A catastrophic injury is one that is detrimental and long-lasting or permanent. These injuries differ from typical personal injuries because of the harm and damage they inflict on individuals. For an injury to be defined as catastrophic, it must be more complex than simple bruising or a sprained ankle.
Traumatic brain injuries, often referred to as TBI, are a prominent example of a catastrophic injury. These can occur when an individual experiences a short strike or blow to the head, which causes damage to the walls of the skull and ultimately impacts the brain. If the blow is serious enough, it can impact the individual’s ability to speak, think, and complete day-to-day activities that they may have been able to perform before the incident.
So why are traumatic brain injuries considered catastrophic in the realm of personal injury law? Considering they can leave permanent damage and affect someone’s cognitive abilities, they often require more medical attention and extended recovery periods. The lasting effects of this injury, coupled with the high value that such a case emits, means it is considered a catastrophic event.
Different Kinds of Traumatic Brain Injuries
There are many types of brain injuries that someone could be diagnosed with. Two of the most prominent are “closed” and “penetrating.”
Closed brain injury: Closed brain injuries are those that occur when there is a non-penetrating injury to the brain with no break to the skull. It is caused by rapid movement or shaking of the brain inside the skull, such as from a car accident or from falling onto the hard ground. This type of movement causes bruises and tearing to the brain tissues and blood vessels.
Penetrating brain injury: Unlike closed brain injuries, penetrating brain injuries occur when there is breakage to the skull, either because an object goes through the bone or because the skull itself fractures because of the impact. This is often the result of a weapon, such as a bullet or a knife stab. It could also be the result of falling on a pointed object.
Contact Our TBI Attorneys for Legal Help
The Gutierrez Law Firm is here to help our clients who may experience personal or catastrophic injuries due to another party’s negligence. A major head wound can be extremely expensive and make it difficult to live life in the way you used to. Ensuring that you have an attorney knowledgeable in these areas is crucial so we can assist you in receiving the assistance and compensation you need. Call our law firm at your earliest convenience.
