Rhode Island Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Catastrophic injury is a term used to describe trauma that has the potential to change a person’s life permanently. While any injury has the potential to be catastrophic, certain injuries fall under the definition more often than others.

Amputation/Loss of Limbs

Amputation refers to the loss of a limb or body part, such as an arm, hand, finger, leg, or foot. An amputation can be traumatic, meaning that it is the result of a traumatic accident, such as a car accident. Alternatively, a limb can be removed surgically. Sometimes, surgical amputations are necessary when a body part becomes badly crushed or damaged in an accident.

Amputations are considered catastrophic because the victim must adapt to life without a part of their body, which can have a considerable impact on their ability to work, walk, perform daily tasks, or simply participate in activities they once enjoyed.

Burn Injuries

A burn injury occurs when the skin, underlying tissue, or muscle and bone become damaged due to exposure to heat, chemicals, or radiation. Severe burns can cause nerve damage and disfigurement and even result in amputation. Many severe burn victims suffer from excruciating pain and find that their ability to participate in their lives is compromised.

Internal Organ Damage

Internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, brain, kidneys, and liver, perform critical functions that help to keep us alive. When an internal organ is damaged as a result of violence or trauma or because the body is exposed to dangerous chemicals or toxins, it can be difficult for it to function correctly. When internal organ function is compromised, a person might experience difficulty in their everyday lives. Depending on the organ that is damaged, a victim might require around-the-clock assistance or rely on medical devices and equipment to help them breathe or regulate bodily functions.

Loss of Vision, Speech, or Hearing

Our senses play an instrumental role in our everyday lives. When our vision, speech, or hearing is impaired or lost because of a traumatic accident, it can be difficult or impossible to live life without assistance.

Spinal Cord Injury

The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs from the base of the skull to the tailbone. Its primary job is to help relay messages from the brain to the rest of the body (and vice versa). When the spinal cord is damaged, the body’s ability to communicate is impaired, which can have catastrophic consequences. 

This can include paralysis, impaired respiration and breathing, inability to regulate body temperature, inability to control the bladder and bowels, and cognitive dysfunction. Many times, victims of spinal cord injuries rely heavily on medical devices, equipment, and personal care assistants in their daily lives.

Permanent Disfigurement

Disfigurement refers to permanent changes in external features and physical appearance, typically due to surgery or traumatic accidents. Permanent disfigurement can be physically disabling and cause victims to experience debilitating embarrassment and emotional distress.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries of any degree can be catastrophic. A bump, blow, or jolt to the head can change the brain’s ability to function properly, resulting in reduced cognitive function, memory loss, speech impairment, changes in emotional state, seizures, and other debilitating issues.

Many brain injury victims struggle with the long-term consequences of their TBI. As a result, it can be challenging to maintain a job, grow a family, and perform daily tasks unassisted.