Construction and factory workers are essential parts of the North Carolina economy. They are also in some of the riskiest professions.
Employees who perform physical labor for a living tend to suffer injuries at higher rates. However, some of these on-the-job accidents may deliver more than minor damage to the body. Life-changing or catastrophic injuries occur more frequently on construction sites and factories. Learn more about how these professions may result in life-altering damage to the body.
What are catastrophic injuries?
Any injury may become deadly if a medical professional does not treat it properly from the outset. Infection may set into an open wound, or a bump on the head may prove anything but minor. Injuries that require ongoing medical care and result in a reduction in a person’s quality of life are catastrophic.
Spinal cord injury
A fall from a ladder or scaffolding may lead to a back injury. Damage to the spinal column may impede the cord. When it does that, paralysis may occur from the point of spinal damage down.
Head trauma
A head injury may lead to a change of life. Traumatic brain injuries may start off with little or no symptoms. Over time if a doctor does not treat the underlying issue, it may result in loss of brain function and even death.
Burns
Factory lines and construction sites may involve material and equipment that may ignite and cause a fire. Burn injuries may rise to catastrophic depending on the body part and degree of damage.
Every work accident may result in serious physical damage. Seek medical attention as soon as possible and then ask for assistance with getting through the workers’ compensation claims process.
