Four Types of Catastrophic Injuries
The phrase catastrophic injury, as defined by the American Medical Association (AMA), generally means an injury to a person’s brain or spinal cord. Certain other types of injuries, however, may be considered catastrophic because of the agonizing effects of the injury.
Did your loved one sustain any kind of catastrophic injury in an accident caused by another party’s negligence in Southern California? You will want to make sure you contact the Los Angeles Injury Group before speaking to an insurance company. You can receive a free consultation as soon as you call (310) 954-7248 today.
1) Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is often the result of some kind of external force to a victim’s skull, such as a car accident. As the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) notes, TBIs can vary in severity from person to person. No two TBIs are ever the same, and the effects depend on several factors including the cause of the accident, the location of the injury, and the severity of the injury.
2) Spinal Cord Injuries
The area of the spinal cord affected determines the extent of the injuries a person suffers. Essentially, there are four types of spinal cord injuries:
- Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries — Injuries to the seven vertebrae in the neck may result in tetraplegia or quadriplegia.
- Lumbar Spinal Cord Injuries — Injuries to any of the five vertebrae in the lower back may result in loss of function in the hips and legs without affecting the upper body.
- Sacral Spinal Cord Injuries — Injuries to the five bones below the lumbar region above the tailbone can affect the hip and leg regions although many victims are able to walk again.
- Thoracic Spinal Cord Injuries — The thoracic spine consists of 12 vertebrae in the middle back, and damage to T1 through T5 nerves can allow for normal arm and hand function although injuries to T6 through T12 nerves may result in the inability to control bowel movements.
3) Burn Injuries
While a burn injury does not involve any damage to a person’s brain or spine, the extent of more severe burn injuries can be far more physically painful for victims. Many burn injuries involve permanent disfigurement.
Burn injuries are typically classified into degrees:
- First-Degree Burns — Sunburn and less severe burns that typically heal within days.
- Second-Degree Burns — Usually involve blistering.
- Third-Degree Burns — Burns that destroy nerves and cause discoloration and numbness.
- Fourth-Degree Burns — Burns extending through the skin into the bone.
4) Amputations
Another type of injury that does not involve a person’s brain or spine but can cause extraordinary adjustments to virtually every aspect of his or her life is the loss of a body part. When any injury requires an amputation, victims face extreme hardships in obtaining employment and supporting themselves.
Find a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer in California
If you or your loved one sustained a catastrophic injury in Southern California as the result of an accident caused by another party’s negligence, you will want to immediately retain legal counsel. The Los Angeles Injury Group can fight to help you obtain all of the compensation you are entitled to for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Call (310) 954-7248 or contact us online to take advantage of a free consultation that will let our Los Angeles personal injury attorney provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case.