What is a catastrophic injury?

If you experience injuries and pain as the result of an accident, consider yourself lucky if you can walk away from the incident at all. Unfortunately, some accidents result in severe injuries which alter the course of a person’s life.

A catastrophic injury results in a life-changing disability. The victim is unable to work and may require constant medical care. When an accident leaves you unable to continue living life as you once did, it is catastrophic in nature.

How does a catastrophic injury occur?

A critical injury to the spine, brain, neck, spinal cord or skull may result in dire and far-reaching consequences. Serious injuries such as these may occur in a variety of ways. Some of the most common examples include the following:

• Tractor trailer accident
• Motorcycle accident
• Car accident
• Construction site incident
• Pedestrian vs. motor vehicle accidents
• Medical mishap or accident

What types of injuries result in catastrophic consequences?

While almost any serious injury may lead to a catastrophic result, the likelihood increases in some. Take a look at the most common examples:

Traumatic Brain Injury: An accident or incident which causes trauma to the head may result in TBI. The consequences of this diagnosis vary and can range from cognitive and emotional impairment to death.

Amputation: Some incidents cause blood flow to a limb to cease. If the deprivation continues too long, amputation may result. Crush injuries and deep gashes may also lead to the severing of a limb.

Spinal cord injury: Any injury that breaches the protection of the vertebrae and penetrates the spinal cord is catastrophic. Due to the sensitive nature of the cord, a disruption in neuron transmissions may cause partial or full paralysis. The loss is something from which a person typically cannot recover.

If you become the victim of an accident that results in significant loss to the quality of your life, Delaware law may allow you to recover a financial settlement. Depending on the cause of the incident, your entitlement to compensation may allow you to get the continuing care you require.