuries often require the following:

• Long-term hospitalization 
• Multiple surgeries or procedures like skin grafts, etc. 
• Rehabilitative care like physical therapy or prosthetic limbs 
• Long-term or lifelong home care, including the use of permanent devices at home like oxygen respirators, wheelchairs, hospital beds, and more  

Catastrophic injuries are so serious that they alter the overall quality of life for the patient and their loved ones significantly, sometimes for the rest of the patient's life. These injuries are also often tremendously expensive due to the type of care that is often required. In many cases, the individual is unable to work ever again.

If you or someone you love has suffered from catastrophic injuries due to an accident, illness, or incident that was caused by the wrongdoings, reckless actions, or negligent actions of another person, group, or entity like a business, you may have grounds for legal action. A qualified personal injury attorney will be able to tell you if you have a potential case. If you do have a case and are able to file one with the help of a lawyer, you may be able to obtain compensation that can help pay for the costs of your care or your loved one's care. Personal injury claims are often well-suited for catastrophic injuries due to how expensive these injuries are and how devastating of an effect they have.

For more information, contact a personal injury attorney near you.

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