Catastrophic injuries have life-changing consequences. You will not simply recover and go back to your everyday life within weeks or months after a catastrophic injury. Instead, you may need to alter your everyday activities and routines, or you may lose a portion of your independence or capability, following the accident. Victims of catastrophic injuries may also have substantial medical bills that continue for the rest of their lives, especially if they require ongoing therapies or treatments.
Catastrophic injuries may include:
- Traumatic brain injury. A traumatic brain injury may leave you suffering physical, mental, and emotional effects. Some victims suffer ongoing ringing in the ears or headaches. Many deal with memory challenges in the immediate aftermath of the accident. Traumatic brain injury can also cause confusion and disorientation, loss of cognitive function, difficulty concentrating, and emotional disturbances. Some traumatic brain injury victims may deal with ongoing impact for the rest of their lives.
- Spinal cord damage. Victims with spinal cord damage may lose motor function and sensation below the site of the injury. While victims with incomplete spinal cord injuries may suffer some limitations in their movement, victims with complete spinal cord damage may need to learn to compensate for complete paralysis below the site of the injury.
- Severe disfigurement. An accident that causes substantial scarring can permanently change a victim’s self-esteem and self-concept. Many victims who suffer severe disfigurement also suffer from anxiety and depression.
- Limb amputations. The loss of a limb can cause loss of independence or the inability to perform some normal daily functions. While a prosthetic device can help restore some function and independence, the victim will need to make alterations to his daily life to accommodate his limitations.
Catastrophic injuries may cause a shortened lifespan, decrease in overall independence and function, or significant changes to quality of life. Not only do they often require substantial medical care, they may lead to long-term pain and suffering.