Some physical damage is irreversible and can lead to long-lasting physical implications such as chronic pain or instability in the injured area or the need for additional treatment of the injury in the future. They can also have financial consequences as they can require the sufferer to seek an alternative, lower-paying job position to accommodate the injury. These are permanent injuries.
Catastrophic injuries are a type of permanent injury. Catastrophic injuries generally refer to damage to the brain or spinal cord. They produce permanent disabilities that will prevent the sufferer from earning an income or living independently. Other injuries can also be considered catastrophic, such as loss of vision, limb amputation, or severe injuries to the spinal vertebrae or discs.