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Personal injury law is the legal avenue through which a claimant who has suffered losses or harm is able to recover compensation from the person or entity who committed the tortious act. The Pendergrass Law Firm says that compensation is meant to redress the wrong done to the victim and provide financial relief for their losses. There are different types of personal injury claims:
- Bicycle accidents
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Truck accidents
- Slip and falls
- Dog bites
- Wrongful death
- Worker’s Compensation
- Product liability
- Premises liability
Read More: Who can I sue for damages in a personal injury case?
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Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and spinal cord injuries. TBI is caused by the force of the impact jostling the brain inside of the skull, leading to bruises and other injuries. It can also be caused by an object penetrating the skull during the accident. TBI includes concussions, edema, diffuse axonal injuries, hematomas, skull fractures, and hemorrhages. TBI symptoms range from severe to life-threatening.
The spinal cord runs down the center of the back and is protected by vertebrae. Because nerves from the spine connect to all parts of the body, a spinal cord injury can lead to loss of sensation, loss of control of the bowels or bladder, and inability to control the muscles. Paralysis changes a person’s life and family. It can be even more traumatic when it is caused by a negligent driver’s actions.
What if my injuries were minor?
You can receive compensation for your injuries, even if they were minor. The law will not compensate victims who cannot prove that they have suffered injuries and losses. Minor injuries can lead to hundreds or thousands of dollars in medical expenses and lost wages.
Whiplash is caused by the rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck in a car accident, straining the muscles and resulting in stiffness and pain. While it is not a life-threatening injury, whiplash could very well be the reason why a victim cannot go to work for a few days, and they will want to be compensated for their lost wages. The victim may need massage therapy and prescription pain relievers.
The severity of your injuries will affect how much you receive in compensation. Broken bones are one of the most common injuries after a car accident due to the force of impact on the body. Simple fractures may only need a sling and rest to heal, whereas more complicated fractures require realignment surgery and plates, nails, or screws to keep the bone in place while it heals. Obviously, a more complex fracture would result in higher medical expenses. Cuts and lacerations can also range from minor to severe. Some cuts will heal on their own with proper care, but others will require stitches.
Read More: Personal Injury Claims with Multiple Defendants: Where to Start
Hire An Attorney To Help You Recover Your Medical Expenses
An attorney can help you determine if you have a valid case if you have minor injuries, and they can also help victims of catastrophic injuries to ease the burden on them after their accident. An attorney builds your claim using your medical records, the police report, photos from the scene of the accident, paystubs, receipts, invoices, and other documentation to prove your losses and what you’ve gone through. The insurance company has its personal injury law attorneys, so you should have one fighting for your interests.