What are the Most Common Catastrophic Injuries?

A catastrophic injury has long-term, life-altering consequences. Catastrophic injuries can cause severe complications for an individual’s functional capabilities. In most cases, victims face years of rehabilitation and intensive treatment. A catastrophic injury usually means losing a vital part of one’s ability to function independently, such as losing the use of a limb, loss of the ability to walk, or loss of the ability to form a complete thought. In addition, catastrophic injuries usually impact the victim’s ability to perform work tasks the way he or she once did. There are four common catastrophic injuries. 

Traumatic Brain Injuries: 

The most severe traumatic brain injuries (“TBI”) are usually caused by trauma to the head, many times resulting in bleeding, bruising, swelling, and inflammation of the brain. TBI’s can have wide-ranging physical and psychological effects. These injuries may manifest with mild symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting; however, some TBI’s result in more severe symptoms such as loss of consciousness, a permanent vegetative state, seizures or profound confusion, and slurred speech. Many times TBI’s of varying degrees of severity have long-term effects, including cognition impairment, difficulty understanding, trouble with language usage, inability to recognize common items, changes in personality, depression, anxiety, issues with concentration, a loss of vision, sensory impairment, tinnitus, and memory loss. 

Spinal Cord Injuries: 

The spinal cord relays messages and signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Catastrophic spinal cord injuries often result in permanent changes in strength, sensation, and other bodily functions. Severe spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis of a limb, system, or entire body. Partial paralysis, known as paraplegia, affects the legs and lower body. Quadriplegia is paralysis of all four limbs.  

Severe Burns: 

Third and Fourth-degree burns are considered catastrophic if they cover large areas of the body. These types of burns affect both the epidermis and dermis layers of skin and the layer of fat beneath it. Severe burns may even reach bones, muscles, and organs. The most severe burns cause permanent nerve damage, scarring, disfigurement, chronic pain, and impaired range of motion. Treatment for victims may include medication, skin grafts, physical therapy, and surgery. 

Let the Experienced Attorneys at Graves McLain Help You  

Victims of catastrophic injuries may face years of medical expenses and lost wages, making it difficult to care for themselves and their families. Our team has extensive experience with catastrophic injuries. Depending on your situation, you may be able to receive a settlement for all medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning potential, pain, suffering, emotional distress, disability, and other damages. If you have suffered a catastrophic injury, call us today at (918) 359-6600 for a free consultation or complete our free online evaluation. Our experienced attorneys are here to help. Let us handle the legal issues while you focus on healing.