Car crashes are a leading cause of numerous types of serious injuries. Catastrophic injuries are the worst non-fatal injuries people can sustain. They typically have a massive financial impact and permanent medical consequences. Brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and amputations all constitute catastrophic injuries. Crush injuries may not seem quite as serious, but they often prove more serious than people might expect.
Why are crush injuries potentially so devastating?
Recovering from crush injuries is difficult
Crush injuries can cause a host of different medical issues. The force exerted on the body can break bones into tiny pieces. It can damage cartilage and connective tissue. People may sustain vascular damage and nerve damage.
In some cases, health care professionals might ultimately decide that a crush injury is so serious that amputating the damaged body part is the only viable treatment option. If tissue or nerve damage is too severe, removing the affected body part is often the best option.
Even if they do not amputate the affected limb or extremity, the injured person may experience reduced functionality and a lifetime of pain symptoms. The care they require to recover could cost tens of thousands of dollars and could stretch out over months, if not years.
The long-term cost of a crush injury goes beyond just the immediate medical expenses generated. The injured person may also face a reduction in their earning potential, compounded by difficulty managing the tasks of daily life.
Seeking compensation for catastrophic injuries after a car crash can be a challenging process. People who have support may have an easier time evaluating their options, calculating their losses and holding the right parties accountable for their harm.