Major personal injuries result in pain, loss of enjoyment of life, and ongoing emotional and mental suffering. In addition to physical pain, severe harm can result in post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. People who have suffered a major injury may also qualify for non-economic damages. Often, these damages are not measurable by money, but are nevertheless important to the person who suffers from them. Listed below are examples of non-economic damages that may be recovered from a major personal injury case.
The most common types of personal injury claims include auto accidents, slip-and-falls, medical malpractice, and product defects. In most cases, minor injuries will only result in a sprain or strain of the soft tissues, such as the hands or legs. A major personal injury, on the other hand, will cause permanent harm, or even a loss of bodily function. Typically, the basis for a personal injury claim is negligence, which stems from someone failing to act with ordinary care.
Traumatic brain injuries are particularly serious. These injuries can result in long-term disability or disfigurement, and may require multiple surgeries and a lengthy rehabilitation process. In some cases, the injury is so severe that the victim may never fully recover and may never return to work at all. A major personal injury may also lead to diminished enjoyment of life. While traumatic brain injuries can vary from mild to severe, they often impair memory, coordination, balance, and hearing.
Soft tissue injuries are also difficult to categorize. Some require surgery, and others may not. A concussion, for instance, can cause long-term damage, including internal bleeding and bruising. Even if soft tissue injuries do not require surgery, nerve damage can result. In this case, more compensation may be available. Injuries of the soft tissues may be classified as Grade I or Grade II.
When a serious injury is the result of another person’s negligence, the victim may file a lawsuit. Oftentimes, personal injury lawsuits involve injuries to a person’s body, such as a broken leg. Even minor injuries do not necessarily need a lawyer’s help, but it helps to get the compensation deserved. The damages awarded may range from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the type of injury and the extent of physical and mental suffering.
In a negligence case, a person may suffer a pre-existing medical condition that is aggravated by the accident. Joint pain and arthritis can be aggravated by a fall, and a neck injury caused by a car accident can reinjure a herniated disc. These conditions must be documented by a medical provider, and they must be documented. This is an important element of a successful personal injury claim.
Some people suffer a major personal injury due to a common mishap. This type of accident may not necessarily result in a lawsuit, but it can result in substantial medical bills and other tangible evidence. If you’ve suffered such a mishap and are seeking compensation, contact a Hawaii Island personal injury lawyer today. These professionals can help you protect your legal rights and get the compensation you deserve. This guide may answer some of your questions.