Serious Violent Injury

A serious violent injury can cause tremendous emotional and physical trauma to a victim. Whether the victim suffers a head injury or a spinal cord injury, the consequences can be devastating. Fortunately, the attorneys at Deitch & Rogers have extensive experience handling serious violent injury cases. We understand that no one expects to suffer serious injuries, but even the most careful people can be victims of violent criminal attacks, due to the differences between cases we recommend an expert Serious violent injury victim lawyer.

Serious Bodily Injury

A serious bodily injury is any injury that causes substantial physical pain, increases the risk of death, or impairs a bodily function. A severe bodily injury may also result in permanent disfigurement or the loss of a limb, digit, or other body part.

To qualify for a serious bodily injury claim, the victim must show that the attack caused significant harm to them. The injuries must be so severe that the victim may need hospitalization and medical treatment. They must also affect a person’s organ, limb, or mental function in a significant way.

If a violent crime causes serious bodily injury, the victim has the right to file a civil personal injury lawsuit. This action can help a victim obtain financial compensation from the criminal or other person responsible for the incident. The victim can also seek compensation for physical therapy, prescription drugs, and psychological problems that result from the injury.

Spinal Cord Injury

If you are a victim of a serious violent injury, you need to know what to do in order to receive the best care possible. This type of injury is very serious and can lead to many complications. For example, you may lose feeling and function in one or more of the lower extremities. In the worst cases, the injury can result in wrongful death.

Spinal cord injuries can leave the victim paralyzed or quadriplegic. Because the spinal cord is vital to so many functions of the body, victims often face a lifetime of health problems. Luckily, monetary awards can help the injured party cover the financial costs of their medical expenses. Such compensation may even help the victim regain his or her pre-accident condition.

Spinal cord injuries can occur from motor vehicle accidents, falls, and other forms of physical violence. About half of new spinal cord injuries come from accidents. Other contributing causes include driving under the influence, not wearing a seat belt, or speeding. Serious violent acts such as assaults and gunshots can also cause devastating injuries to the spine.

Paralysis

Paralysis is a type of physical impairment that begins at the spinal column. The spinal column is the main conduit for nerve signals that travel from the brain to the rest of the body. When the spinal column is injured, the damaged nerves prevent these signals from traveling beyond the injury. As a result, anything below the injury may be affected.

Paralysis can drastically alter a person’s life. It can make it difficult to find work, take care of oneself, or even move around the house. Fortunately, advances in technology have made it possible for people with paralysis to regain their independence. Though the technology is still expensive, there are more options available today than ever before.

In many cases, paralysis results from brain or spinal cord injuries. Depending on the location of the injury, different types of paralysis may result. Damage to the cervical spine usually results in quadriplegia, whereas injuries to the thoracic or lumbar spine may result in paraplegia.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are compensation awards made to a victim of a serious violent injury. They are also known as exemplary damages, and are intended to deter future criminal behavior. Such damages may be awarded in cases of assault and aggravated battery, in which the defendant caused severe physical harm to the victim. Such injuries can cause permanent physical and emotional trauma. Some victims may even suffer permanent brain or spinal cord damage.

Punitive damages are awarded in addition to compensatory damages to punish the offender and deter similar behavior in the future. In the United States, these damages are most commonly awarded in drunk driving, assault, product liability, and dog bite cases. However, the laws surrounding punitive damages vary from state to state. In Pennsylvania, punitive damages may be awarded in some cases, but are subject to certain restrictions.

Punitive damages do not necessarily need to be equal to compensatory damages. Punitive damages are calculated based on the defendant’s behavior, the extent of the injury, and the defendant’s financial situation. This type of compensation does not replace the loss of income due to the injury, but is designed to deter future crimes.