What Makes Car Accident Injuries Catastrophic?

A catastrophic injury is considered any physical injury that has a permanent or long-term impact on a person’s life. Although not all car accident injuries are life-altering, some may require lifestyle modifications. Common catastrophic injuries in a car accident include head injuries, spinal cord injuries, third-degree burns, internal bleeding, and a collapsed lung. If you have fallen victim to a car accident injury that has changed your life, our Conway motor vehicle accident lawyer would like to hear from you.

Head Injuries

A head injury results from a blow to the head. If brain function is impaired, it is called a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can be open or closed. Closed TBIs, most common in car accidents, do not break the skull. Open TBIs involve penetration of the skull. Symptoms include nausea, confusion, dizziness, mood swings, and loss of consciousness. Mild TBIs may heal in weeks, but moderate or severe TBIs can cause long-term disability.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries occur when damage impairs communication between the brain and body. Symptoms may include tingling, numbness, lower back pressure, urinary or fecal incontinence, or paralysis.

The location of the spinal cord injury determines paralysis. High cervical spine injuries (C1-C4) can cause quadriplegia and affect breathing. High-impact car accidents often cause cervical injuries. There is no cure, and many victims need round-the-clock care.

Third-Degree Burns

A crash can cause the engine to catch fire, most likely due to a ruptured fuel line or an engine tank leak. As a result, you can sustain third-degree burns, which destroy the top two layers of skin. Even if treated promptly, a third-degree burn can lead to scarring and disfigurement. A third-degree burn destroys the nerves and tissues underlying the skin. It can also destroy the muscles and tendons in the affected area. Depending on the affected surface area, victims may have limited mobility.

Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding symptoms include lightheadedness, dizziness, and rapid heart rate. The spleen, liver, and kidneys are most vulnerable. Abdominal rigidity or swelling may occur. Severe bleeding may pool in the abdomen, causing organ failure or septic shock. Symptoms can go unnoticed until they become life-threatening, earning the name “silent killer.”

Collapsed Lung (Tension Pneumothorax)

Injury to the chest can cause air to accumulate between the chest wall and the lung (a pneumothorax). In severe cases, accumulation of this air creates a one-way valve, allowing air to enter the lungs but preventing air from escaping (known as a [tension pneumothorax). This can cause the lung to collapse and the mediastinum (space within your chest that holds your heart) to shift, preventing blood from returning to the heart.

A tension pneumothorax is life-threatening and requires immediate treatment. After a lung collapse, you risk recurrence and may face chronic respiratory issues, which could prevent you from working in some cases.

Advocacy When Facing Catastrophic Injuries

What may appear as a simple car accident injury can quickly turn into a life-threatening event. At The Law Office of Brad C. Richardson, LLC, our lead attorney will assess your car accident case to determine what damages you are eligible to recover. Damages are any accident-related losses, including physical, financial, or emotional losses.

Common damages include emergency care, surgery, therapy, prescription costs, and lost wages. Our Conway motor vehicle accident lawyer consults medical professionals to determine how your injuries affect daily tasks. Contact us to explore your legal options.

Injured? Reach Out to Our Conway Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney

A collision can turn a relaxing drive into a nightmare. Thankfully, our Conway motor vehicle accident lawyer is committed to helping you recoup 100% of your losses. If you or someone you love has been impacted by a car accident, don’t wait, learn your legal options today. Discover the true worth of your accident case by contacting The Law Office of Brad C. Richardson online or by calling (843) 488-4321. Schedule your free initial consultation and let us advocate for you.