Every injury can be traumatic in its own way. However, some injuries are more traumatic than others and require long-lasting medical care. These injuries often happen at work but can occur anywhere. Unfortunately, there are many different causes for these injuries. As a result, they can have a big impact on a person’s physical health, finances, and medical needs.
Free Consultations For San Francisco Traumatic Injury Victims
For people in San Francisco who have been through traumatic injuries, it can be incredibly challenging to face the situation. At The Law Offices of Matthew J. Quinlan, we understand that getting medical treatment and knowing what will happen in the future can be daunting. In most cases, there might also be urgent medical needs right after the accident on top of any treatment and complications in the future.
That’s why we’re happy to offer free initial consultations for victims who have had traumatic injuries. We can help you figure out who should take responsibility and make sure you get fair compensation from the party who is at fault. To find out more about how we can help you, don’t hesitate to contact us today to set up your free consultation.
What is Considered a Traumatic Injury in San Francisco?
A traumatic injury is one that causes:
- Severe harm
- Needs immediate medical attention and ongoing treatment
Unfortunately, these kinds of injuries can happen suddenly and unexpectedly. There are many possible causes, but often, these accidents occur because someone was being negligent or not careful. In San Francisco, some of the most common accidents that result in traumatic injuries are:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Dog bites
- Slip and fall accidents
Traumatic injuries are extremely devastating because they not only affect the person who got injured, but also their whole family. The victim often requires constant medical care and may become permanently disabled, unable to work. This leads to a significant loss for everyone involved, both financially and emotionally.
What Are Some Examples of San Francisco Traumatic Injuries?
Obviously, given the numerous types of accidents that result in traumatic injruies, there are seemingly endless examples of these injuries that can happen to you in San Francisco. One of the most difficult aspects of traumatic injuries, aside from the obvious health issues, is that they can strike at any time–in any type of accident. Unfortunately, there’s often no way to prepare for such unthinkable events. Additionally, these injuries can occur anywhere in your body, affecting various parts.
Some examples of traumatic injuries include:
- Fractures (broken bones) – These occur when bones are subjected to excessive force, causing them to crack or break.
- Lacerations – These are deep cuts or tears in the skin, often caused by sharp objects or significant trauma.
- Punctures – A puncture wound occurs when a sharp object, such as a nail or needle, penetrates the skin and underlying tissues.
- Penetrating injuries – These occur when an object, like a bullet or a knife, enters the body and causes damage to internal organs or structures.
- Crush injuries – These injuries result from compression or force applied to a body part, often leading to tissue damage, fractures, and internal injuries.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – These can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage caused by a blow or jolt to the head.
- Spinal cord injuries – These injuries involve damage to the spinal cord, leading to loss of function and potentially paralysis below the level of injury.
- Burn injuries – Burns occur when the skin and underlying tissues are damaged by heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation.
- Eye injuries – Traumatic eye injuries can include corneal abrasions, foreign object penetration, chemical burns, and blunt force trauma.
- Amputations – These involve the partial or complete removal of a body part due to trauma or surgical intervention.
Other Complications
When you get seriously hurt, it’s not just the physical effects that are important to consider. The way it affects your mind and feelings can have a big impact on your life too. Traumatic injuries are different from regular injuries because they often require expensive medical and psychological care. Here are some of the main psychological effects that can happen:
- Clinical depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Chronic anxiety
- Embarrassment and negative body image
- Low self-esteem
- Decrease in quality of life
- Sleep and eating disorders
- Substance abuse
- Social isolation
The emotional and psychological damage caused by traumatic injuries can be long-lasting and make it hard to live a normal life. Even after the initial physical problems are taken care of, there can still be long-term physical effects like:
- Infections
- Chronic pain
- Permanent nerve or muscle damage
If your traumatic injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, they will be responsible for any damages that the injury caused you. The first crucial step in obtaining the much-needed compensation is determining who is at fault.
Determining Liability in a San Francisco Traumatic Injury Accident
Traumatic injuries are indeed very serious. They affect the victim and their family physically, emotionally, psychologically, and financially. With that said, figuring out who is responsible for your traumatic injury and resulting damages in an accident is no different than any other incident. The responsible party in a San Francisco accident–or anywhere else in California–is the one that acted negligently and caused the accident.Sometimes, determining liability can be challenging, as the following parties may be responsible:
- Drivers – If your injury occurred in a vehicle accident, a negligent driver may be held accountable. Proving their negligence involves demonstrating that they caused the accident by driving under the influence, speeding, or engaging in reckless behavior. This is crucial for getting compensation.
- Property owners – Property owners have a duty of care to ensure the safety of visitors. If your traumatic injury resulted from a fall caused by unsafe conditions and the owner was aware of the danger, they could be held liable for your injury.
- Trucking companies – Truck accidents frequently cause traumatic injuries due to the large size and weight disparity between trucks and other vehicles. Moreover, trucks often transport hazardous materials, such as chemicals, which can increase the risk of burns or damage to the skin and nerves in an accident.
- Employers – Like property owners, employers have a responsibility to maintain a safe work environment. They should inform you about any potential hazards or unsafe conditions before you begin working. If they fail to do so and you suffer a traumatic injury as a result, you can hold them responsible for your damages.
No matter who caused your injuries, it’s important to seek compensation to help you get back to your normal life. But getting compensation can be difficult. Having the right team on your side supporting you can make the process easier and faster.
Damages Available After a San Francisco Traumatic Injury
Not surprisingly, traumatic injuries are more severe and have longer-lasting effects compared to typical accident injuries. To handle your initial medical expenses and property damage, you’ll need to pursue your legal options, which includes filing an injury claim.
In a San Francisco traumatic injury claim, you can potentially recover damages relating to:
- Past and future medical expenses.
- Lost wages due to the accident.
- Reduced ability to earn money if your injuries result in a permanent disability.
- Value of damaged or destroyed property.
- Loss of companionship and enjoyment in life.
- Physical pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress and reduced quality of life.
Compassionate and Dedicated Legal Support For San Francisco Traumatic Injury Victims
Experiencing a traumatic injury is something that you can’t prepare for. It can change your life instantly and cause long-term physical and emotional effects, while also impacting the people who care about you.
At The Law Offices of Matthew J. Quinlan, we’re proud to help you not only get better physically but also feel better emotionally. We can guide you through the sometimes challenging process of filing a claim against the person who caused your injury.
Our team of compassionate and dedicated San Francisco traumatic injury lawyers will always put you first. We take care of all parts of your claim and make sure we cover everything. We’re here to give you the help you need. Contact us today for a free consultation to start your journey to recovery.