A motor vehicular accident will result in property damage and personal injury, but some injuries are more devastating. A catastrophic injury is a critical and disabling injury that can permanently alter a person’s life. It prevents a person from working and performing the daily routines we often take for granted.
Aside from the debilitating and traumatic long-term effects on the surviving victim, a catastrophic injury will become a huge financial and emotional burden on their loved ones. Their lives will never be the same.
The effects of a catastrophic injury
The catastrophic injuries associated with car collisions have physical and psychological effects on an individual. The physical effects include:
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of mobility
- Chronic excruciating pain
- Inability to complete daily takes or self-care
- Inability to care for their loved ones
The trauma from the car accident can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. But if the victim suffered catastrophic injuries, the psychological effects will be far worse. The psychological effects include:
- Depression
- Helplessness
- Fear
- Frustration and anger
- Substance abuse, including painkillers and prescription medications
- Loss of appetite or increased appetite
- Loss of purpose
- Mood swings
- Violent behavior
They must adjust to a life where pain and suffering become routine. Catastrophic injuries can even be harder to bear than death.
How the law can help a victim cope
Victims who suffer catastrophic injuries may never get back the life they once knew. If an injury affects a victim’s general ability to lead their normal life, Michigan laws allow them to sue the at-fault driver. They have a legal right to recover compensation for the physical and psychological damages they must live with daily because of their injuries from the crash.
