An accident can change your life forever if it leaves you with a disability. In Utah, many injury victims have trouble understanding their legal options and how to get fair compensation. Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers have seen how disabilities from accidents affect victims and their families and can help them receive compensation.
Understanding Disability After an Injury
A disability limits one or more major life activities. After an accident, disabilities can be temporary or permanent. They may affect your ability to work, enjoy daily activities, or live on your own. When someone else’s carelessness causes your disability, you may deserve compensation for both your current and future needs.
What Are the Top 10 Disabilities From Personal Injuries?
These are the most common disabilities that result from accidents and personal injuries:
1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Brain injuries from car crashes, falls, or workplace accidents can cause cognitive problems, memory loss, personality changes, and physical disabilities. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in a recent year, there were more than 69,000 deaths due to TBIs, many of which occur from accidents.
2. Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis. These severe injuries often happen in car accidents, falls, and sports incidents. They frequently require lifelong care.
3. Amputations
Losing limbs due to accidents, medical mistakes, or workplace injuries creates major disabilities. Victims often need prosthetics, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
4. Severe Burns
Serious burns can cause permanent scarring, limited movement, and nerve damage. According to the American Burn Association, about 30,000 people need hospital care for burn injuries each year in the United States. These injuries often come from fires, explosions, chemicals, or electrical accidents.
5. Back And Neck Injuries
Herniated discs, broken vertebrae, and other back and neck injuries can cause chronic pain. They often limit movement and prevent victims from working or enjoying daily activities.
6. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
This pain condition can develop after an injury. It causes severe pain, sensitivity, and movement problems. CRPS can follow even minor injuries but may lead to long-term disability.
7. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Mental health disabilities like PTSD can be as debilitating as physical injuries. Accident survivors may have flashbacks, anxiety, and other symptoms that affect work and relationships.
8. Vision And Hearing Loss
Eye and ear injuries can cause partial or complete loss of vision or hearing. This greatly affects a victim’s ability to work and quality of life.
9. Chronic Pain Conditions
Accidents can trigger conditions like fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome. These create significant disabilities despite having few visible signs.
10. Orthopedic Injuries
Severe fractures, joint injuries, and torn ligaments can lead to arthritis, limited movement, and chronic pain. These often qualify as disabilities when they prevent victims from doing their jobs.
How Long-Term Disabilities Impact Victims
Long-term disabilities last at least 12 months or are permanent.
Their impact goes far beyond physical limitations:
- Financial challenges include ongoing medical bills, lost income, and costs for special equipment. Many victims earn less money for the rest of their lives.
- Emotional effects can be just as severe. Depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders often come with physical disabilities.
- Social impacts may include changes in family roles, fewer social activities, and loss of independence.
These lasting challenges affect nearly every aspect of a victim’s life, requiring ongoing adjustments and support.
Short-Term Disabilities and Recovery
Some injuries cause temporary disabilities that improve with proper treatment. Common short-term disabilities include:
- Healing fractures and orthopedic injuries
- Mild to moderate brain injuries
- Temporary vision or hearing problems
- Short-term mental health issues
Even with recovery, these conditions can cause major disruption and money problems. Good medical care, therapy services, and temporary help can aid recovery and reduce the chance of permanent disability.
Legal Options For Disability Victims
When accidents caused by others’s negligence lead to disabilities, victims have several legal options:
- Personal injury lawsuits against careless parties
- Product liability claims for injuries from defective products
- Premises liability claims for injuries on unsafe property
- Medical malpractice claims for injuries from poor medical care
- Workers’ compensation for work-related disabilities
Each option has different rules, possible compensation, and time limits.
Living With a Disability After an Injury
Living with a disability after an accident has many challenges. Proper support and resources can help a lot. Knowing your legal rights is crucial for recovery. The team at Parker & McConkie understands these challenges. Experienced legal help ensures your needs are met now and later. With the right legal support, medical care, and assistance, many accident victims adapt and rebuild their lives.
Contact the Utah Personal Injury Lawyers at Parker & McConkie Today
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have 5 convenient locations in Utah, including Midvale, Salt Lake City, Ogden & Provo, UT. Clients can also visit our offices in Idaho Falls, ID & Rock Springs, WY.
We proudly serve Weber County, Utah County, Salt Lake County in Utah, Bonneville County in Idaho, Sweetwater County in Wyoming , and its surrounding areas:
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Salt Lake City Office
466 S. 500 E., Suite 100,
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
(801) 851-1202
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Midvale Office
7090 Union Park Ave, #160,
Midvale, UT 84047
(801) 845-0440
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Ogden Office
2510 S Washington Blvd, Suite 160,
Ogden, UT 84401
(385) 402-8187
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Provo Office
37 E Center St, Suite 300,
Provo, UT 84606
(801) 876-4107
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Rock Springs Office
531 N Front St,
Rock Springs, WY 82901
(307) 205-7400
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Idaho Falls Office
2235 East 25th St. Suite #280,
Idaho Falls, ID 83404
(208) 418-0633
Hours: 24/7
