Catastrophic work injuries are severe accidents that cause serious, often permanent harm. These types of injuries can change a person’s life overnight, leading to long-term medical care, lost income, and major lifestyle changes. It’s important for anyone who has suffered a catastrophic injury on the job to understand the kind of harm they’re facing and what steps to take afterward. Reach out to our work injury attorney in Los Angeles for a free consultation.
Examples of Catastrophic Work Injuries
Catastrophic work injuries include a wide variety of serious conditions that can have lasting effects on a person’s health, independence, and quality of life. Examples include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These occur when a strong impact damages the brain. They can cause difficulties with memory, concentration, speech, and motor skills. Some people may face lifelong challenges requiring ongoing therapy and support.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can stop signals between the brain and parts of the body, often leading to partial or complete paralysis. This type of injury may affect mobility, sensation, and bladder or bowel control, requiring significant lifestyle adjustments.
- Amputations: When a body part such as a finger, hand, arm, or leg is severed in a workplace accident, it can greatly impact how someone moves and performs daily tasks. Prosthetics and rehabilitation may be needed and can improve a person’s quality of life, but some limitations often remain forever.
- Severe Burns: Deep or large burns can damage skin, muscles, and nerves. These injuries often require multiple surgeries and painful treatments, and they can leave permanent scars that affect both function and appearance.
- Severe Fractures and Bone Injuries: Complex or broken bones from accidents may need surgical repair and extensive recovery time. These injuries can cause chronic pain, reduced mobility, and sometimes permanent disability.
- Internal Injuries and Organ Damage: Injuries to organs inside the body, like the liver, lungs, or kidneys, are dangerous because symptoms are not always visible. They often require emergency care and carry long-term health risks.
Anyone suffering from a catastrophic work injury deserves emotional support and financial compensation.
Causes of Catastrophic Work Injuries
Catastrophic work injuries often happen because of preventable dangers in the workplace. Understanding the common causes can help workers stay aware and avoid serious accidents. Common causes include:
Falls from Heights
Falling from ladders, scaffolding, or roofs is a leading cause of devastating injuries. Without proper safety gear or secure work surfaces, these falls can result in severe broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or even death.
Heavy Machinery Accidents
Workers around forklifts, cranes, or other heavy equipment face risks if machines are operated carelessly or maintenance is neglected. Being struck by or caught in this machinery can cause crushing injuries or amputations.
Vehicle Collisions
On construction sites or warehouses, accidents involving trucks or moving vehicles can cause severe trauma. Collisions often lead to traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, or internal injuries due to the force involved.
Electrical Accidents
Contact with live wires or faulty electrical systems can cause shocks, burns, and even fatal electrocutions. Unsafe practices or lack of proper training increase the chances of these accidents occurring.
Recognizing these causes can help workers identify unsafe conditions and push for better protections.
Recovering Compensation After Catastrophic Workplace Accidents
Recovering compensation after a catastrophic workplace accident often involves navigating complex legal and insurance processes. Injured workers may start by filing a workers’ compensation claim, which covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages without requiring proof of fault.
However, because catastrophic injuries can have long-term effects, victims might also explore personal injury claims if a third party contributed to the accident. Working with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can help victims understand their rights and identify all available sources of compensation. If you have any questions, contact us to schedule a free consultation.