The term, “catastrophic injury” is widely written and spoken. Therefore, it’s not always used in the proper context. You’ll hear this term referenced in emergency rooms or spoken during sports events.
So, what exactly is considered “catastrophic” from a medical point of view?
The Medical Definition of a Catastrophic Condition
Typically, medical professionals describe a catastrophic type of injury as a severe injury to the spine, spinal cord, or brain.
They also include the description when speaking about skull or spinal fractures or when referring to the loss of a limb or a severe burn injury. Any of these injuries often lead to long-term or permanent functional impairment or disfigurement.
Therefore, a catastrophic medical injury often requires post-acute rehab – or a regimen of health care that involves multiple surgical procedures, lifetime medical treatments, and frequently difficult and extensive recovery.
Examples of Common Catastrophic Injuries and Their Causes
Spinal cord injuries are frequently referenced in personal injury cases. Other common examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Brain injuries
- Severe (third- and fourth-degree) burns
- Amputations
- Organ damage
- Multiple fractures
Any of the above injuries may result from accidents that cause physical trauma. Auto accidents, especially collisions with semi-trucks (big rigs), can lead to devastating injuries. Catastrophic accidents may include boating mishaps, falls from backyard trampolines, and accidents at construction sites, such as slip-and-falls.
Crush Injuries at Work Sites
Some workplace accidents may involve incidents where a worker’s hand or leg is crushed. Crush injuries may happen when moving machines or parts crush a person’s limbs or other body parts.
Crush accidents may also occur if a worker gets hit by a forklift or a factory worker catches their arm in a machine.
Catastrophic injuries from falls may involve a scaffolding collapse or the victim, again, may receive crush injuries if materials hit them at a construction site.
Medical Malpractice
Besides workplace accidents or vehicle incidents, catastrophic injuries may take place as a result of medical mistakes. If you’re suing for medical malpractice, you have 3 years, instead of the 2-year filing period, to submit a claim in California.
Conditions that Result From Specific Catastrophic Injuries
People who suffer catastrophic injuries often have commonly associated conditions after their accident.
The following list gives you a rundown of some of the conditions associated with specific injuries.
Brain Trauma Injuries
Catastrophic injuries of the head may lead to life-long problems with speech and limited mobility. People who have these injuries often experience cognitive dysfunction.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Injuries of the spinal cord are frequently associated with partial or full paralysis. They may also lead to chronic pain (especially of the neck and back), loss of bowel or bladder control, problems with circulation, respiratory difficulties, or exaggerated spasms or reflexes.
Severe Burns
A patient with severe burns may experience limited mobility, chronic pain, or infections.
Amputations
Amputees have difficulties with mobility.
Organ Damages
Damages to the organ can lead to life-threatening conditions. Symptoms related to organ damage include the following:
- The heart – sweating, feeling dizzy, chest pain, problems with breathing, fluid accumulation, and sleep apnea.
- The lungs – Weakness, low blood sugar, hoarseness, coughing up blood, problems with respiration, and chest pain.
- Kidneys: Shortness of breath, weakness, tiredness, swollen hands and feet, dizziness, or a puffy face.
- Spleen: Blurred vision, fainting, upper abdominal pain, or left shoulder pain.
- Liver: Yellowish skin, fatigue, swollen ankles and legs, insomnia, vomiting, or nausea.
- Stomach and intestines: Stomach upset, abdominal pain and bloating, loss of appetite, indigestion, vomiting, and nausea.
Preventing a Catastrophic Injury Accident
You can prevent a catastrophic injury accident from happening by obeying health and safety rules at work, wearing your seatbelt, and staying mindful of your surroundings. However, if you take these precautions, you can still get injured by another party’s negligence. Therefore, you need to know more about your legal rights.
Why It’s Best to Work with a Lawyer
Speaking to a catastrophic injury attorney may not be something you ever expected to need to do. However, if you’ve been seriously injured due to the negligence of another party, it’s important to explore your options.
The legal process is complex and confusing, especially when you’re dealing with medical bills, insurance companies, and potential legal claims. That’s where a catastrophic injury lawyer can help.
A skilled catastrophic injury lawyer has the legal know-how and experience in handling cases like yours. Therefore, they know the best legal strategies for pursuing compensation.
They can advise you during the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your rights in and out of the courtroom.
Additionally, they have access to a network of medical professionals and experts who can provide valuable testimony to support your case.
Speak to a Qualified Catastrophic Injury Lawyer ASAP
If you’ve suffered severe injuries as the result of another party’s negligence, you need to contact a catastrophic injury lawyer. In California, schedule a consultation with the Belal Hamideh Law Firm at your earliest convenience.