No one expects to be injured in an accident, but unfortunately, that is not always the case. Some injuries are more severe than others and can lead to long-term health problems or even death. This blog post will take a look at some of the most common types of serious and fatal injuries that occur in accidents.
If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to seek legal help right away. Our Chicago injury attorneys are experienced in personal injury law and can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Is a Serious or Fatal Injury?
A “serious injury” is any that may require surgery or other extensive medical treatment, cause significant disfigurement, fractures, amputation, dismemberment, loss of a limb, or lead to long-term disability. For an injury to be serious, it has to affect the person’s ability to lead a relatively everyday life for an extended period of time after the accident.
When you file a claim against a negligent party, the amount of compensation you are entitled to will depend on many factors including how severe your injuries were. Serious or fatal injuries naturally have a significantly higher value compared to more minor injuries.
Types Of Serious or Fatal Injuries
Your injuries may differ based on the type of accident you were involved in. A slip and fall accident, for example, is likely to do less damage than a motorcycle accident. Injuries are classified into two types based on their severity.
- Impact Injuries: Impact injuries occur when the body collides with a stationary or moving object. For example, if you slip and fall and your head hits the ground, the accompanying head injuries are impact injuries.
- Penetrating injuries: In contrast, penetrating injuries occur when a sharp object penetrates the body. They frequently result in cuts and lacerations to the victim. Such injuries can result from stab wounds, shards that lodge on your skin, dog bites, and other sharp items.
Here are some of the most serious injuries seen in personal injury cases:
Amputations
Amputations can be performed surgically as a result of an accident. In most situations, surgeons find that leaving the damaged limb will cause more harm to the patient than removing it. Amputations can also occur at the accident scene if a person’s limb collides with an object.
Losing a limb is a life-changing event, and the consequences vary based on the limb lost in the accident. If you or a loved one were a victim of an accident that resulted in amputation, the injury claim should be conclusive enough to include the emotional distress endured while adjusting to a life without a limb.
Birth Injuries
Humans are most vulnerable during birth, and most body components are susceptible to damage. Any error made by your healthcare practitioner could permanently injure your child. Your child may sustain serious injuries that could affect them for life or even shorten their life. If this occurs, you may be able to bring a claim for the damages caused by the medical negligence.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden external force impacts the brain, disrupting its normal function. For an injury to qualify as TBI, it generally poses a risk to the brain tissue. Here are some examples of traumatic brain injuries:;
- Concussions: Concussions are often the mildest form of TBI and may occur when the brain experiences sudden, violent movement.
- Contusions: Contusions are bruises to the brain that may occur due to damaged tissue. The effects may be intense if the contusion affects a huge part of the brain or if there is internal bleeding in the brain.
- Penetrating brain injuries: Penetrating brain injuries are often severe and may lead to severe complications if the penetrating object hits a sensitive part of the brain.
Other TBIs include subdural hematoma, second impact syndrome, anoxic brain injuries, and hypoxic brain injuries. In some unfortunate cases, the injured person may suffer brain death.
Spinal Injuries
The spine is very sensitive, and the slightest injury to its nerves or a dislocation of the discs may prove paralyzing or even fatal. Any trauma on the spine may also result in serious disability or limited mobility. While some of these effects can be reversed with treatment and therapy, sometimes they are permanent, and there is little your doctors can do to treat it.
If you suffer spinal injuries from a person’s negligence, then it is time to involve Chicago injury attorneys. They can help you get the help you need to cope with your spinal injuries while also seeking just compensation for you and your loved ones.
Severe Burns
The severity of burns may vary depending on what caused the burn and how deep the burn was. Generally, severe burns can be fatal and take a long time to recover. They may also leave an intensive scar on the person. In some cases, the doctors may have to amputate injured areas of the body.
The most severe burns are second, third, and fourth-degree burns. These burns will necessitate intensive care from medical professionals, as well as ongoing care as you heal from your burns and injuries. Skin grafts may also be required to help repair your skin.
If you suffer from fifth or sixth-degree burns, your road to recovery may be excruciatingly long. The fatality risk is much higher in people with these severe burns, and you will need multiple procedures to help you heal.
Paralysis
Paralysis is the loss of muscle function in one or more limbs. Paralysis can occur for a myriad of reasons. The leading causes are brain and spinal injuries resulting from a traumatic accident. Paralysis may also occur in different types and have different effects on a person depending on the intensity of the accident.
There are four main types of paralysis: quadriplegia, paraplegia, hemiplegia, and monoplegia.
- Quadriplegia is a form of paralysis that affects all four limbs and the torso.
- Paraplegia is paralysis that affects the lower half of the body, including both legs and the pelvis.
- Hemiplegia is paralysis that affects one side of the body, including an arm and a leg on the same side.
- Monoplegia is a form of paralysis that affects only one limb.
The effects of paralysis depend on the type and severity of the injury. In some cases, paralysis may be temporary, and at other times, it may be permanent. There is no cure for paralysis, but there are treatments available to help people manage its symptoms. Some common treatments include physical therapy, occupational therapy, medications, and surgery.
What to Do After a Serious Injury
Prioritize Your Healthcare
Make sure to seek the best medical attention for your injuries as soon as possible. Have all essential tests performed and take any medications prescribed by your doctor following a diagnosis. If you disregard some of your symptoms or treatment, the insurance company may compensate you unfairly. They may argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim because you declined to take medication.
Document Everything
Try to gather as much information as possible about the incident. This includes taking pictures of any injuries, getting contact information for witnesses, and obtaining a copy of the police report (if one was filed). It is also important to preserve any evidence that may be relevant, such as damaged property or clothing.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
Once you have received medical treatment, you should contact a personal injury lawyer. An experienced lawyer will be able to help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
If the accident was caused by another person’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. In order to succeed in a personal injury lawsuit, you must be able to prove that the other party was at fault and that their negligence resulted in your injuries. A successful personal injury case can result in compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
If you have been involved in a serious or fatal accident, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to guide you through the legal process and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Our Chicago Injury Attorneys Are Ready To Help
While it is impossible to prevent every accident, knowing about the most common types of serious and fatal injuries can help you take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, contact the experienced Chicago injury attorneys at Drake & Collopy, P.C. for a free consultation. We will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
