Car accidents happen all the time. While most car wrecks end with nothing more than bruises and shocked vehicle occupants, a few tend to result in catastrophic injuries.
If you are hurt in a car accident that was caused by someone else’s unlawful actions, you may be entitled to compensation as provided for by Minnesota negligence laws. However, to litigate and receive the compensation you are entitled to, you may need a direct link between your injuries and the accident in question.
Here are two catastrophic injuries that you are likely to sustain following a car accident:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
The brain is an incredibly sensitive organ. Consequently, if it is subjected to force during the impact, it can swell and/or bleed. Left untreated, this could lead to permanent damage to the brain tissue or even death.
Some of the signs of traumatic brain injuries that you need to be aware of include:
- Persistent headache that worsens with time
- Loss of consciousness
- Convulsions and seizures
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries can be extremely painful and, if tragic, can change your life forever. Depending on the severity, injury to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis.
This means that you may lose the ability to move and possibly work for the rest of your life. And permanent paralysis, for instance, can cost millions of dollars to manage, especially if the injury happens to a younger individual.
Filing a personal injury claim
A personal injury lawsuit could help you pursue the compensation you need to pay for your medical costs as well as other losses. In Minnesota, you must file your case within the statute of limitations period – within two years from the date of the accident or when you reasonably discovered the extent of your injuries.
A car wreck can turn your life upside down. You may want to find out how you can safeguard your rights and interests while pursuing a personal injury claim.