Managing the Aftermath of a Catastrophic Injury

Every year, millions of people end up in emergency rooms because of unintentional injuries. Many of these are minor with minimal recovery time, but some injuries are catastrophic, which can be life-altering and life-threatening. Recovering from a catastrophic injury is physically, emotionally, and financially draining, and it can be challenging to envision what life may look like with such a long road ahead. Finding the best short- and long-term treatment options is one of the most effective ways to ease the difficulty of returning to everyday life. With so many resources available, it can be hard to determine which way forward may be the best fit.

What Is A Catastrophic Injury?

Any accident that leaves someone with injuries severe enough that it impacts their long-term quality of life qualifies as catastrophic. In many instances, it’s difficult or even unfeasible for someone to return to work after a catastrophic injury. Catastrophic injuries often take months and even years to recover from and often involve the brain and spine. However, any serious injury may be considered catastrophic, depending on how it affects the injured person. In some cases, it isn’t possible to recover from such a devastating injury.

Burns

About 450,000 people seek medical treatment for burns every year nationwide. A good deal of these injuries aren’t permanent, but severe burns can cause excruciating injuries and fatalities. If someone survives a burn injury, complete recovery may be impossible. By some estimates, 90% of burns are preventable.

TBIs

A traumatic brain injury occurs when an external force injures the brain — one example is a concussion that develops after a fall or a sports tackle. While some TBIs cause only temporary symptoms, serious TBIs can lead to severe brain damage and cause someone to need around-the-clock care.

Amputations

Limb loss affects more than two million Americans, and it’s more common than people may realize — over 500 people lose limbs daily. Amputations happen for a range of reasons, including infection and disease. However, catastrophic injury is a leading cause of limb loss. 

Spinal Cord Injuries

Injuries to the spinal cord are frequently considered catastrophic because of how serious they are. The spinal cord plays a vital role, sending signals to the brain and other parts of the body. When it becomes impaired, strength and movement are often the first to be affected. Severe spinal cord injuries can cause full paralysis. 

Catastrophic Injury Causes

What leads to a catastrophic accident? They can happen anywhere but are often a result of someone’s negligent behavior, which may give you a path toward legal action. It’s important to consult with an attorney after an injury to determine whether another party may be liable.

Offshore Accidents

Offshore work is one of the most dangerous industries in the country. Workers often have grueling schedules and perform job tasks with a high risk of falls or burns. An offshore accident can cause injury or death instantaneously. Common injuries include chemical exposure, burns, limb loss, and organ damage.

Electrocutions

We rely on electricity in daily life, but it can be deadly. Electrocutions are rare, but they can cause catastrophic damage. Burns are one of the most frequent electrocution injuries, but coming into contact with electricity can also cause organ damage, cardiac arrest, and respiratory failure.

Defective Products

When you buy a product, you expect it to function correctly and safely. Unfortunately, defective products make it to the market, and they can seriously hurt consumers. The catastrophic injuries that can result from dangerous products are numerous. Faulty products can maim or kill, leaving the affected person and their loved ones stunned.

Finding Help after Catastrophic Accidents

When a catastrophic injury happens, time is of the essence. After emergency services are dispatched, the victim will be taken from the scene of the accident to a hospital, often the closest one available. If an injury is severe enough, the victim will be transferred to a trauma center. In some cases, they’ll be flown there by a medical helicopter. Upon arrival, the patient is evaluated by a medical team that makes decisions on the next steps. Catastrophic injuries sometimes require emergency treatment, including surgery. Once a patient is stabilized, an important question arises: what’s next?

Anyone who experiences a catastrophic injury is at risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder. Facilities like the Manning Family Children’s Trauma and Grief Center can help ease the mental trauma that an accident can cause. The Trauma and Grief Center (TAG) treats children and adolescents up to 21 years old who have lived through trauma or the death of a loved one. Located in New Orleans, the center offers tailored therapy and workshops to help youth process the trauma they’ve experienced. Children are especially susceptible to mental distress after a catastrophic accident, and timely mental health treatment can make a difference.

The Burn Center at University Medical Center New Orleans is the only dedicated burn center in the Gulf South region of the U.S. The state-of-the-art facility concentrates on critical care, rehabilitation, and recovery. Since its opening seven years ago, the burn mortality rate in New Orleans has fallen by 50 percent. The center treats burn injuries for both physical and psychological complications, including a focus on the mental impact that a catastrophic injury can have. Burn victims in New Orleans and surrounding areas are treated at one of only 70 burn centers in the U.S. — a significant advantage when someone needs top-notch, innovative care.

You’ll need a robust support system after a catastrophic injury as you try to find a new sense of normal. While your medical and rehabilitation teams are essential, you should also consider working with a lawyer who will advocate for you. Some serious injuries are a result of negligence, and an attorney can investigate to help get the compensation you need. The Louisiana personal injury attorneys at HKGC regularly handle catastrophic accident cases and will prioritize your needs throughout the entire process. If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, call 844-943-7626 to schedule a free consultation.