People in Illinois can be seriously injured for many different reasons including car, sports and workplace accidents. Natural disasters and violence also cause many unexpected and devastating injuries.
When an injury happens suddenly and has life-altering consequences, it is considered a catastrophic injury. Here are three of the most common types of catastrophic injuries:
#1: Traumatic brain injuries
Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, are common after serious car accidents, sports accidents, falls and violence. These injuries occur when a person’s head is hit so hard that their brain strikes the inside of their skull.
A severe TBI can cause permanent cognitive impairment, mobility issues and emotional problems. In the worst cases, people with TBIs cannot take care of their own basic needs.
#2: Spinal cord injuries
When the spinal cord is severely damaged in a traumatic accident, a person can become permanently paralyzed. The spinal cord transmits signals from the brain to the rest of the body, so damage to it can cause a loss of sensation. Even if a spinal cord injury does not result in complete paralysis, it can cause a debilitating loss of strength.
#3: Eye injuries
Permanent loss of vision in one or both eyes is considered a catastrophic injury. Catastrophic eye injuries can happen in traumatic accidents or because of exposure to toxic chemicals. Many work-related eye injuries can be prevented with correct use of safety goggles.
Liability for catastrophic injuries
Catastrophic injuries are extremely expensive because they can result in both a loss of income and ongoing medical expenses. In many cases, people with catastrophic injuries lose the ability to drive and have to make expensive alterations to their homes. If a catastrophic injury was caused by another person’s negligence or recklessness, the at-fault person can be held liable and sued for compensation.