A traumatic injury is any physical harm caused by some brute external force, perhaps from an accident, fall, violence, medical malpractice, explosion, or sports injury. Common types include broken bones, ruptured blood vessels, head injuries, skull and spine fractures, concussions, dislocations, amputation, and burns. It’s a pretty common occurrence; in fact, in 2021, there were more than 69,000 deaths related to traumatic brain injuries in the United States. (1)
This type of injury can greatly affect one’s physical and psychological well-being, often necessitating extensive medical intervention and long-term rehabilitation.
If you fall victim to such, you might wonder how you’ll move forward. Who should be held responsible? How can you secure your future? This piece will answer those questions and more.
Why Justice Matters
Justice in this case encompasses financial compensation and restoring a sense of fairness and accountability. The compensation you get through legal means can ease the recovery journey by covering medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, and emerging lifestyle adjustments.
For example, if you sue for disfigurement injury with the help of a skilled attorney experienced in such cases, you may be entitled to substantial damages that acknowledge both the physical and emotional toll of your injury. These may include compensation for pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and the psychological impact of living with a visible and permanent change to your appearance. Your lawyer can build a compelling case to ensure you receive the justice and support you deserve.
Achieving justice also helps validate your experiences, giving you a sense of closure and empowerment. You’ll have less stress, meaning you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
Justice is also a societal mechanism for taking responsibility. Holding negligent parties responsible compels other motorists to drive safely, ultimately preventing the recurrence of similar incidents in the future.
What Compensation Can You Recover From a Traumatic Injury?
Compensation for traumatic injury falls into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
These damages cover quantifiable financial costs associated with the injury, including the following:
- Medical expenses: With physical trauma, you’ll incur expenses like hospital stays, emergency room visits, physical therapy, diagnostic tests, and psychological counseling.
- Lost wages: This includes compensation for earnings lost following the physical injury. It also factors in your reduced earning capacity, given that severe injuries may prevent you from working as usual.
- Long-term medical care: You may need specialized intensive care depending on your specific medical condition. This could be in-home nursing or placement in a long-term care facility. You may also have to modify your home or buy a new vehicle to take care of new physical limitations.
Also, suppose the injury was a result of a motor vehicle crash. In this case, the compensation should include repair costs for the car or the purchase price for a new vehicle.
Non-Economic Damages
Apart from measurable damages, you may need compensation for the following intangible impacts of traumatic injury on your life:
- Pain and suffering: Traumatic injuries may come with intense physical pain and discomfort.
- Emotional distress: You may also experience depression, anxiety, or emotional trauma from the injury.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Life-threatening injuries may render you unable to engage in hobbies, relationships, or everyday activities you used to like.
- Loss of consortium: Traumatic injuries can negatively affect your relationship with your spouse or family, given that you may not be in a position to offer companionship or support them like you used to before the injury.
Knowing the kind of compensation to expect lets you bargain knowledgeably, increasing your chances for fair compensation. The average payout for injuries from car accidents is about USD$23,234. Your specific case may attract a lower or higher settlement amount. (2)
What To Do After a Traumatic Injury
If you suffer a traumatic injury, consider taking the following steps to safeguard your health and legal rights:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
A prompt diagnosis by a professional medic can help prevent manageable issues from morphing into complex conditions. Emergency medical doctors spring into action to lessen the pain and other uncomfortable symptoms you may be experiencing. So, it helps to prioritize treatment before exploring other ways to find justice for your case.
Immediate treatment is also proof that your injuries are real; otherwise, failure to seek medical help may be a sign that your injuries aren’t that serious.
Gather Evidence
Take photos, record statements from witnesses, and get accident reports. These help you build a solid case for fair compensation. Depending on your condition after the accident, you may gather the evidence yourself or ask someone you trust to help you out.
Adhere To Treatment Plans
Follow the advice and medication prescribed by your doctor to ensure speedy and full recovery. This includes attending all follow-up appointments, taking medications as directed, and participating in recommended therapies such as physical or occupational therapy.
Following the treatment plan to the letter helps monitor your progress and allows healthcare providers to make the needed changes. Failure to stick to it can delay healing or worsen your condition. So, remain disciplined and proactive in your recovery process.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
A personal injury lawyer can help in your quest for justice.
They’ll carefully listen to your side of the story, gather all the necessary evidence, and evaluate the severity of injury and its impact on your life and future. They’ll handle every bit of the investigative process too, from collecting medical records to interviewing witnesses. These details help prove negligence and demonstrate the full extent of your losses.
A personal injury lawyer also ensures no aspect of your damages is overlooked when computing the claim. Plus, they’ll negotiate with insurance companies or argue your case in court to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, only 4-5% of personal injury cases proceed up to the trial level. The majority reach settlements before the case is pursued in court. (3)
Yours is to search diligently for the right injury attorney, and your chances of getting fair compensation will increase.
Conclusion
The aftermath of a traumatic injury is usually emotionally distressing and physically painful. Seeking justice will ensure you get compensation to cover the unprecedented medical expenses and lost wages. Your winning point is engaging a qualified legal professional to help you through every step of the way.
Sources
- Facts About TBI. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/traumatic-brain-injury/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
- Pain And Suffering Settlement Examples 2025. Source: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/personal-injury/pain-suffering-settlement-examples/
- Personal Injury Settlement Amounts Examples (2025 Guide). Source: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/personal-injury/personal-injury-settlement-amounts/.
