Accidents seem to be growing increasingly common today. Some people argue that it’s simply a matter of more victims reporting injuries than in the past and greater coverage of incidents. Others are quick to point out that with a higher population, more machinery and technology, and more active lifestyles, injuries are actually more commonplace than they once were. In any event, an ever-growing number of people are facing medical bills, pain and suffering, and other issues after being injured, and more accident victims are seeking help from personal injury attorneys than ever before.
What Are the Most Common Types of Injuries?
Injuries come from numerous sources. Some of the most common are car crashes, work-related accidents, and slip and fall incidents. Several types of accident injuries can also arise from those situations. Some are minor and short-lived whereas others are life-altering or even deadly. Take a look at some of the most common injuries people suffer due to negligence at work, on the road, in public places, or on other people’s properties.
Sprains and Strains
Millions of people suffer sprains and strains every year. These can come from falls, overexertion, and many other causes. Sprains often affect the wrists, ankles, and back, though other joints and muscles are also commonly affected. These types of injuries result in torn muscles, ligaments, or tendons. Sprains typically happen suddenly, while strains develop over time. Both may lead to pain, swelling, tenderness, and reduced mobility.
Burns and Lacerations
Burns and lacerations are also common types of injuries sustained in accidents. Burns may be caused by heat, electricity, friction, or exposure to chemicals. Lacerations are cuts typically caused by sharp or jagged edges. Though either can be mild and only require minimal treatment, many are more serious. They can lead to disfigurement, extensive tissue damage, and the need for extensive medical care and rehabilitation. Some are even fatal.
Broken Bones and Internal Trauma
These types of injuries can come from a wide range of incidents, though both are common results of automobile and work-related accidents. Internal trauma may include damaged organs and excessive bleeding. Injuries in this category often require lengthy recovery periods and can lead to serious complications. Broken bones are painful. While they tend to heal, the affected area of the body may never be the same afterward.
Seeking Compensation for Accident Injuries
Numerous considerations can affect the amount of compensation accident victims are entitled to, but medical expenses certainly factor into the equation. Victims can also ask for compensation for lost wages due to time missed from work and coverage for damage to personal belongings. They can request financial reparations for pain and suffering. emotional trauma, and other elements as well.
Compensation for the full amount of resulting medical expenses is often granted. Victims may receive all or a portion of their lost wages, too. From there, other damages are awarded based on a specific percentage of the initial payout.
Court systems look at numerous aspects when determining the total amount of compensation accident victims should receive. They generally take into account the length of recovery time needed, how extensively the injury has or will impact the victim’s life, and how much pain and suffering the victim will potentially endure. In many cases, these elements are largely subjective. Enlisting the help of an attorney can help victims prove their cases and determine the extent of an accident’s impact.
