Whether a car accident is serious or not, there is always a risk of injury. In serious crashes, however, the likelihood of permanent damage to the body increases. The medical community refers to these injuries as catastrophic.
The word infers a sense of doom and with good cause. A catastrophic injury alters the course of life for those who have the misfortune of suffering one. Take a look at what type of bodily damage falls into this category.
Did you suffer a head injury?
Head trauma comes in many forms, and ultimately, it may lead to some of the most catastrophic injuries. The brain’s sensitive makeup means that if any part of it receives a blow or bruise, it may cause a ripple effect. A traumatic brain injury may cause changes in:
- Personality
- Body function
- Speech
- Cognitive function
- Memory
Are any bones fractured?
Broken bones are common injuries in car accidents, but not all have the same impact. Compound fractures that cause an open wound may leave a patient needing repeated surgeries to reconnect the bone. If the bone pierced the skin at the accident scene, the likelihood of intrusive bacteria inside the wound increases. This can lead a patient to need wound cleanouts and months of rehab.
Was any part of your body burned?
Burn injuries may inflict some of the most pain as well as damage. Depending on the part of the body burned, a patient may require skin grafts and several surgeries to try and get a handle on removing damaged tissue to cover and replace it.
Damage severe enough to cause permanent damage to the body needs a lifetime of care. Getting help paying for it may necessitate the enlistment of professional assistance.