Not all serious or even severe injuries are catastrophic injuries. A catastrophic injury takes a long-term or permanent toll that affects the injured individual’s ability to work and live normally. Some people who sustain catastrophic injuries will require round-the-clock nursing support and care.
While most people can live independently, many need permanent care, assistance, and supervision. Sometimes, they require medical devices and therapeutic or rehabilitative care for months, years, or even a lifetime.
Depending on the type and severity of the injury, the victim may never recover full consciousness or full mental capacity. For example, brain injuries can result in memory losses, personality changes, emotional problems, learning problems, and other issues.
Examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury (SCI), including paralysis
- Neck injuries
- Anoxic brain injury
- Hypoxic-ischemic birth injury
- Severe burn injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Amputations
- Loss of eyesight
