A catastrophic injury is one that is severe enough to cause long-term disability or change a victim’s life permanently. Catastrophic injuries typically require a tremendous amount of medical care upfront, as well as ongoing care throughout a victim’s life. Some common sources of catastrophic injuries in Montana include:
Truck accidents: Truck accidents are devastating due to the significant size and weight difference between trucks and passenger cars. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds compared to the average 3,000 to 4,000 pound standard car. The massive difference creates immense force during collisions resulting in severe damage and catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
Car accidents: Car accidents are tragically common in the United States, and a small percentage of them cause permanent, severe injuries. The risk of catastrophic injuries is higher in accidents involving commercial trucks, but any type of vehicle collision carries this risk.
Dog bites: dog bite injuries can be catastrophic due to the strength of a dog’s jaw and the potential for deep puncture wounds, lacerations, and tearing of the skin and soft tissues. These injuries lead to nerve damage, significant scarring and can have long-term complications like permanent disfigurement. Children and other vulnerable individuals can be particularly vulnerable due to their smaller size and limited ability to protect themselves.
Slip and fall accidents: Premises liability cases are another common source of devastating injuries. Slip and fall incidents, particularly those involving elderly victims, can result in complex fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and internal bleeding. The risk is greater when a victim falls from one height to a lower height. Any time you are injured on someone else’s property, whether commercial or residential, you may have a premises liability claim.
Catastrophic workplace injuries: Montana’s diverse industries expose workers to various hazards, leading to catastrophic injuries. For example, construction workers face perils from falls, electrocutions and equipment accidents. These and other high risk jobs contribute to Montana’s elevated rate of workplace catastrophic injuries.