Injuries that leave the victim facing life ahead with significant challenges are called “catastrophic.” These are injuries that lead to disability, physical or cognitive impairments, or disfigurement. When another party’s actions caused the injuries, that party must be held accountable for all losses.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries come in many forms, including the following:
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Quadriplegia, paraplegia, severe muscle weakness, incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and other impacts.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Physical and cognitive impairments, coma, vegetative state
- Severe Bone Fractures: When bones are shattered and broken into many pieces (comminuted), the long-term impact may include blood vessel damage, nerve damage, compartment syndrome, and a lifetime of mobility issues.
- Amputations: Losing an arm, leg, hand, or foot is a life-altering injury, typically requiring extensive medical interventions.
- Disfigurement: Severe injuries from lacerations, burns, or other impacts can leave the individual with a visibly altered appearance, with a long-term impact on their future confidence and quality of life.
- Loss of Hearing or Sight: When an injury or toxic exposure leads to the loss of sight or hearing, the individual faces a future of challenges.
Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Federal Way
The most common causes of catastrophic injuries include the following:
- Car Accidents
- Commercial Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Construction Accidents
- Falls
- Medical Errors
- Sports-Related Injuries
- Dog Attacks
- Workplace Accidents
