There are many types of injuries that start off as a small ache or even a bruise and then get worse as time passes. Other injuries might not even be noticed when they happen and may appear later. In this blog, we talk about injuries and why you need to pay attention to even the smallest of them. We also discuss why settlements are important and not specifically a windfall.
Injuries – The Painful Truth
1. Concussions
Concussions are a great example of injuries that not only have many different symptoms, but that might actually get worse over time or might have symptoms that do not appear until later. [1] There is a lot of coverage about concussions in the press right now regarding football injuries, but it takes only a little bump to cause a concussion. Potential accidents that may cause a concussion:
- Auto accidents
- Slip and falls
- Tripping
- Being hit in the head
Anytime that you are moving and you come to a sudden stop you can cause a concussion – an injury to your brain that occurs when your brain makes contact with the inside of your skull.
2. Joint Injuries
A minor injury to a joint such as falling and catching yourself with your hands or hitting your knee on the ground. Joints are complex and some more so than others.
Sprains and strains to a joint can get worse especially if the injury is not treated properly or if you use the joint before it is fully healed. [2] Also, how a sprain or strain heals is not straightforward and treatment should begin with an evaluation by your doctor who can monitor your progress.
There is evidence that joint problems such as osteoarthritis might be caused by inflammation rather than joint degeneration [3].
These examples help to point out why injuries, even small ones, can lead to life-changing complications.
Settlements and Injuries – Why You Need A Lawyer
There are always some people who think they will get rich if they slip and fall in the grocery store. There are many others that have debilitating injuries that result from someone else’s lack of care. Settlements are not always a big windfall, even when a victim is awarded millions of dollars. Here’s why:
We are supposed to work all of our lives from the time we are adults until we retire at age 67. During that span, we will make X number of dollars – The sum of our working life. When you are injured and unable to work the sum of your working life begins to decrease. Part of your settlement covers that loss.
Ongoing medical expenses are another reason settlements are important. Have you been to the doctor recently? You may have to pay a co-payment for the appointment, a co-payment for prescriptions, a co-payment if you see a specialist, plus all of the medications, treatment, and medical equipment that your insurance may not cover. You may have to pay until you meet your deductible which is $4K, $5K, $6K or more? That’s an every year cost and if you have to continually pay that over 20 years it amounts to a small fortune – $120,000 over 20 years at $6k/year.
The cost of care adds up quickly and if you are lucky, your settlement will cover and protect you so that you can obtain the medical care that you need.
Settlements are not windfalls. They are legal compensation for the ordeal that you face.
For more information about slip and fall injuries, reach out to our team for a free case evaluation. Doing so will help you make a more informed decision about how to proceed.
Learn More
[1] Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussion – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
[2] Sprains and Strains – National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
[3] When Bones Collide – Standford Medicine