Surviving an accident can result in a number of different injures- anything from minor cuts and scrapes to serious, life threatening catastrophic injuries which can change the course of an entire lifetime. But, when thinking about your injuries and the severity, what is actually considered a catastrophic injury? A catastrophic injury is considered to be a severe injury to the spine, spinal cord, or brain. Catastrophic injuries can occur after auto accidents, work accidents, or slip and falls. Whether you were involved in a construction accident at work, a severe auto accident, or have suffered a head injury from a fall, catastrophic injuries are devastating and will likely require life-long medical care.
The following is a list of common catastrophic injuries that a catastrophic injury lawyer may handle:
Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury is one where the brain is impacted with force, is deprived of oxygen, or is penetrated by an object. Traumatic brain injuries can be fatal or affect a person’s cognition, thinking, memory, emotions, sensations, and more. While some people make a full recovery from traumatic brain injuries, others will suffer disability and require long-term care.
Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord injuries are arguably the most devastating type of catastrophic injury. When a spinal cord injury occurs, the spinal cord is impacted with force (often due to a vertebrae fracture). This disrupts the spinal cord’s ability to send messages between the brain and the rest of the body. The result will be paralysis from the site of the injury downward. These injuries are permanent, meaning the victim will be impacted for life.
Limb Amputation
Losing a limb would be a catastrophic and life-changing injury for anyone. While prosthetics and physical therapy are used to restore quality of life after an amputation, nothing can truly restore one’s hand, arm, leg, or foot after a severe accident.
Burn Injuries
Burn injuries are considered some of the most catastrophic injuries for a multitude of reasons. They are among the most painful injury types, and they can be life-threatening. Burn injuries can often result in long-term mobility and disability issues, and they are often disfiguring.
Skull or Spinal Injuries
Fractures to the skull or spine are often categorized as catastrophic because of the potential for the brain or spinal cord injury they present. Further, treatments for these types of damages are difficult and specialized.
These are just some of the catastrophic injuries a catastrophic injury attorney can help with after an auto accident, work injury, or slip and fall. If you or a loved one have suffered a catastrophic injury anywhere in Texas due to someone else’s negligence, you need to speak with a qualified injury lawyer at once. After a serious injury caused by a life altering event, you deserve a catastrophic injury attorney who can has the dedication and resources to help obtain the just outcome you deserve. After a catastrophic injury, contact us at The Patel Firm PLLC online or call (361) 400-2036 to speak to a catastrophic injury attorney for a free consultation.
