Major blunt trauma causes increased mortality up to 12 years: Long-term survival in 3 557 patients compared to 35 502 control persons

•Major blunt trauma patients have increased long-term mortality compared to controls. The difference in mortality remains, even with patients surviving at least one year post-trauma.•According to our results the short-term mortality is insufficient measure for outcome in major trauma patients as trauma causes increased mortality at least up to 12 years post-trauma.•Our findings suggest that age, male gender, long-term unemployment, ASA grade, head AIS 5-6 and transfer to another facility ICU/HDU are associated with increased and full insurance coverage for decreased long-term mortality.