The human body is an amazing collection of delicate systems that work together to form a strong and resilient whole. If you consider how well balanced everything from our hormones to our blood sugar needs to be, it’s amazing that more of us aren’t seriously sick or injured more often. When something does happen to us, it can take a long time to recover. Depending on the injury, we will need outside help to fully recover.
Accidents often leave physical and mental damage behind. Each type of injury has its own timetable for recovery. Some injuries may never heal completely. Personal injury claims are the only way our justice system has of making someone whole again after an accident. The different types of injuries all impact compensation differently.
Below are some of the most common types of injuries.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are often thought of as minor injuries. But, some soft tissue injuries, especially ones in the lower back, can be painful and slow to heal. Soft tissue injuries include everything from sprains and strains to bruises and tears.
Generally, soft muscle injuries do not cause permanent issues and receive lower compensation that other types of injuries. Soft tissue injuries are also more likely to be the subject of an independent medical exam if they persist beyond a month than other types of injuries.
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Fractures
Fractures are cracks or breaks in the bones. Some fractures are relatively minor, while others are debilitating. The difference is in the type of fracture and the location. Some fractures, such as to the small bones of the toes, are not treated much at all.
X-rays are used to definitively diagnose a fracture. Fractures can be extremely painful, even when they are not life threatening. Often fractured bones need to be set into place, requiring that the pieces be moved to enable the bone to heal back together properly. Having a bone set is extremely painful.
In personal injury claims the part of the pain and suffering you may have a right to be compensated for includes the pain and suffering of being treated.
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Head Injuries
Researchers have shown that even minor head injuries may have serious long term health consequences. A single concussion may impair cognitive function later in life. Without proper care, a head injury can lead to permanent brain damage and even death.
MRI’s are required to properly diagnose concussions. Because the test is expensive, most patients will not receive one. Patients who are concerned about the impact of a head injury to their short term and long term health often need to be their own health advocates.
Of all the types of injuries, head injuries are one of the hardest to both diagnose and to get appropriate compensation for. Often insurance companies are reluctant to pay for the uncertain long term effects.
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Spinal Injuries
One of the scariest types of injuries is a spinal injury. The spinal cord is essential for the proper functioning of the entire skeletal system. While the thick bones of the spinal column protect the cord, an impact or fracture to the spinal column can harm the spinal cord.
When the spinal cord is damaged it can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis. Spinal cord injuries are difficult to treat, often requiring length hospitalizations and teams of specialists.
When you suffer a permanent injury because of someone else’s negligence, you should be compensated for all the economic loss, and pain and suffering you will experience throughout your life.
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Internal Injuries
Not all of the types of injuries are immediately apparent. Often in serious accidents internal bleeding or damage to internal organs won’t be obvious until tests are run at a hospital.
Internal injures rarely heal on their own, and usually require one or more surgeries to repair damage, stop bleeding, and return vital organs to full function. Sometimes, internal injuries that are not treated properly, or soon enough, will lead to death.
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Mental and Emotional Injuries
Not all of the injuries can be seen with the eyes or even an X-ray. Some of the hardest types of injuries to treat are the mental and emotional injuries that often follow a serious accident. Almost everyone who suffers an accident, even a minor one, will experience some level of shock.
Many people will also develop other mental and emotional responses to accidents that interfere with them living and enjoying their lives. These could be post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, or one of many other conditions.
Compensation for injuries includes getting paid for mental and emotional injuries. Just as you should seek treatment for a broken bone, you also need to seek treatment for a broken spirit,
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