Injuries That Do Not Go Away After an Auto Accident

Some car accident injuries may not heal completely, even after extensive treatment.

When an injury leaves a permanent or a long-term effect such as joint stiffness or scarring, a personal injury claim may add up significantly. The more serious the effect of an injury on your life, the higher the damages may be. These lasting injuries are also known as residual injuries.

Common Residual Injuries

One of the most common residual injuries is scarring from the original injury or from the surgery that was performed to treat the injury. Such scarring may cause embarrassment to the injured person and may affect his or her self-esteem. For this reason, large and visible scarring often qualifies for large settlement amounts. When scarring occurs near joints or other areas that flex, for example, toes and fingers, the scarring can cause loss of mobility or flexibility. In such cases, personal injury damages for scarring may be included.

Visible scarring may qualify for compensation. However, if the scars are covered under clothing, then they are not considered serious enough to call for significant damages. Scars on the neck and face usually qualify for the highest damages. An injured person should obtain a medical opinion from a qualified doctor on the cost of getting the scar removed if possible. When making a personal injury claim, include the cost of examination and the potential cost of scar removal.

Joint or Back Injuries

If you suffer a spine or back injury that causes damage to a vertebra, or a cartilage or ligament injury to a joint, then chances are that the injury will have lasting or permanent effects. Even if the injury has resolved and you have reached maximum medical improvement, you may still experience pain, stiffness, poor mobility, or discomfort. The injuries may worsen over time, especially as you age.

Documenting Residual Injuries

If you have been involved in a car accident and are suffering from a residual injury, gather any medical documentation from your physician. These residual injuries may qualify for compensation. Consult with a Missouri car accident attorney from The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. Call us at (314) 361-4242 for a free consultation.