Examples of Catastrophic Car Accident Injuries
As a no-fault insurance state, New York limits the ability to bring about a car accident lawsuits to those who have suffered from severe personal injuries. These injuries are considered catastrophic when they lead to lost wages, lengthy recoveries, psychological damage, pain and suffering, and long term or permanent impairments. Convincing insurance companies that you suffered catastrophic injuries after an accident caused by a third party can be difficult. Talk to a Central New York Personal Injury Lawyer to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Minor Versus Serious Injuries
Common minor injuries from car accidents are abrasions and cuts. When two cars collide, glass shards and metal pieces tend to twist and move at speeds that can cause severe cuts and gashes. Some cuts may require stitches and removal of glass stuck in the skin. Abrasions can be caused by rubbing against the airbags or other parts of the car. These can be treated at home, unless the abrasions become infected. Infection requires immediate medical attention.
Severe car accident injuries include permanent impairments and induced comas. Permanent impairments are most commonly caused by traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and spinal cord injuries. Comas are harder to predict and vary depending on the cause.
A coma is an unconscious state that is deeper than sleep because the person lacks the ability to respond to the surrounding environment and stimuli. Some people are able to breathe on their own, but in severe cases, a person will require life support machines. The unpredictability of a coma stems from not knowing exactly when the person will regain consciousness. Many people have been stuck in a coma for years, while others woke up within a week.
Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
Brain and spinal cord injuries are considered severe because of the permanent impairments they are known to cause. Spinal cord injuries, in particular, can cause paralysis, a lack of sensation and movement below the injured spinal area. Depending on which spinal area is damaged, a person could be confined to a wheelchair or may lose the ability to use their arms and hands. In severe cases, a person may no longer be able to breathe without a machine.
TBIs vary from mild to severe. Mild TBIs tend to heal and the person can regain original functions from before the accident. Moderate-to-severe TBIs can last for life and may require long-term care and physical therapy. Brain injuries have the potential to affect everything from personality and memory to sensation and movement.
Car Accident Attorney in New York
You should not have to pay for damages caused by a negligent driver. Talk to a Liverpool Car Accidents Lawyer about the injuries you suffered from the accident. You could be eligible to receive compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages if your injuries reach a certain level of severity.
At Gattuso & Ciotoli we possess over 50 years of legal experience in personal injury lawsuits. You can contact us at (315) 314-8000 for a free consultation. Our offices are located in Central New York, Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, Syracuse, North Syracuse, Camillus, Liverpool, Cortland, and Auburn. Our goal is to help you earn the compensation you need to recover financially.