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Personal injuries can happen unexpectedly and can be life-changing for the victims and their families. Whether it’s a slip and fall accident, a car crash, or medical malpractice, personal injuries can result in physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial burden.

It’s crucial to know the different types of personal injuries and the legal recourse available to help victims recover from their losses.

Contact Held, Held & Held to get the compassionate legal representation you need.

Common Types of Personal Injuries

Personal injuries can take many forms, but some are more common than others.

Here are some of the most prevalent types of personal injuries:

  • Whiplash & neck Injuries — Whiplash is a common injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jolted forward and then back, causing damage to the neck muscles and ligaments. Neck injuries can also include fractures, dislocations, and sprains, which can result in pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
  • Organ failure — Organ failure can occur as a result of traumatic injuries, such as car accidents or falls. Depending on the severity of the injury, organs such as the lungs, liver, and kidneys can stop functioning properly, which can be life-threatening.
  • Back injury — Back injuries can range from strains and sprains to herniated discs and spinal cord injuries. These injuries can cause chronic pain, limited mobility, and in severe cases, paralysis.
  • Infection — Infections can occur as a result of open wounds, burns, or other types of trauma. If not treated promptly, infections can become severe and life-threatening.
  • Polytrauma — Polytrauma refers to multiple traumatic injuries occurring at the same time. This can include injuries to the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and limbs, and can be life-threatening.
  • Herniated disc — A herniated disc occurs when the soft material inside the spinal disc pushes through the outer layer. This can result in pain, numbness, and tingling in the affected area.
  • Nerve damage — Nerve damage can occur as a result of traumatic injuries, such as car accidents or falls. This can result in pain, numbness, and limited mobility.
  • Spinal cord injury — A spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is damaged or severed, resulting in paralysis or limited mobility. This can be a life-altering injury.
  • Broken bones — Broken bones are a common type of injury that can occur as a result of traumatic accidents. Depending on the severity of the break, surgery and physical therapy may be required.
  • Burn injury — Burn injuries can be caused by fires, chemicals, or hot surfaces. These injuries can be painful and can result in scarring and disfigurement.
  • Knee injuries — Knee injuries can occur as a result of traumatic accidents or overuse. These injuries can include ligament tears, fractures, and dislocations, which can result in pain and limited mobility.
  • Visual impairment — Visual impairment can occur as a result of traumatic head injuries or other types of trauma. This can result in partial or complete loss of vision.
  • Severed limbs — Severed limbs can occur due to traumatic accidents, such as car accidents or industrial accidents. This can result in losing a limb, which can be life-altering.
  • Traumatic brain injury — Traumatic brain injury occurs when the brain is damaged as a result of a traumatic accident. This can result in various symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and cognitive impairment.
  • Severe lacerations — Severe lacerations can occur as a result of traumatic accidents, such as car accidents or falls. These injuries can result in significant blood loss and may require surgery.
  • Abdominal injuries — Abdominal injuries can occur as a result of traumatic accidents, such as car accidents or falls. These injuries can include organ damage or internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening.
  • Skull fractures — Skull fractures can occur due to traumatic accidents, such as car accidents or falls. Depending on the severity of the fracture, surgery may be required.
  • Soft tissue injury — Soft tissue injuries can include sprains, strains, and contusions.

If you or a loved one has suffered any of these types of personal injuries, it’s important to seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney to determine your legal options for seeking compensation.

Determining Liability for Personal Injuries

Determining liability is an important part of personal injury cases. Liability refers to legal responsibility for an injury or damages caused by an individual or entity.

There are three primary legal theories of liability in personal injury cases:

  • Negligence — Negligence occurs when an individual or entity fails to exercise a reasonable standard of care, resulting in injury or damages to another person. To establish negligence, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
  • Intentional acts — Intentional acts refer to actions taken with the purpose of causing harm or injury to another person. Examples include assault, battery, and defamation.
  • Strict Liability — Strict liability holds a defendant liable for harm caused by their actions or products, regardless of whether they were negligent or intended to cause harm. This theory of liability is often used in product liability cases, where a defective product causes injury or damages.

