Permanent Injuries You Might Suffer in an Accident

Many people recover from their auto accident injuries and are able to live productive lives. However, some people suffer permanent injuries that change their lives forever. Understanding the nature of your permanent injuries can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Below are examples of permanent injuries you might suffer in an accident.

Paralysis

Paralysis is the loss of function in a body part. Paralysis occurs if something interrupts the connection between the brain and the affected body part. You might suffer paralysis if:

• A sharp object, such as a piece of auto glass, severs or injures some of your nerves
• A heavy object, such as a car, crushes a part of your body and damages some nerves
• A heavy load compresses your body for a long time and cuts off blood flow to a body part

Some paralytics recover, while others have to live with their disabilities for the rest of their lives. Depending on the affected body part, you may struggle to:

• Handle your household chores
• Enjoy intimate relations with your spouse
• Enjoy your hobbies
• Play with your kids
  

You deserve compensation for the related treatments as well as for the limitations the injury has placed on your life. The compensation should also cover your emotional pain due to your paralysis.

Amputation

Amputation refers to loss of limb. Amputation can be intentional or unintentional. Intentional amputation occurs if the doctors decide to remove your limb, for example, because they cannot save it. Unintentional amputation occurs if an accident severs your limb. For example, sharp metal in a high-impact accident can cut off a body part.

Amputation is a permanent injury since science has not progressed to the point where a natural body part can be regrown. You may get a prosthetic for your lost limb, but the amputation will change your life forever.

An amputation can limit the nature of activities you can do. An amputation also incurs ongoing costs; some prosthetics need regular replacements every few years. The defendant should compensate for all these costs. 

TBI

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) stem from physical injuries to the brain. Anything that causes a violent blow or jolt to your head can cause TBI. The injury occurs because the jolt or blow causes the brain to bang against the skull and bruise. You can also experience TBI if something, such as sharp metal, penetrates your skull and bruises your brain.

Minor TBIs usually heal after some time, but moderate to severe TBIs can last your whole life. The effects of TBI are both physical and psychological. For example, you might suffer regular headaches, mood disorders, and cognitive declines, among other effects.

Scarring and Disfigurement 

Some auto accidents can also leave you with scars or disfigurements that never heal. You might suffer such permanent injuries if:

• A car explodes upon impact and causes you severe burn injuries
• A chemical truck overturns and spills caustic chemicals on you
• Physical trauma, such as deep cuts, leaves you with severe tissue injuries that leave big scars and disfigurements after healing

Scarring and disfigurement might not cause physical pain, but their psychological pain is real enough. Moreover, some disfigurements can affect body functions. For example, you might suffer dexterity problems due to severe burns on your hands. The size and location of the scarring or disfigurement affect your compensation.

You need significant compensation to ease your post-accident life if you have permanent injuries. Walsh & Associates can help you pursue maximum compensation for your auto accident. We have over 30 years of experience with accident cases, and you can rely on our professionalism. Contact us for a free initial consultation to determine your case's direction.