When you hear the word “catastrophic” you know it must be something serious. Generally speaking, a catastrophic injury is an injury so severe that it leads to either a long-term medical condition, a permanent disability or shorter life expectancy. There are various different types of catastrophic injuries commonly associated with personal injury claims. One example is a catastrophic injury to the brain. Here is what you need to know.
How do I know if my injury is “catastrophic?”
A common characteristic of all catastrophic injuries is devastation. These types of injuries are so severe that they usually require a substantial amount of medical treatment. This could include long-term hospitalization, ongoing rehabilitation, multiple surgeries, among other things. More than just substantial medical treatment, a catastrophic injury often has a substantial financial impact, as well.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic Brain Injury, also known as TBI, frequently results from a sudden impact with an external force. In car accidents, this is often seen when a passenger’s head strikes the dashboard of the car at the time of impact. A brain injury is a potentially life-altering event that may result in short- or long-term impairment or even wrongful death. A Traumatic Brain Injury will have a huge impact on lives of the victim, as well as the victim’s family. That is because, most brain injury victims are permanently disabled, or at the very least, require years of rehabilitation.
General classifications of brain injuries
Brain injuries are typically classified into one of three categories: mild, moderate, or severe. A victim suffering a “mild” brain injury, may experience loss of consciousness, confusion or disorientation, which usually lasts 30 minutes or less. Most brain traumas reported are concussions or other types of mild brain injuries. Moderate brain injuries are characterized by longer periods of unconsciousness and even memory loss. Severe brain injuries, which are recognized as catastrophic injuries, may result in impaired cognitive functions and, possibly, comatose states.
If you have questions regarding catastrophic brain injuries, or any other personal injury matters, please contact the experienced attorneys at The Means Firm, either online or by calling toll free at Montgomery (334) 895-7011 and at Birmingham (205) 586-7023.
