Understanding Minor vs Major Injuries After an Accident
If you are injured by someone else’s negligence in an accident, you can generally seek compensation for your losses through their insurance coverage. This typically applies, however, to major injuries, which basically means injuries that lead to significant loss. If your injuries are minor, filing a claim against the at-fault party is likely to be far less worthwhile. The critical point to make here, however, is that what you may consider a minor injury could be much more severe than you realize. And minor injuries can evolve into major injuries. This is precisely why it’s always in your best interest to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney at John Price Law in Charleston, SC, following an accident.
Common Personal Injury Claims
Every personal injury claim is specific to the person who files it and to the unique situation involved. Most, however, fall into categories like the following:
- Traffic accidents of all kinds, including car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
- Boating accidents
- Accidents caused by defective consumer goods
- Slip and fall accidents, dog bites, and other premises liability claims
- Accidents caused by third parties on the job
Medical malpractice claims are based on professional negligence, which makes them very similar to personal injury claims.
The Dividing Line between Minor and Major Injuries
The line that separates minor injuries from those classified as major is the impact the injury has on your life. When an injury causes a short-term disability, such as keeping you off the job or interfering with your ability to live your life the way you did before the accident, it’s considered significant. The same is naturally true if the injury permanently diminishes your quality of life or proves fatal. All the following meet the standard for major injuries:
- Compound fractures
- Serious burns
- Serious bleeding
- Wounds to the eye
- Loss of consciousness
- Injuries that lead to disfigurement, amputation, or paralysis
While suffering a minor injury as a result of someone else’s negligence is certainly not pleasant, these injuries don’t endanger your life and don’t cause temporary or permanent disability. They may, however, be painful. Examples include:
- Scrapes
- Minor burns
- Cuts that aren’t deep
- Sprains and strains
- Bruising
Considering the Big Picture
The problem with labeling an injury immediately is that circumstances can change. The shock and rush of adrenaline you experience in the aftermath of an accident can mask symptoms, including severe pain. In other words, you may be more seriously injured than you realize. This makes it essential to seek immediate medical attention after an accident and to consult with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer if your injuries are serious.
It’s Time to Consult Our Dedicated Personal Injury Lawyer
If someone else’s negligence has injured you, the severity of your injuries will play a critical role in your claim. You should not, however, label your injuries as minor before consulting with a skilled injury attorney at John Price Law in Charleston, SC. We are well-equipped to pursue fair compensation on your behalf. Contact us online or call 843-552-6011 and schedule a free consultation today.