Small private vehicles and fragile human bodies are no match against commercial trucks. Collisions often lead to catastrophic injuries for those in the smaller vehicle.
What constitutes a catastrophic injury? It is important to know, as it can impact your truck accident compensation in Oklahoma.
Defining catastrophic injuries
Finding a widely accepted definition is nearly impossible, but severe injuries that result in permanent impairment, limitation or disability may be deemed catastrophic. Essentially, any injury that permanently impacts your abilities can be catastrophic to your life.
Types of catastrophic injuries
Traumatic brain injury is one of the most commonly known catastrophic injury. Catastrophic injuries can lead to life-altering physical limitations, cognitive impairments and behavioral changes.
Other potentially catastrophic truck accident injuries include:
- Spinal cord injury: Paralysis, loss of sensation and loss of bodily functions
- Amputations and certain fractures: Loss of a body part, crushed limbs and complex fractures
- Internal organ damage: Hemorrhaging, ruptured organs and damage to vital systems
- Severe burns: Deep tissue and large surface area burns and severe scarring or disfigurement
The emotional toll of a truck accident can also be catastrophic, often causing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic anxiety and other issues.
Damages in Oklahoma
Like most injured accident victims, you may seek economic damages to cover your injury-related expenses. However, if you suffered catastrophic harm in the truck accident, you may also be entitled to non-economic damages. Examples include compensation for:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Chronic psychological distress
Difficult-to-quantify effects that you or your family members experience, like loss of companionship or affection, may also qualify for non-economic damages. Someone who understands Oklahoma injury laws can help ensure your claim reflects the catastrophic nature of your suffering.