Roderick C. Lopez | December 20, 2024 | Personal Injury
Disabilities can change lives after accidents occur. These disabilities affect not just the victim but the whole family.
In 2022, the NHTSA reported 2.38 million traffic injuries. Many of these accidents lead to a personal injury and disabilities. Knowing more about these disabilities can help families prepare for the challenges ahead and seek support.
1. Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are very complex. They affect millions of Americans each year due to accidents and other injuries. The impact can range from mild concussions to severe trauma.
TBIs affect thinking, memory, and emotions through disruption of normal brain function. They can change personality and behavior, often leading to relationship challenges.
TBIs may lead to the need for extensive rehab and care, including speech, occupational, and physical therapy. Individuals may also need adaptive technology for daily tasks. Job performance and career opportunities can be impacted as well.
2. Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can occur in an instant, but they change a life forever. They affect all physical functions impacted by the injury.
These injuries can cause paralysis, either partial (paraplegia) or complete (quadriplegia). Major lifestyle changes, including home and vehicle modifications, may be required.
Ongoing care from a team of medical specialists may be needed as many body functions, including breathing and digestion, can be affected. This involves significant emotional adjustment and support.
3. Severe Burns
Severe burns cause lasting problems beyond the initial trauma. They affect both appearance and function.
Burns can impact daily life in the following ways:
- Causes scarring and movement issues that may require ongoing treatment
- May require multiple reconstructive surgeries over the years
- Leads to chronic pain and sensitivity in affected areas
- Needs special care and rehab to maintain skin health
- Affects both body and mind, often requiring psychological support
These injuries often require specialized treatment centers.
4. Traumatic Amputations
Losing a limb changes how a person lives. It requires both physical adaptation and emotional strength.
Traumatic amputations may require adjustment to prosthetics, ongoing fittings, physical therapy to learn new movement patterns, prosthetic changes, and home and workplace modifications.
5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD can affect daily life in the following ways:
- Triggered by traumatic events, affecting daily activities
- Affects daily life and relationships through anxiety and avoidance
- Need for psychological support and trauma-focused therapy
- May require medication to manage symptoms
- May impact work performance and social relationships
PTSD is invisible to others, but it profoundly changes a person’s experience of and interaction with the world.
6. Chronic Pain Syndrome
Chronic pain syndrome turns acute pain into a daily struggle. It affects all aspects of life.
Chronic pain syndrome stems from injuries that create lasting nerve damage and affect movement and daily tasks through constant discomfort, which can lead to depression and anxiety.
You may need comprehensive pain management strategies.
7. Vision Loss
These injuries are often caused by direct injuries to the head or eyes in accidents. They may range from partial to total blindness, affecting depth perception.
Dealing with vision loss may require the following:
- Major adjustments in daily living skills
- Special training in mobility and communication
- Assistive devices and technology
Visual impairment creates unique navigation, communication, and independence challenges.
8. Joint and Skeletal Disabilities
Joint and skeletal injuries can limit movement and function and affect work and daily activities. These injuries are often due to complex fractures and joint damage and can limit movement and range of motion permanently.
You may need ongoing physical therapy, exercise, and multiple surgical interventions.
Joint and skeletal disabilities often lead to chronic pain and arthritis.
9. Nerve Damage
Peripheral nerve injuries can have widespread effects.
Nerve damage can do the following:
- Cause pain and sensation issues in affected areas
- Affect movement and coordination through muscle weakness
- Require specialized care from neurologists
- Lead to paralysis in severe cases
These injuries can impact sensation and movement.
10. Internal Organ Damage
Damage to vital organs can cause serious health issues. This damage often results from
severe trauma in accidents. You may need lifelong medical monitoring as further complications may arise over time.
Internal organ damage may require long-term, ongoing medical care. You may need dietary or lifestyle modifications and medication management.
Contact the Laredo Personal Injury Attorneys at Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers. Call Us at (956) 529-7336
If you were injured in an accident in Laredo, TX, and need legal help, contact our Laredo personal injury lawyers at Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review today.
We are located in Laredo, TX, proudly serving Webb County and surrounding areas. We are located in Laredo, Texas.
Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers
6557 Metro Court, Suite 1 Laredo, TX 78041
(956) 529-7336
