Many are aware of the dangers regarding traumatic brain injuries (TBI). They can happen in any type of accident in which the victim suffers violent blows, jolts, or shaking of the head. Reckless and negligent behavior on the part of others involved is often to blame. As experienced Oregon brain injury attorneys, we help victims and their families get the compensation they are entitled to in a claim.
There are, however, other kinds of trauma injuries that can happen. In honor of National Trauma Awareness Month, we want you to be aware of how they happen and the help that is available.
May Is National Trauma Awareness Month
Annually each May, National Trauma Awareness Month calls attention to traumatic injuries, how they happen, and the resources available to help victims and their families. It is sponsored in part by the American Trauma Society, which provides practical support for people in this situation and an extensive database of medical providers and services.
In Oregon, trauma injuries are generally divided into two categories. Major trauma involves injuries that either result in death or severe long-term disabilities. These typically require lengthy hospital stays and a period of intensive care. Minor trauma is considered less severe, but can still cause permanent impairments and typically requires inpatient treatment for at least several days. Common types of trauma injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries, which are capable of causing physical, emotional, and cognitive impairments;
- Spinal cord injuries, which may result in partial or complete paralysis;
- Severe burn injuries, resulting in scarring and disfigurement;
- Amputations, which may involve multiple body parts;
- Abdominal injuries, impacting internal organs;
- Respiratory injuries, which impact the lungs and breathing functions, often due to exposure to smoke, fire, or toxic chemicals released after an accident.
How Do Trauma Injuries In Oregon Happen?
The Oregon Health Authority keeps a detailed trauma registry, based on data from 44 different trauma hospitals throughout the state. It lists how many major and minor trauma injuries happen each year, how they were caused, and the types of services required by patients.
According to the registry, more than 8,000 people suffer some type of trauma injury in Oregon each year. Among the most common causes include:
- Car accidents;
- Motorcycle accidents;
- Truck accidents;
- Pedestrian accidents;
- Bicycle accidents;
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents;
- Getting struck by or against objects on another’s property;
- Construction site accidents;
- Sports and recreational accidents;
- Accidents due to dangerous or defective products;
- Medical malpractice and negligence.
In all of the above cases, reckless and negligent actions on the part of others is typically to blame. If you or someone you love suffers a trauma injury in Oregon, it is important to be aware of your rights to compensation.
How To Get Compensation For Oregon Trauma Injuries
Negligence means taking actions that put others at risk or not taking standard precautions to prevent personal injuries. When trauma injuries happen as a result of another’s negligence, you are entitled under the Oregon Statutes to hold the at-fault party accountable in a claim.
In some cases, insurance policies they have may help in paying for medical costs and other expenses. However, policy limits often fail to provide the total amount trauma victims need. In this situation, you may be better served by filing a personal injury lawsuit. Compensation available includes:
- Economic damages: This compensates you for tangible costs. It includes all your current medical expenses, any ongoing testing and follow-up care, medical devices you require, and physical therapy. It also includes travel expenses to and from trauma centers and modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate disabilities. You are also entitled to reimbursement for lost wages, as well as future losses in income due to your injuries.
- Non-economic damages: These are designed to compensate you for intangible losses due to trauma injuries. This includes compensation for your pain and suffering, any scarring or disfigurement you experience, lost enjoyment in life due to being unable to engage in your former activities, and lost companionship for family members.
Get Caring Support From Our Oregon Trauma Injury Attorneys
Trauma injuries impact your life and that of your loved ones in a major way. Filing a claim can help ensure you have the financial resources to get medical care and other services you need. At the Johnston Law Firm, we provide caring support throughout the process and are dedicated to getting you the maximum amount possible. Call (503) 546-3167 or contact our Oregon trauma attorneys online to request a consultation today.