Most Common Injuries from Catastrophic Accidents

Serious traffic crashes often qualify as catastrophic accidents in Missouri, and there are a range of traffic hotspots throughout Columbia that are closely associated with dangerous accidents. Victims of catastrophic accidents often suffer life-altering injuries that lead to overwhelming physical, financial, and emotional losses. If you or someone you care about has been injured by another party’s negligence, our experienced Columbia, MO, personal injury attorney at Landon Miller Law is well prepared to help.

When an Injury Is Considered Catastrophic in Missouri

Missouri law defines catastrophic personal injury in the medical malpractice context, and while that definition doesn’t limit what counts as catastrophic in a traffic crash or slip and fall claim, the statutory categories offer a clear picture of the kinds of injuries widely recognized as catastrophic:

• An injury to the brain that leads to permanent cognitive impairment
• An injury that causes one or more major organ systems to irreversibly fail
• Vision loss that leaves the victim legally blind, meaning visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with corrective lenses
• The loss of two or more limbs
• Paraplegia or quadriplegia

The losses associated with injuries of this magnitude are immense, which makes it in your best interest to have skilled legal guidance in your corner from the start.

The Injuries that Are Most Common in Catastrophic Accidents

There are several specific serious injuries that victims of catastrophic accidents are most likely to suffer.

Paralysis

Both paraplegia and quadriplegia can permanently alter the course of a victim’s life. Injuries this serious can require assistance with the activities of daily living and in-home health care.

Limb Loss

Limb loss and injuries that lead to amputation are exceptionally challenging in relation to both physical and emotional consequences. These tragic injuries are often accompanied by significant pain that can be very difficult to manage.

Brain Injuries

Injuries to the brain, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), often leave victims with an altered sense of self that can be emotionally devastating. Many victims of moderate to severe brain injuries face unfavorable five-year outcomes.

Vision Loss

It’s difficult to overstate the negative impact associated with a significant loss in vision, which can directly affect quality of life, mental health, independence, and employability.

Major Organ System Failure

Major organ system failure can take forms like the following:

• Failure of the cardiovascular system, or irreversible damage to the heart
• Failure of the renal system, such as end-stage kidney failure
• Failure of the respiratory system, such as a permanent injury that requires oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation
• Failure of the digestive system, such as permanent damage to the pancreas, that interferes with digestive and metabolic function

Turn to Our Experienced Columbia Personal Injury Lawyer for the Help You Need

Landon Miller is our dedicated personal injury attorney at Landon Miller Law, serving Columbia, MO, and we have earned a solid reputation for fierce and effective advocacy on behalf of our valued clients. We are on your side and here to help, so please do not put off reaching out for more information by contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 573-658-1919 today.