Determining liability in personal injury cases can be complex and requires a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the incident. An experienced personal injury attorney can help navigate the legal process and ensure that liability is properly established, leading to fair compensation for the victim.

Compensation for Personal Injuries

Victims of personal injuries may be entitled to compensation for their losses. The compensation available depends on the case’s details and the jurisdiction’s laws where the injury occurred.

Here are some common types of compensation that may be available to personal injury victims:

  • Economic damages — Economic damages refer to financial losses suffered by the victim due to the injury. These can include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, future medical expenses, and lost earnings.
  • Non-economic damages — Non-economic damages refer to losses that are more difficult to quantify, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium. These damages are typically subjective and may vary widely depending on the individual’s circumstances.
  • Punitive damages — Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or malicious. These damages are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.

The amount of compensation awarded to a victim will depend on various factors, including the severity of the injury, the impact on the victim’s life, and the defendant’s level of fault. An experienced personal injury attorney can help victims understand their legal rights and pursue fair compensation for their losses.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Personal injuries can significantly impact a victim’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being. After a personal injury accident, it’s crucial to seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney to understand your rights and options for seeking compensation.

At Held, Held & Held, we have a team of dedicated personal injury attorneys who are committed to helping our clients obtain the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury, contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

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Reviews

One cannot get the justice they deserve if they are paralised by ignorance and fear. This is putting in perspective how I felt after my accident and the steps I needed to take to gain redress. In my quest for justice, the Held, Held and Held law firm took away my fear, replaced my ignorance with knowledge and skillfully led me to justice.

Niebert C.

This law firm was recommended to me by a friend to help me with a slip and fall I endured. I found the entire Held, Held & Held staff to be extremely knowledgeable, responsive, and were very up front with me about the strengths and weaknesses of my case.

Jason T.

I went to Held, Held and Held after another law frim dropped me. They were recommended to me by my brother Michael. I was injured in a slip and fall accident. Frist thing you learn about this law firm is that they CARE. From Edward Held to his daughter Jennifer they make you feel like family..

Douglas

I am a former New York State Judge. My wife was severely injured in an automobile accident. The Held firm took the case when others said, “There’s nothing here.” We settled for a sizeable amount due to the care, hard-work and diligence of all members of this firm.

Rick A.

This office was awesome. The lawyers and staff were so helpful with all my questions and getting me a great settlement. They always got back to me and they actually cared about me and my case. I never usually write a review, but I felt like these guys deserved a positive review for all of their efforts.

Lisa B.

Walked in for a consultation regarding a car accident several months ago. I was injured and was unsure what my rights were and what I could do about it. My first impressions were nothing short of amazing! After only a few minutes I met with a lawyer.

Maria B.

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FAQ

What is a catastrophic injury?

A catastrophic injury is a severe injury that has a long-term or permanent impact on a person’s life, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or severe burns.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in New York?

In New York, you generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim. This is called the statute of limitations. Some exceptions and specific circumstances can affect the deadline for filing a claim. It is important to consult with a personal injury attorney in New York to determine the specific deadline for your case and ensure that your claim is filed in a timely manner.

Can I file a personal injury claim if the injury was my fault?

In some cases, you may still be able to file a personal injury claim even if the injury was partially your fault. This is known as comparative negligence, and the amount of compensation you can receive may be reduced based on your level of fault.

Do I need a personal injury attorney to file a personal injury claim?

While it is possible to file a personal injury claim on your own, consulting with a personal injury attorney who can provide guidance and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries is often beneficial.

What should I do if I have been injured in an accident?

If you have been injured in an accident, the first priority is to seek medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is important to be evaluated by a medical professional to ensure there are no underlying or hidden injuries.

After seeking medical attention, you should report the accident to the appropriate authorities, such as the police or your employer. It is also important to consider consulting with a personal injury attorney to understand your rights and options for pursuing compensation for your injuries.