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What Are Examples of Catastrophic Injuries Following a Car Accident?
Content Legally Reviewed By
Matt Conner
Matt Conner Car Accident Attorneys Serving Victims of Catastrophic Injuries across Washington State
The media widely overuses the word “catastrophic.” However, when it comes to a motor vehicle accident, the term is acceptable, especially when the incident is severe and results in serious injuries. A catastrophic injury, from a legal standpoint, is one from which the victim will not likely recover fully. These injuries leave a permanent reminder of the accident, and the victim is often disabled or disfigured, and needs long-term care.
If your injuries after an accident are designated as “catastrophic,” you are facing a long recovery, as well as numerous challenges when trying to collect the much-needed compensation that you require to survive.
Injuries That Are Considered Catastrophic After an Accident
- Spinal Cord Injuries – A motor vehicle accident that results in spinal cord injuries can permanently impair a person’s sensation, strength, and functions. Victims could be left unable to walk, move, or even feed themselves.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries – Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are caused by a violent strike to the head. An object that penetrates the skull can also cause a TBI. A victim who has a TBI will often have permanent deficiencies and hardships, including long-term emotional and social difficulties.
- Partial or Total Paralysis – Paralysis results in an inability to control motor functions. Depending on how severe the paralysis is (and if it is partial or complete), victims may be unable to move their entire bodies. In other instances, victims may only be able to move their upper bodies.
- Amputation – Another common catastrophic injury from a motor vehicle collision is an amputation. Whether the limb was lost in the accident or the surgeons were forced to remove it during post-accident care, this is a catastrophic injury seen in vehicle-versus-pedestrian and vehicle-versus-motorcycle accidents.
- Burns – Burn injuries can happen in motor vehicle accidents, as well. These injuries can occur when a vehicle ignites post-accident.
- Disfigurement and Scars – The most common type of catastrophic injury is permanent disfigurement and severe scarring. When a person is mangled in a collision, his or her body can be permanently damaged from debris, force, and fire.
Hire a Law Firm With Experience in Catastrophic Injuries
If you have suffered a catastrophic injury, you need a Washington personal injury attorney with expertise in these types of cases. Determining damages for these types of injury cases is complex and requires specialized legal knowledge. Furthermore, you will need to mount a strong case so that insurance companies do not attempt to downplay the severity of your injuries.
After a catastrophic accident, contact the attorneys at Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner, PLLC today. Our injury lawyers offer a free consultation, and we can discuss your case without obligation. Meet with us today by calling 800-925-1875 or requesting your appointment online.
About the Author
Matt Conner
Matt Conner has a proven track record of success. Following his graduation from Willamette University with a double major in mathematics and economics, Matt worked as an economist for the Office of Economic Analysis for the State of Oregon before moving onto working in mortgage banking and real estate. Although Matt would move on to law school shortly thereafter, his experience in the financial sector has provided him with valuable experience in how to achieve maximum compensation for his clients.
June 28, 2026
June 28, 2026
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June 27, 2026
June 27, 2026
