Not all injuries that occur in car and truck accidents are created equal. Some injuries are considered minor, in that they heal fairly quickly with over-the-counter treatments or no treatment at all. However, many accidents result in much more serious injuries that could have a long-lasting or permanent impact on the victim’s life. These severe injuries are referred to as catastrophic injuries.
What are some examples of catastrophic injuries?
Catastrophic injuries can occur in just about any part of the body. Some of the most common catastrophic injuries include:
- Head injuries (e.g. traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, concussions, loss of vision or hearing)
- Back injuries (e.g. spinal cord damage causing nerve damage and/or paralysis)
- Neck and chest injuries (e.g. broken ribs, collapsed lungs, traumatic cardiac arrest, internal bleeding, damage to internal organs)
- Limb injuries (e.g. fractures, burns, nerve damage, amputation)
Catastrophic Injuries Can Lead to Physical, Emotional, and Financial Difficulties
Catastrophic injuries often require months of surgeries, follow-up appointments, and rehabilitation. Many accident victims with catastrophic injuries must re-learn basic skills, such as walking, eating, and talking. Even after months of treatment, it is very possible that they will still not fully recover. As a result, many accident victims will require at-home assistance and accommodations to do many of the things they once did independently.
Catastrophic injuries may result in more than just physical disability and pain. Accident victims with catastrophic injuries often find themselves unable to work for an extended period. Even if the victim’s condition improves over time, they may find that they are no longer physically or mentally capable of maintaining a job due to the consequences of the injury. The lost wages and inability to earn wages in the future, combined with their medical expenses, may make it extremely difficult for accident victims to support themselves and their families.
Due to the physical and financial stresses of a catastrophic injury, many accident victims find themselves struggling mentally and emotionally. Accident victims may be diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, and may suffer from emotional distress following the accident.
Accident Victims Can Recover Damages for Catastrophic Injuries
The physical, mental, and financial turmoil caused by a serious car accident can be overwhelming for many accident victims in Texas. By filing a personal injury lawsuit against the parties responsible for your accident, accident victims can recover compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other accident-related costs. Additionally, accident victims can also recover damages for their pain and suffering, mental distress, and loss of ability to enjoy life.