Injuries That Can Lead to Permanent Disability
It’s a fact of life that accidents happen. And for many people, an accident can mean a trip to the hospital—or even worse, permanent disability. Every year, millions of people in the United States are injured in accidents that lead to long-term disabilities. Some can never return to work, while others must learn to live with a disability that forever affects their quality of life.
Many types of injuries can lead to permanent disability. Some of the most common include:
- A spinal cord injury
- A traumatic brain injury
- An amputation
- A burn
Each year, thousands of people suffer from these and other types of injuries that leave them with permanent disabilities. If you or someone you love has been injured, it is vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries can result in even more severe complications if not treated promptly. In addition, with the help of a permanent impairment lawyer, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries. No one ever expects to be injured in an accident. But it’s important to know what to do and where to turn for help if it does happen.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common injuries that can lead to permanent disability:
Table of Contents
Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury can occur when the spinal cord is damaged by trauma. This can happen in several ways, including car accidents, sports injuries, or falls. A spinal cord injury is one of the personal injury cases that can lead to permanent disability, depending on the extent and location of the damage.
There are two types of spinal cord injuries: complete and incomplete. A complete spinal cord injury means all communication between the brain and the rest of the body has been cut off. An incomplete spinal cord injury means that some communication still exists. People with an incomplete injury may have some movement and sensation below the point of injury.
Spinal cord injuries can cause various disabilities, depending on which nerves are damaged. Some common symptoms include paralysis, loss of sensation, difficulty breathing, incontinence, and pain. In addition, people with a spinal cord injury may experience changes in mood or behavior due to their disability.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury. TBI can also occur when the head and neck suddenly jerk back and forth. This injury can damage the brain cells and change how the brain works. These changes may be temporary or permanent.
TBI can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on the severity of the injury. Some people with TBI have no symptoms. Others have mild symptoms that go away within a few days or weeks. But for many people, TBI can cause long-term problems such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, vision problems, balance problems, poor memory and concentration, mood changes, and emotional outbursts. In some cases, TBI can lead to seizures or death.
TBI can be caused by many things, including car accidents, falls, being hit by an object, and violent assaults. TBI can also occur during sports activities, such as football or boxing. People with a previous TBI are at greater risk of having another one.
Amputation
Amputation is the removal of a body extremity by trauma or surgery. A surgical procedure is used to control pain or infection or as a last resort to save a patient’s life. In some cases, it may be necessary to amputate an arm or leg due to injury or disease. Amputation has been known since ancient times and was performed with crude tools such as knives, saws, and axes. Modern techniques allow surgeons to perform amputations with great precision and minimal damage to surrounding tissue.
Despite advances in surgical technique and anesthesia, amputation remains a difficult procedure with significant risks. The patient must endure the physical stress of surgery and the psychological stress of losing a limb. Amputation can also lead to complications such as infection, blood clots, and phantom limb pain. In some cases, patients may require additional surgery or rehabilitation treatment to regain the full function of the amputated limb.
Injury is one of the most common causes of amputation. Car accidents, industrial accidents, and gunshot wounds are among the most common causes of traumatic amputation. The disease is another leading cause of amputees, particularly diabetes mellitus and peripheral vascular disease. Amputation is also sometimes necessary in the treatment of cancer.
The decision to amputate is never easy, but it is sometimes necessary to save a patient’s life or improve their quality of life. Many patients can live full and active lives despite their amputation with modern surgical techniques and rehabilitation treatments.
A Burn
When most people think of burns, they imagine a person with a nasty, red, inflamed wound. And while that’s certainly one type of burn, there are several different types. The three most common are thermal, chemical, and electrical. Each type of burn can cause significant damage to the body and may lead to permanent disability. Let’s take a closer look at each kind of burn.
Thermal Burns
Thermal burns occur when the skin is exposed to heat sources such as flames, hot liquids, or steam. These burns can be severe and often require extensive medical treatment. Thermal burns often cause skin damage and may also affect the underlying tissues and muscles. In some cases, thermal burns can lead to permanent disability or even death.
Chemical Burns
Chemical Burns occur when the skin is exposed to certain chemicals, such as acids or alkalis. These types of Burns can be severe and often require extensive medical treatment. Chemical Burns often cause skin damage and may affect the underlying tissues and muscles. In some cases, chemical Burns can lead to permanent disability or even death.
Electrical Burns
Electrical Burns occur when the skin is exposed to an electrical current. These burns can be severe and often require extensive medical treatment. Electrical Burns often cause skin damage and may affect the underlying tissues and muscles. Electrical burns can sometimes lead to permanent disability or even death.
Injuries can lead to permanent disability in many different ways. Thermal, chemical, and electrical burns are just some ways an injury can cause long-term damage. If you or someone you know has suffered a severe injury, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately. Many people can recover from their injuries and live full lives with proper treatment.
Last Updated on October 13, 2022
