What Kinds of Injuries Cause Permanent Disability?

February 15th, 2024 by Thomas J. Henry

Suffering an injury can be a life-altering event, particularly if it results in permanent disability. For individuals involved in accidents, understanding what injuries may lead to permanent disability is crucial for ensuring they receive the appropriate compensation and support. In the realm of personal injury law, permanent disability refers to impairments that significantly affect an individual’s ability to perform daily activities or work tasks for an extended period, if not for the rest of their life. Here are a few things you should know.

Injuries That May Be Considered a Permanent Disability

1. Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can result from traumatic events such as car accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis or loss of sensation and function below the injury site. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, individuals may experience paraplegia (loss of function in the lower body) or quadriplegia (loss of function in both the arms and legs). Spinal cord injuries often result in permanent disability, drastically altering the injured person’s quality of life and necessitating lifelong medical care and support.

2. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): TBIs occur when an external force causes brain dysfunction. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain damage. While some individuals may recover fully from a mild TBI, moderate to severe cases can lead to permanent cognitive, physical, or emotional impairments. Memory loss, impaired motor function, personality changes, and difficulties with concentration and communication are common consequences of TBIs. Individuals with permanent brain injuries may require ongoing therapy, assistance with daily tasks, and accommodations in the workplace.

3. Loss of Limbs: The loss of a limb, whether through amputation or severe injury, can result in permanent disability. Amputations can occur due to accidents, medical malpractice, or conditions such as diabetes. Losing a limb not only affects a person’s mobility but also their independence and emotional well-being. Prosthetic limbs can help individuals regain some functionality, but adjusting to life with a prosthetic often requires extensive rehabilitation and support.

4. Severe Burns: Severe burns can cause permanent damage to the skin, muscles, nerves, and other tissues. Beyond the physical pain, burn injuries can lead to permanent scarring, disfigurement, and loss of function. Burn survivors may require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and long-term therapy to manage pain and restore mobility. Additionally, the psychological impact of disfigurement can significantly impact an individual’s mental health and overall quality of life.

5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as a car accident, assault, or natural disaster. Symptoms of PTSD may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and avoidance of triggers related to the traumatic event. While PTSD may not manifest immediately after the traumatic event, it can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s mental well-being and ability to function in daily life. Individuals with PTSD may require therapy, medication, and other forms of treatment to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

6. Hearing or Vision Loss: Hearing or vision loss can result from injuries such as head trauma, exposure to loud noises, or eye injuries. Permanent hearing loss can impact communication, social interactions, and employment opportunities. Similarly, permanent vision loss can affect an individual’s ability to perform tasks independently and may require adaptive technologies or assistance from caregivers. Coping with hearing or vision loss often involves ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and support services to help individuals adjust to their new circumstances and maintain their independence.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

In cases where injuries result in permanent disability, individuals may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and ongoing care and support. Personal injury laws vary by jurisdiction, but generally, victims have the right to pursue legal action against those responsible for their injuries, whether it be a negligent driver, a careless property owner, or a negligent employer.

It’s essential for individuals who have suffered permanent disabilities to seek legal representation from experienced personal injury attorneys who understand the complexities of these cases. An attorney can help navigate the legal process, gather evidence to support the claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for fair compensation on behalf of the injured party.

Moreover, legal professionals can work with medical experts to assess the long-term impact of the injuries and calculate the full extent of damages, including future medical expenses and loss of earning capacity. By securing adequate compensation, individuals with permanent disabilities can access the resources they need to rebuild their lives and maintain their independence to the fullest extent possible.

Damages that Can Be Sought for Permanent Disability

In a personal injury case dealing with permanent disability, a wide variety of damages may be sought. One significant category of damages is economic damages, which aim to cover the financial losses incurred due to the injury. Economic damages may include medical expenses, both past, and future, such as hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation therapy, medications, and assistive devices.

Additionally, economic damages may encompass lost wages and loss of earning capacity if the permanent disability prevents the individual from returning to their previous employment or pursuing future career opportunities. These damages seek to alleviate the financial burden imposed by the injury and ensure that the injured party receives the necessary medical care and support for their long-term needs.

Another crucial aspect of damages in a personal injury case involving permanent disability is non-economic damages, which compensate the injured party for intangible losses that are more challenging to quantify. Non-economic damages may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. These damages recognize the physical and emotional toll of living with a permanent disability, as well as the impact on the individual’s relationships and overall well-being. While assigning a monetary value to non-economic damages can be complex, they play a vital role in providing fair compensation and acknowledging the profound impact of the injury on the injured party’s quality of life.

By awarding both economic and non-economic damages, the legal system aims to ensure that individuals with permanent disabilities receive the support they need to navigate the challenges ahead and rebuild their lives to the fullest extent possible.