Common Catastrophic Injuries in McKinney

Although there is no specific state statute in Texas that defines an injury as “catastrophic,” the generally accepted definition is that it is a severe injury that results in a permanent loss or disability. There are a variety of different conditions and symptoms that could have a permanent impact on an accident victim. A seasoned lawyer could offer more clarification on common catastrophic injuries in McKinney and how best to pursue compensation for them.

Bad Burns

A severe third or fourth-degree burn is almost always severe because it requires months of rehabilitation, many different surgical interventions, and usually skin grafting procedures. Often, the person is still left with a lifetime of disfigurement and pain.

How Common are Significant TBIs?

It is fortunately rare for a person to suffer traumatic brain damage that results in long-lasting cognitive defects or deficiencies. Most people get most or all of their cognition back within a few months, but about 15 to 20 percent of brain injury victims never regain full cognitive abilities. Their injury is going to be considered catastrophic because it is going to affect them for the rest of their lives.

Paralysis

Anyone who suffers paralysis in their limbs as a result of a bad injury is going to require a lifetime of care. Very often, with paralysis, treatment requires more than the day-to-day medical care—the real issue is all the additional conditions that can and do arise for people who suffer paralysis.

For example, a big reason life expectancy is shortened significantly for people with paralysis is because of comorbidities—secondary conditions that occur because of the paralysis—such as pressure sores, infections, and burns from lack of heat sensitivity. The body sends out pain signals when something dangerous happens so someone can get away before it causes serious harm, but a paralyzed person might not recognize that they are being burnt or that they have a serious infection.

Loss of Limb

Limb amputation is almost always catastrophic because it can affect an individual’s overall mobility for the rest of their life. Additionally, they are often at an increased risk for future injuries because of that physical impairment.

What is Loss of Sensory Function?

When a person is blinded in one eye, their risk of being disabled from additional injuries is high, so that loss of functionality would be considered traumatic. If they are blinded in both eyes, then it is also catastrophic and is going to alter how they live the rest of their lives completely. Other sensory losses can have a similar impact. If a person cannot hear, they may be unable to avoid dangerous situations or continue working in certain careers.

Talk to a McKinney Attorney about Common Catastrophic Injuries

The distinction between a catastrophic injury case and a general personal injury case primarily has to do with the long-term effects of the injury in question. If your injury left you with a significant disability, disfigurement, or difficulty you will have to deal with for the rest of your life, an attorney experienced with catastrophic injury claims may be able to help. Call today to learn more.