Catastrophic Injuries: What Makes Them So Devastating?

Catastrophic injuries due to accidents are not a new phenomenon in the US. For instance, in 2022, the country recorded over 5,486 severe work-related injuries. Motor vehicle collisions also lead to catastrophic injuries.

If you’re a victim, getting in touch with experienced catastrophic injury lawyers is important. They will help you file a successful personal injury claim and get fair compensation to cover your expenses after the incident.

In this article, we’ll look at the types of catastrophic injuries, what causes them, and their effects. Read on.

Catastrophic Injuries: What Causes them? 

Common types of catastrophic injuries include: 

• Traumatic brain injuries. Results from sudden head impact or whiplash. 
• Spinal Cord issues. This is the result of a direct impact on the spinal cord. Victims might end up suffering partial or full-body paralysis. 
• Fractures. These occur when a bone breaks due to an accident. These injuries are quite common in construction work-related incidents and car collisions. Fractures may lead to internal organ injuries as well.
• Burns: Explosive accidents can leave you with permanent scars.

Effects of Catastrophic Injuries

So, how do catastrophic injuries affect your life? 

Your Normal Life Is Disrupted

Imagine using a wheelchair due to paralysis. Your life as a vibrant and active person stops, especially in the early months of recovery. You won’t be able to take part in activities like driving or long walks with your dog. Even everyday chores now require someone’s assistance. 

Potential Job Loss and Income 

You’ll probably be absent from work during recovery, resulting in a loss of income. If you’re a victim, hire a credible personal injury attorney to deal with this. Also, they can help secure consistent pay even when recovering.

Long Road to Recovery

Severe injuries automatically lead to extensive and painful healing periods. During this time, victims have to go for regular checkups. Usually, patients/victims can develop emotional and psychological distress during this period as well.

Unfortunately, various catastrophic injuries, like limb amputation, excessive burns, or full-body paralysis, result in lifelong injuries and scars. 

Huge Expenses

There’ll be lots of expenses, ranging from medical procedures to litigation process payments. You’ll need to pay normal court charges and your legal representation. 

Medical expenses incurred include: 

• Long-term prescriptions 
• Regular doctor consultations
• Physiotherapy 
• Ambulance fees
• Therapist sessions
• Assistive services like wheelchairs and crutches

Stressful and Lengthy Trial Processes

A successful injury claim can take a while. This is due to the complex stages of investigation and evidence collection. Therefore, the availability of factual and justifiable evidence can determine how your case proceeds.

Note that you’ll have to cover certain expenses while the case proceeds. This is challenging to many. Having to deal with the legal process on top of your injuries will be difficult for most victims.

Conclusion

Catastrophic injuries can mark the end of your normal, everyday life as you know it and introduce new challenges. The article highlights these issues and describes how victims struggle. If you end up with a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer.