Seven thousand deaths, 72,000 inpatient hospitalizations and 1.4 million emergency room visits – those are the 2010 numbers highlighting the impact of injuries on Ohio residents, according to the Ohio Department of Health. These cases alone resulted in more than $13 billion in medical costs and lost productivity – and that doesn’t account for the long-term physical and emotional damages victims may suffer after serious injuries.
One of the most difficult questions an accident victim may have about their injuries is how to determine what qualifies as a “serious injury” warranting a personal injury claim. Because the following injuries are prone to causing extensive medical bills and long-term or permanent disabilities, they usually warrant pursuit of a personal injury claim:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Head trauma can cause serious damage to the brain, which may result in coma, seizures, cognitive disabilities and permanent mental impairment.
- Amputations: Loss of a limb can result in ambulatory difficulties, need for prosthetic devices or mobility equipment and can have a lifelong impact on a victim’s health and enjoyment of life.
- Spinal cord damage: Depending on the severity and location of the injury, spinal cord damage may cause paralysis of the lower limbs or all four limbs and may result in difficulty with bowel and bladder function, eating, and other serious consequences.
- Severe burns: Aside from the cost of recovery, which may include skin grafts and months of hospitalization, second- and third-degree burns may result in permanent disfigurement and complications with mobility.
- Lacerations and internal damage: Severe blood loss can lead to shock, coma and eventually death. Lacerations often lead to permanent scarring, while internal damage can cause permanent impairment to organs, which may require lifelong care.
When Assessing an Injury, Consider the Short- and Long-Term Impact
There are two stages to consider when assessing the severity of injury – the short term and the long term. The short term includes the immediate costs and consequences of the injury. While undergoing treatment, you’ll incur medical bills, lost wages and the emotional burden of recovery from a serious injury.
Some victims believe that once initial treatment is over, they’ll stop incurring damages; they often may overlook the long-term implications of serious injuries. The extent of a severe injury can last months or years after treatment ceases and can result in permanent disability and lifelong medical care.
The costs of these injuries are why you should consider a personal injury claim after a serious accident. As a victim or the family of a victim, you need to secure your right to compensation when another’s negligence causes injury and costly damages.
For a free legal consultation, call (614) 538-1116
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Getting treatment for a serious injury is first priority – make sure you and your family are cared for before you even consider the legal and financial decisions to come. Once you’re ready to pursue a personal injury claim, contact Bressman Law to learn about your right to compensation for a serious accident and injuries.
Our legal team is here to answer your questions and help you through the process of pursuing fair compensation for your damages. Victims in the Marysville area can seek help from Bressman Law by calling (614) 538-1116 to set up a free consultation.
Call or text (614) 538-1116 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form