What Is Considered a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury is considered severe, disabling physical harm with long-term and potentially permanent effects on the victim’s life. Victims of severe car accidents sometimes sustain devastating injuries.

The extent of a catastrophic injury is so severe that a victim may be unable to recover. In addition to lifetime disabilities, a catastrophic injury is an added stress to their loved ones, who may be forced to provide them with financial, emotional, and physical care.

That said, victims who sustain catastrophic injuries in an accident caused by someone else’s fault deserve compensation.

Consult a trusted Atlanta personal injury lawyer from Spaulding Injury Law: Atlanta Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyer for legal help obtaining your rightful compensation and out find more about what is considered a catastrophic injury.

What Are Types of Catastrophic Injuries?

An injury is considered catastrophic if it causes long-lasting and permanent damage to cognitive functions that alter a victim’s ability to lead a normal life.

Here are the common types of catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury

A traumatic brain injury occurs because of a violent blow or jolt to the head or upper body. If an object goes through the brain tissue, e.g. a piece of metal or a shattered skull, it can also cause a traumatic brain injury.

Common complications of traumatic brain injury include:

• Brain death
• Seizures
• Infections
• Intellectual problems
• Communication problems
• Behavioral problems

Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury involves damage to any part of the spinal cord and causes permanent changes in strength, feeling, and other body functions below the injury site.

Common complications of spinal cord injuries include:

• Loss of bladder control
• Loss of bowel control
• Respiratory system issues
• A worsened sexual health
• Depression

Severe Burns

A third-degree burn damages all layers of the skin, including the fatty tissue. Features of third-degree burns include leathery skin, dry skin, skin discoloration, and swelling. Common causes of third-degree burns include radiation, electricity, and hot objects.

Victims who sustain third-degree burns are at risk of infections, blood loss, and tetanus. Severe burns also carry the risk of hypothermia and hypovolemia.

Neck Injury

A herniated disc is a severe neck injury that occurs when a spinal disc becomes torn, with the soft jelly leaking or bulging out of the disc. Other victims suffer fractured cervical spine, a catastrophic injury that requires immediate medical attention.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

Vehicle-Related Collisions

Collisions involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and cyclists are common causes of catastrophic injuries. Because of their substantial size and increased weight, truck accidents result in severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries.

Slips and Falls

Slip and fall accidents often result in severe injuries that affect the victim’s ability to work. For instance, you can sustain a spinal cord injury after a nasty slip-and-fall accident. Fortunately, you can claim compensation for injury-related losses, including medical expenses from the at-fault party.

Accidents in Construction Sites

Construction workers face a risk of severe injuries and deaths due to electrical accidents at construction sites. For instance, a construction worker can sustain a severe burn after contact with a live power line.

Construction workers are also at risk of catastrophic injuries because of caught-in-between hazards. For instance, a hand is crushed between two machines or a leg of a construction worker caught under heavy machinery that has tipped over.

Get in Touch With an Experienced Atlanta Personal Injury Attorney to Discover Your Options

Suppose you sustained a catastrophic injury in a car accident. In that case, you may endure serious losses, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

An experienced attorney from Spaulding Injury Law: Atlanta Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyer can protect your rights as an injured victim. Contact us online or at (770) 744-0890 for a free case consultation.

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