Examples of Catastrophic Injuries

Victims of serious accidents often hear the term “catastrophic injuries.” However, many do not know exactly what that term means and if their injuries qualify as catastrophic.

If you were in an accident and suffered life-changing injuries, your injuries may be categorized as catastrophic under federal law. In Texas, if those injuries were the result of someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other accident-related losses.

The following article answers common questions about catastrophic injuries. For specific questions and concerns, contact an experienced San Antonio catastrophic injury lawyer.

What are Catastrophic Injuries?

Catastrophic injuries are injuries with direct and immediate consequences rendering an individual functionally incapable of performing any type of meaningful work. They are serious and permanent injuries requiring extensive medical care and rehabilitation resulting in:

• Permanent disfigurement;
• Loss of a body part or the function of a body part;
• A substantial risk of death; or
• Death.

Catastrophic injuries affect an accident victim’s overall life and well-being. They have lasting physical, mental, emotional, and financial complications. 

Examples of Catastrophic Injuries

Any permanent, life-altering injuries may be catastrophic. Commonly seen catastrophic injuries in Texas include the following:

• Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries impact the ability to control movement, sensation, and bodily functions. Accident victims may suffer from permanent full or partial paralysis;
• Severe burns. Severe burns may result in difficulty breathing, lead to sepsis, or permanently damage nerves and muscle tissue. A burn victim may have to undergo repeat surgeries to reconstruct and repair burn areas;
• Traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injury or TBI may cause memory loss, impaired speech and cognition, and mood swings. Victims of TBI may have brain bleeds;
• Amputation and loss of limb. Adapting to life without a limb may be overwhelming in addition to the trauma of losing a limb to an accident. An accident victim may need a prosthetic and years of physical or occupational therapy; 
• Multiple bone breaks or fractures. Multiple bone breaks and fractures may make an accident victim reliant on assistive devices, home assistance, or chronic pain medications to carry out daily activities; and
• Internal organ damage. Damage to internal organs may require emergency surgery or long hospital stays. Organs may never fully recover, shortening an accident victim’s lifespan.

Catastrophic injuries fully encompass an accident victim’s life and can be overwhelming. That is why addressing catastrophic injuries takes the support of a care team. 

A care team may be composed of an accident victim’s family, doctors, specialists, mental health counselor, lawyer, friends, physical therapist, support group, and more.

Contact an Experienced San Antonio Catastrophic Injury Attorney for Help

The costs of catastrophic injuries are substantial. However, Texas allows qualified accident victims to recover compensation for their catastrophic injuries and accident-related losses from negligent parties.

If you were injured through someone else’s actions, have your claim reviewed by an experienced catastrophic injury attorney at The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC, today. A personal injury claim could pay for your medical expenses, long-term care, pain and suffering, and more.

The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC, has a track record of success and is highly recommended by former clients and other attorneys. Schedule your complimentary consultation with one of our catastrophic injury attorneys today!