What are Catastrophic Injuries?
Catastrophic injuries are those that result in major damage to a person’s body, both externally and internally. These injuries often require immediate and extended treatment, as well as rehabilitation. The victims of catastrophic injuries often have to face long-term consequences. These injuries cause permanent damage to the victim’s body, and in some cases can lead to death.
You can consult a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer if your life is affected by a catastrophic injury due to another person’s or institution’s negligence. An attorney can help you in your time of need by clarifying your rights and obligations and fighting for a fair settlement that will help you with rehabilitation and ongoing treatments.
Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by a sudden trauma to the head. The results of the injury can range from mild to severe, depending on the nature and severity of the head injury. The effects of a TBI are wide-reaching and can lead to problems with cognitive functioning, memory, speech, and problem-solving. A person with a TBI may also experience personality and behavioral changes.
- Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries occur when damage to the spine causes paralysis of one or more of the body’s major nerves. The spinal cord is a vital, long nerve that extends from the base of the skull to each of the individual limbs and organs in the body. A person with a spinal cord injury may lose mobility in one or more of his/her limbs as well as suffer from chronic pain.
- Amputations
An amputation is the surgical removal of part of the body. In cases involving a major injury, an amputation may be necessary to stop the patient from suffering further harm. Amputations can be partial (partial loss of a limb) or total. It might affect a person both physically and mentally. A person who has undergone a total amputation may need to use prosthetics for mobility.
- Burn injuries
Burn injuries are some of the most painful wounds that can be sustained. There are many causes of burns and the effects on the body will depend on the severity of the burn and which body part has been affected. The pain from third-degree burns is often so intense that many victims require sedation and local anesthesia to treat their wounds.
