Accidents could happen in every profession and career choice. Some injuries are minor and only require first-aid. However, catastrophic injuries often happen suddenly and leave a person permanently altered, often with life-long consequences.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), there were 4,640,000 injuries on the job in 2019 that required medical attention. Undoubtedly, some of these were catastrophic injuries. What are some different types of catastrophic injuries that workers could face?
Types of catastrophic injuries
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), catastrophic injuries are when three or more workers are hospitalized as a result of a work-related injury or an illness caused by a workplace hazard. Here are eight common causes of catastrophic injuries:
- Amputation: Losing a limb, finger or other body parts
- Brain injury: Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury: Injuries to the spinal column can result in:
- Nerve damage: Often results in tingling, numbness, or weakness
- Paralysis: losing the mobility of arms, legs or both (paraplegic, quadriplegic)
- Birth Injury: Traumatic birth injuries such as cerebral palsy due to lack of oxygen
- Crush injury: Being caught between objects or crushed under the weight of a falling object
- Blindness or deafness: Loss of hearing or sight
- Facial injury: Injuries to any region of the face
- Eye injury: These can result in diminished or complete loss of sight (blindness)
Although OSHA defines catastrophic injuries as involving three or more workers, catastrophic injuries can be experienced on a personal level, as well.
If you or someone you love has experienced a catastrophic injury or wrongful death, it is imperative to have an advocate who is experienced and knowledgeable to help inform you of your right.