Common Injury Types
Accidents happen every day. Slip and falls, car accidents, and workplace injuries happen multiple times every day in Central Florida. Often, the accidents are preventable. Had someone been more cautious, they would have kept the victims safe.
If someone acted in a way that was reckless or negligent and you suffered because of it, you may have a personal injury claim. There are two basic requirements of any claim. First, there must be proof of negligence. Secondly, there must be some type of injury. Learn more about the most common injury types in personal injury claims. And if you’re a victim, contact Abercrombie, P.A. for help.
Types of Personal Injury Claims
The injuries you experience during your accident depend on the circumstances. Therefore, it’s important to understand the different types of personal injury claims before you learn more about the injuries.
Certain accidents are more likely to result in specific injuries. For instance, a car accident is more likely to cause whiplash than a dog bite. Here are some of the most common types of personal injury claims and what the typical injuries might be.
1. Car Accidents
In 2010, there were 4,148 car accidents in Alachua County. Many of those accidents were caused by drunk driving, distracted driving, and speeding. Because some drivers are reckless, others suffer.
Car accidents can result in serious injuries. In 2017, there were 4,657 injuries from car accidents in Alachua County. When an accident occurs anywhere, the stakes are high. A collision comes with significant force, which could leave victims with life-threatening damage. Common injuries include whiplash, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, lacerations, and broken bones.
There are several factors that can impact the severity of your injuries. Typically, accidents involving at least one large vehicle involve significant damage. The same is true of vehicles traveling at high speeds, as they do on the highway.
2. Slip and Falls
Although it’s possible for someone to slip and fall for no reason, there’s usually a cause of the accident. And that cause is often negligence.
Slip and falls can occur in the workplace, at a friend’s home, or in a store. The accident usually results in head injuries, lacerations, and herniated discs.
3. Dog Bites
In Alachua County, dog bites are becoming more of a concern. There are more and more victims of aggressive dogs.
As you might expect, deep cuts are the most common injuries associated with dog bites. But they can also cause other damage. A dog could knock a person over, which can result in broken bones, knee injuries, and more.
In Florida, most dog bite injuries could be personal injury claims. Dog owners are responsible for their dog’s actions, regardless of the animal’s history of biting.
The Most Common Injury Types
Your injury could cause you and your quality of life to suffer. Here are some of the most common injury types and how they can impact you.
1. Whiplash
This is a soft tissue injury that causes a strain or tear to the muscles or tendons in your neck. The injury occurs when your body moves too quickly too suddenly. For instance, the sudden stop of a car accident could make your neck move backward and forward rapidly.
Whiplash is painful and could leave you with limited mobility. You may be out of work until your body heals. Although it usually clears up on its own, the injury could become a chronic issue. You may experience chronic neck pain.
2. Scrapes and Cuts
When you think of a serious injury, you probably don’t think of scrapes or cuts. But they can be painful and can come with complications.
Almost any type of personal injury claim can cause scrapes and cuts. If you receive a deep cut near your nerves, you could have nerve damage. A laceration on your face could make a scar, which could result in your disfigurement. Even a small scrape can be a problem if it becomes infected.
3. Head Injuries
A head injury can be a life-altering injury. Often, they require immediate treatment. They can cause permanent memory loss, decreased brain function, and headaches. In the most extreme cases, they can result in the victim becoming brain dead.
The diagnosis and treatment of a head injury can be expensive and time-consuming. If you have a traumatic brain injury, you may never be able to work again. Your life could drastically change.
4. Broken Bones
Any fall, car accident, or assault has the potential to cause broken bones. Certain bones, such as your rib bones, break with only a small impact. Recovery of those breaks are particularly painful and require lots of rest
.
Other bones, such as your leg bones, are harder to break. But they are still painful during the accident and long after. You might require multiple x-rays, pain medication, and even surgery. After your injuries heal, you may require rehabilitation
5. Herniated Discs
This is another type of injury that can be minor or severe. Regardless of the severity, the injury occurs when a disc in your back ruptures. Inside your discs, there is a substance that resembles jelly. It cushions your vertebrae. When it ruptures, there is less absorption for your vertebrae. The release of the substance can cause nerve pain, and the lack of cushioning can result in more pain.
In some cases, a herniated disc can resolve itself after a few weeks. But it could also require surgery. It’s a very painful issue and causes discomfort walking, sitting, or driving. Victims of slip and fall accidents and car accidents are prone to suffering from herniated discs.
6. Internal Bleeding
A potentially fatal injury is internal bleeding. Sometimes, it happens in car accidents. The force of the crash could cause internal damage that goes unnoticed. For that reason, it’s important to seek medical attention soon after your accident.
Internal bleeding requires rapid treatment. In some cases, it could require surgery. The road to recovery is a long one, depending on your injuries.
7. Knee Pain
Whether your knee hits an object or it twists, an injury is probable. Your knee ligaments or your kneecap could experience damage. In some cases, you need to wear a brace and keep the knee immobilized. But other injuries require surgery and rehabilitation therapy.
Knee injuries can impact your life in more ways than other injuries. If you are unable to walk, you might require assistance with day-to-day chores. You could be forced out of work for weeks or months.
8. Emotional and Mental Injuries
While most people focus on the physical injuries associated with accidents, they can fail to pay attention to the emotional and mental harm. But those injuries can be just as serious as physical ones.
One common mental issue that affects victims of car accidents is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. If you suffer from PTSD, you might be unable to do things that once came easily to you. For instance, you might not be able to drive your car without reliving the accident. You could also have trouble sleeping and functioning.
Whether your accident causes PTSD, anxiety, or grief, the mental toll can be overwhelming. Victims can turn to therapy for help, but therapy can be expensive.
Can You Prevent Injury?
There are actions you can take to attempt to prevent injury, but you can never be completely out of harm’s way. In personal injury cases, someone’s negligence caused the accident. You can’t expect someone to swerve into your lane, or plan for a distracted driver to rear-end you.
However, there are things you can do after your accident to prevent further injury. First, you should seek medical attention. You might think you only have minor injuries, but you could have something more significant. Only a medical professional can diagnose you and determine the extent of your injuries.
Once you seek medical attention, it’s crucial that you follow their advice. If they suggest bed rest, then listen to them. Whether you need therapy, non-invasive treatment, or surgery, don’t put off your treatment. It could do more damage to your health.
Getting the Financial Help You Need
Having the money you need for your treatment can also help. In Central Florida, many families can’t afford the cost of serious injuries. Even if you have insurance, the medical bills add up quickly. You might not have the financial resources you need to make a full recovery.
Fortunately, Abercrombie, P.A. can help you seek compensation for your accident. You can file a personal injury claim and receive money for your injuries, missed wages, and more. A lawsuit doesn’t only get you money for your past medical bills. You can also receive money for your future medical bills. Therefore, you can afford the best medical treatment for an easier recovery.
Seeking compensation comes with some challenges. Our firm is equipped to handle those challenges and take on any obstacles. We want to hear more about your case and tell you about your options for recovering damages. Contact us today and get started.
