If a loved one has suffered catastrophic injuries in a vehicle crash, you’re probably hearing a lot of new and frightening terms. One of them may be “polytrauma.” Just what does that mean for your loved one, their future and perhaps the future of your family?
Polytrauma (“multiple trauma”) means serious traumatic injuries to more than one part of the body or organ system suffered in the same event. Sometimes it’s called “complex polytrauma.” Often, at least one of these injuries is life threatening.
Serious collisions are a common cause of polytrauma – at least among civilians. Polytrauma is also not uncommon in wartime injuries – particularly those resulting from explosions and aircraft (including helicopter) crashes.
What kind of injuries and conditions are common in polytrauma?
Polytrauma is a leading cause of death in the U.S. It can happen to anyone of any age. Among the injuries and conditions in polytrauma are:
- Amputations
- Burns
- Cognitive impairment
- Loss of vision and/or hearing
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
In addition to these and other physical conditions, many people with polytrauma suffer mental health issues. That’s particularly true for those who have suffered a TBI. However, the event that caused the injuries can cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While a car crash may be less likely to cause PTSD than something like a brutal attack, if it takes someone a while to be extracted from the wreckage of a crash or if they see others injured or killed, that can leave someone with PTSD or other mental health disorders.
As noted, people who survive polytraumatic injuries often have a long road ahead of treatment and rehabilitation. Multiple surgeries may be necessary. That’s after the extensive emergency treatment that is required to save their life.
Seeking necessary compensation is crucial
All of this costs a lot of money. A victim’s recovery could easily exceed six or seven figures – or even more over decades. That’s one reason why it’s crucial to be vigilant in holding the responsible party(ies) liable for medical bills as well as other expenses and financial losses.
Non-economic damages for “pain and suffering” likely are warranted. Depending on the circumstances of the event that caused the polytraumatic injuries, a victim may be able to seek punitive damages as well. Having experienced legal guidance can help victims and their families seek a fair settlement accordingly.