Why Are Some Injuries Labeled ‘Catastrophic’ & Why Does It Matter?

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When an individual sustains an injury due to someone else’s neglect, the injury should be taken seriously regardless of the severity of the resulting damages. However, according to personal injury laws, some injuries are labeled as ‘catastrophic’ because they are more severe than others. Sadly, catastrophic injuries are common, and victims should seek justice and compensation for lost wages or medical bills.

 

Types of Catastrophic Injuries

By definition, catastrophic injuries leave victims with permanent damage, forcing patients to go through a lifetime of care and treatment. Below are listed some of the most common types of such injuries:

 

1. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

A brain injury is one of the most catastrophic injuries an individual could sustain. TBIs often lead to damages that can last for years. Some brain injury patients can experience the effects throughout their lives. A brain injury can cause damages and impact the normal functioning of the body. Here are some of the impacts of brain damages:

  • Memory Loss

The injured party may experience memory loss. This can also be experienced in individuals who suffer mild types of brain injuries such as concussions.

  • Behavior Changes:

Behavioral issues such as irritability and mood changes are often a side-effect of TBIs. Some other examples of behavioral changes include sadness, agitation, anger, and depression.

  • Cognitive Damages:

TBIs can affect mental functions such as concentration, reasoning, attention, memory, and language. These symptoms can lead to a considerable loss of focus.

  • Deteriorating Conditions:

Suffering a traumatic brain injury increases the risk of developing degenerative illnesses, seizures, and having a stroke.

 

2. Neck and Spinal Injuries

When you are involved in an accident, suffering neck and spinal cord injuries can be disastrous. Neck injuries such as whiplash can lead to spinal cord damages that are often associated with paralysis and other long-term medical issues. Due to the severity of the resulting damages, neck and spinal cord injuries are termed catastrophic. A spinal cord injury can leave you unable to use most of your body functions and sometimes even confined to a wheelchair. Sadly, over 12,000 people in the US suffer spinal cord injuries annually.

Spinal cord injuries can eventually result in job loss, increased medical bills, and a lot of emotional and physical suffering. To compensate for these damages, the injured party can and should file a personal injury claim to ease the financial burden that resulted from the injury.

 

3. Broken bones

Not every broken bone injury can be defined as catastrophic. However, some have a more lasting impact than others. A broken bone can be considered fatal when the patient experiences long-lasting damages and pain. Some of these injuries may require numerous surgeries and a lot of physical therapy for a full recovery. The most detrimental injuries include:

  • A broken Sternum
  • Broken ribs
  • Broken pelvis bone
  • A broken neck
  • A broken back

 

4. Damages to Internal Organs

Internal organ damages may occur due to falls, car accidents, and medical malpractice, such as prescription errors or performing surgery on the wrong person or body part. An individual may suffer from internal bleeding and damages to internal organs during an accident or a slip and fall. These conditions could even lead to death if left untreated for long.

 

5. Amputations

Amputations are considered catastrophic injuries, given the resulting long-term emotional damage and trauma. Car accidents, cancer, and severe infections can lead to amputation. Suppose the severed limb was caused by another party’s negligence. In that case, you are within your rights to take legal action and seek compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and any equipment you will need to speed your recovery and facilitate movement.