When is an injury from a motor vehicle accident catastrophic?

On Behalf of Holmes & Wiseley, P.C.

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.

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