Even though any type of injury can cause you to suffer debilitating harm and numerous life-long issues, when it comes to a catastrophic injury, the results can be disastrous.
Yet, if you have suffered a catastrophic injury because of another person’s wrongful actions, you and your family should not be responsible for these terrifying repercussions. That is why Pacific West Injury Law is here for you, ready to take on this challenging legal battle and go after the financial recovery you are entitled to.
What Exactly Is a Catastrophic Injury?
Catastrophic injuries are often defined as severe injuries that permanently stop a person from performing any gainful work. These injuries often involve damage to the spine and brain and can result in a loss of a limb, hearing loss, sight loss, and even death. Victims who survive this traumatizing injury will often have to deal with substantial disabilities and deformities and require long-term medical help.
The Most Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries
Although catastrophic injuries can occur for a variety of reasons, most times, these injuries are the result of the following types of accidents:
- Motor vehicle crashes
- Pedestrian accidents
- Semi-truck collisions
- Worksite accidents
- Boating crashes
- Motorcycle accidents
- Defective products
- Explosions
- Medical malpractice
- Falling from significant heights
- Bicycle crashes
- Violent crimes
Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries
When catastrophic injuries occur, they can leave the victim with permanent life-changing damages that affect every part of the body. Yet, even though these injuries are as unique as the accidents themselves, some types of catastrophic injuries occur more frequently than others. For instance:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A traumatic brain injury is caused by a blow, bump, jolt to the head, or a penetrating injury that usually results from a motor vehicle collision or a severe sporting injury. This trauma often leads to immediate or delayed symptoms that include everything from blurry vision and concentration issues to confusion.
However, a TBI can also result in death. In fact, traumatic brain injuries account for over 61,000 deaths annually in the United States. That is about 166TBI-related fatalities every single day.
Burn Damages
Burn injuries are often a result of damage to a body’s tissues because of heat, sunlight, radiation, chemicals, or electricity. Yet, scalds from hot liquids, fires, steam, and flammable gases can also cause some of the more severe burns. These burns are often classified into three types:
- A first-degree burn usually only affects the outer layer of the skin.
- A second-degree burn causes damage to the outer layer of the skin and also the layer underneath.
- A third-degree burn destroys the deepest layers of the skin and the tissues underneath.
Burn injuries can cause massive scarring and blistering. However, they can also lead to significant issues due to infections since burn injuries are incredibly prone to them because of the large area of skin that often gets damaged.
Spinal Cord Trauma
Spinal cord injuries involve damage to any part of the spinal cord or the nerves at the end of the spinal canal. As a result of these injuries, many people suffer permanent changes to their strength, sensation, and other types of body functions below the injury site. Although spinal cord injuries can cause a variety of symptoms, the more common signs of this devastating injury include:
- Exaggerated reflexes
- Loss of bowel and bladder control
- Loss of movement
- Changes in fertility, sensitivity, and sexual function
- An intense stinging sensation caused by damage to the nerve fibers in the spinal cord
- Difficulty clearing secretions from the lungs and trouble breathing
Unfortunately, as of today, there is no cure for this catastrophic injury. However, rehabilitation treatments allow some people with this type of injury to live productive and independent lives.
Eye Injuries
Eye injuries resulting in a loss of vision are a common type of catastrophic injury that often occurs when an individual gets hit in the face by a flying object or when exposed to a certain chemical. For example:
- If a sharp object gets inside the eye, it can scratch or cut the cornea, reducing visibility.
- A blow to the eye can lead to damage to the eye itself or the muscles and bones that surround the eye.
- Chemicals that get in the eye can lead to severe burn injuries that quickly cause permanent damage or blindness.
Let an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Get You the Legal Help You Need
Following a catastrophic injury accident, your whole life can be turned upside down in an instant. Not only are you dealing with a devastating trauma and significant pain, but on top of it all, you may be on the hook for a slew of astronomical medical bills that you will never be able to afford. However, if this accident resulted from another person’s negligent or intentional actions, you should not be the one responsible for these expenses.
Fortunately, with an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side, these attorneys can take on this fight and go after the justice and damages you deserve. They do this by:
- Evaluating your case, figuring out if you have a viable claim, and determining the best legal options you can pursue.
- Investigating your accident thoroughly and gathering the evidence required to show what happened and who was at fault.
- Handling all the negotiations with the other side and fighting for a just settlement.
- Taking your case to trial, if necessary, and pursuing maximum damages.
Contact the Attorneys at Pacific West Injury Law Today
If a catastrophic injury disrupted your life, do not wait any longer to seek legal assistance. Instead, contact us today for a free case consultation and let our attorneys show you how we can fight for you and your rights.
