Despite all the safety features that have been added to vehicles over the years, being involved in a serious crash can still leave victims with catastrophic – and sometimes fatal – injuries. If a loved one was seriously injured in a crash, you may have already heard doctors talk about “polytrauma.” It sounds bad – and it is.
The term is used when someone suffers multiple traumatic injuries to two or more parts of their body. “Complex polytrauma” is when these injuries affect multiple organ systems.
Immediate as well as long-term care are necessary
Polytrauma is among the leading causes of death in the U.S. Often, with emergency treatment at a Level 1 trauma center, polytraumatic injuries are survivable. However, victims often require long-term or permanent medical care. They may be left permanently disabled or otherwise unable to work or care for themselves.
Examples of polytraumatic injuries suffered in vehicle crashes include:
- Amputations
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Those who suffer polytraumatic injuries sometimes develop mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – often caused by the crash itself. Some have cognitive and sensory issues (like loss of vision or hearing) if they’ve suffered a TBI.
Don’t get distracted by a quick settlement offer
Those who survive polytraumatic injuries have a long road – and a costly one – ahead of them. It can be very tempting to accept a quick settlement from an insurer to deal with the medical bills that are starting to come in. However, that quick settlement likely means you’re giving up the right to get compensation for long-term medical expenses and other economic and non-economic losses.
That’s why it’s important not to agree to any settlement from the at-fault party or their insurer until you have a complete picture of these losses. Getting sound legal guidance is a good first step.
