People who are involved in a car crash can suffer many different injuries. While many of these are minor, there are some injuries that can result in life-long consequences. These are known as catastrophic injuries.
Two of the more serious catastrophic injuries that can occur are those that involve the brain or spinal cord. These can have a host of effects that a victim has to learn to live with.
Traumatic brain injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most severe outcomes of car wrecks because victims can have permanent effects. TBIs occur when a crash causes damage to the brain. This can happen when the head forcefully hits an object or the brain moves inside the skull due to sudden acceleration or deceleration.
The symptoms of a TBI can range from mild, such as brief loss of consciousness or confusion, to severe, including prolonged unconsciousness, amnesia or neurological impairments. The impact of a TBI on an individual’s life can vary widely, encompassing physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes.
Immediate medical attention is crucial following a car wreck to assess and treat potential TBIs. Long-term care may be necessary for rehabilitation and coping with the lasting effects.
Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are another catastrophic injury associated with car wrecks. These injuries occur when there is damage to the spinal cord that blocks communication between the brain and the body.
Depending on the location and severity of the injury, the effects can range from loss of sensation or function in certain limbs to total loss of movement and sensation below the neck. The immediate aftermath of an SCI often involves swelling and bleeding around the spinal cord, which necessitates swift medical intervention to minimize long-term damage.
Rehabilitation for SCIs is a lengthy and challenging process. It often requires a multidisciplinary approach to help victims adapt to significant lifestyle changes and achieve the highest possible level of independence.
Victims of these injuries may opt to pursue a compensation claim from a negligent driver who caused this harm, if applicable. This effort can help to cover medical costs, missed wages and other financial damages. A legal representative can help victims to get their case together and filed before the state’s time limit passes.