Ohio Revised Code 2315.18 defines a catastrophic injury as one that causes loss of limb, loss of use of a bodily organ system or permanent and substantial physical deformity. The revised code also includes permanent paralysis.
Causes
Catastrophic injuries can stem from several situations, including car accidents, sports injuries and motorcycle accidents. However, slips, trips and falls are a leading cause of catastrophic workplace injuries. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the construction industry accounted for 46.1 percent of all fatal falls, slips, and trips in 2020.
In some cases, a catastrophic injury is because of someone else. There are instances where negligence or wrongdoing will cause such as injury. For example, a bystander might become permanently paralyzed after being hit by a stray bullet.
Recovering from a catastrophic injury
It’s not always possible to recover from a catastrophic injury. For example, it’s currently impossible to cure permanent paralysis. However, there is research being done in this area.
In 2021, Northwestern University researchers developed an injectable therapy to reverse paralysis and repair tissue after severe spinal cord injuries. To date, this therapy has only been tested on mice.
When recovery is possible, it usually requires long-term rehab and treatment. The person might need physical and occupational therapy. Psychological care and medication management are often required as well.
However, each person handles the situation differently. A person with pre-existing conditions might take longer to recover than an otherwise healthy person. Or someone else might try a holistic or natural approach to healing.
If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury, you might have cause to file a personal injury claim, so you can receive compensation for your pain and suffering.