Most Common Catastrophic Injuries in San Francisco Plane Crash

As a San Francisco personal injury attorney, over the years, I have seen many brain injuries and spinal injuries, fractures, burns, internal injuries and wrongful deaths. In any community, we attorneys will be exposed to these serious personal injuries over time; however, catastrophic injuries are actually not all that common to the every attorney.

What is shocking about the Asiana Airlines crash is how in the space of mere seconds, so many people sustained so many catastrophic injuries. We know that plane crashes are horrific, and we are usually all saddened by the tragic loss of life. We count those in this crash at SFO as lucky because we only have two fatalities so far. But what about the severe life-altering injuries sustained by so many on board? Yes, the passengers have survived, however the toll of catastrophic injuries is very very high.

For example, this recent airplane Korean Asiana Airline crash at SFO, resulted in over 180 injuries. Among those serious personal injuries treated by local hospitals were fractured spines, stretched and torn ligaments, internal bleeding, severe fractures needing surgical repair, compound fractures, road rash and head injuries, many permanent and all requiring long-term treatment. Chief Executive Sue Currin at San Francisco General Hospital expects even more patients to come in for treatment of minor injuries and for mental health services in the days to come.

Trauma and serious injuries of this nature are typical when passengers are badly bounced around in a plane that hits short of the runway. Injuries from seatbelts and striking against armrests are common in this crash.

Dr. Geoff Manley, vice chairman of neurological surgery at the University of California San Francisco, who treated many of the patients at San Francisco General Hospital, said in a telephone interview:

We have a lot of spine trauma. Peoples spinal cords were fractured and hyper-extended, meaning theyll need to be kept stable so the spinal cord itself isnt damaged any more. There are some people very, very badly hurt. Some of the worst injuries are traumatic brain injury.

As a San Francisco Spinal Cord Injury Attorney, and Brain Injury Attorney Ive been privileged to help many clients over the years who have sustained spinal injuries as well as traumatic brain injuries. These types of injuries require intensive medical care and long-term medical assistance and rehabilitation. This treatment generally is very expensive and the airline must compensate the injured passengers for all of their costs of treatment.

Interestingly, if the passengers are from China and their medical costs are paid by their government, should Asiana Airlines get off the hook? What do you think? Should the government of China make a claim against the airline for reimbursement for all of the treatment to Chinese citizens? And what about the cost to our City? San Francisco General Hospital will stretch its resources to help all of these injured passengers. I know the hospital will send out bills, however how many will actually be paid? Who is to bear the cost of this airlines gross negligence?

San Francisco General Hospital doctors and nurses have been continuing to treat patients. One primary goal is to reunite families after the plane crash, many of which are in different Bay Area hospitals and others flying here from Asia.

San Francisco General administrators are commending all of the staff involved and calling it a heroic response to the Asiana crash Saturday, July 6, at SFO. Doctors, nurses, radiologists, janitors and interpreters came in spontaneously or worked extra hours. The cafeteria stayed open throughout Saturday night. The pediatric clinic treated adults.

Link:
Most Common Catastrophic Injuries in San Francisco Plane Crash