How Serious Injuries Impact Families

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Catastrophic injuries can strike at any time, leaving a victim with horrible pain and trauma, an abrupt end to their ability to work, and no clue of what the future holds. In addition, any injury of this magnitude has a ripple effect, touching the lives of everyone close to the victim. After a catastrophic injury, the victim’s entire support structure is likely to experience significant life changes. It’s important to consider the effects an injury has on them while negotiating a personal injury settlement.

Not sure what comes next after a catastrophic injury? The team at Reeves & Mestayer is here to help. Call us at 228-374-5151 to schedule a consultation now.

The Physical Impact is Long-Lasting

The term “catastrophic injury” is reserved for those injuries that will have a long-term or even permanent impact on a person’s independence, capacity to live life as they did before, and treatment options. Because of this, the physical impact on the victim and their family members can be profound. The accident victim may struggle to ambulate and care for themselves as they did before, and on top of that, they may constantly be in pain.

This loss of independence and mobility also strains the physical health and limitations of their family members. If the individual can no longer move around on their own, their spouse or other adult family member may be responsible for moving them with a Hoyer system, gait belt, EZ-Stand machine, or another mobility device.

Such work can be very demanding on the back and overall strength of a caretaker. The caretaker may also be responsible for helping them with bathing, using the restroom, and other personal care tasks, all of which take a physical toll.

Mental and Emotional Trauma Often Occur

Mental trauma is extremely likely after a catastrophic injury. The injured individual may experience high levels of stress caused by the sudden loss of independence and previous way of life, as well as the unpredictability of their future.

Catastrophic injuries often have an unclear outcome, and an injured individual might know their prognosis for weeks, months, or even years. This type of uncertainty can wear away at your mental health and wellbeing, especially when you combine it with a sudden lack of physical freedom.

Of course, this type of trauma also affects family members. Those thrown into a caretaker role may struggle with viewing their loved ones in a different light and wondering if they are ready to take on this role. They may also struggle with mental health concerns if the family is suddenly left in a tight financial position or if caretaking pushes their schedule to the limit.

It’s important to note that family members often mourn the loss of the life they once had. They had plans and dreams that involved their injured loved one, and now those plans may be on hold or completely canceled. This is a normal part of the grieving process. Both the injured person and their close loved ones may want to seek out counseling to help them navigate this challenging time.

Financial Stress is Practically Unavoidable

Given the huge changes victims experience physically and mentally, it’s no surprise that they and their families may suffer financially as well. The victim of a catastrophic accident may lose their ability to work completely, dealing a harsh blow to their family. This may require their partner—who may also now be their caretaker—to work more hours or take on a more demanding job.

Even if that’s possible, medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and other expenses often prove to be too much. It’s not uncommon for people who endure catastrophic injuries to be forced to file bankruptcy after an accident.

Financial stress shouldn’t keep you from getting the medical care, mental health treatment, and rehabilitative support you need. Nor should it prevent you from providing for your family and meeting their needs. That’s one of the main benefits of a personal injury claim.

If someone else is liable for your injuries, you can fight for full and fair compensation that covers your medical expenses, long-term care costs, lost wages, and other expenses. However, fighting for just compensation in a situation like this requires the help of a skilled legal professional.

Plan Your Next Steps with Reeves & Mestayer

We understand how devastating a catastrophic injury can be to you and your family. The team at Reeves & Mestayer is ready to fight on your behalf for the compensation you deserve. Let’s set up a time to talk. Call us at 228-374-5151 or reach out to us online to talk more about your needs.

What to Know About Chest Contusions

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Accidents leave victims with a wide range of injuries, many of which go unnoticed until the victim receives medical attention. Chest contusions are a fairly common injury because they can be caused by falls, physical assaults, and anything else that delivers a blunt blow to the chest.

Serious injuries could cause you significant physical pain, financial instability, time away from work, and long-term health issues. It’s important to fight for the compensation you are owed. Call Reeves & Mestayer at 228-374-5151 to schedule a consultation now.

Understand What a Chest Contusion Is

A chest contusion is basically a bruise caused by blunt force trauma to the chest. It causes pain in many different areas, including your ribs, chest muscles, and cartilage. It is typically worsened by coughing, deep breathing, sneezing, and laughing. Those who suffer chest contusions often brush off their symptoms as general pain from the car accident. They notice an issue when their pain worsens over time or gets significantly worse when there is pressure on the area.

Chest Contusions Aren’t Always Visible

Part of what makes chest contusions dangerous is the fact that they are not immediately identifiable. Blunt force trauma can be extremely painful, but it doesn’t leave an immediate, obvious wound like a penetrating injury does. You may simply assume that you’re experiencing muscular pain from the force of the car accident. Waiting too long to seek medical care can put you at risk for more serious conditions.

If your pain does not go away in the hours or days after a car accident, a chest contusion could be to blame. You may also experience deep purple or black bruising in the area as the skin responds to the trauma.

This is just one reason it’s so important to seek medical care promptly after an accident. While you may not immediately notice a chest contusion, a medical professional can.

You Could Suffer a Bruised Lung After a Chest Contusion

Serious chest contusions can progress and cause more severe injuries, such as a bruised lung. Also known as a pulmonary contusion, a bruised lung can cause mucus buildup in the lungs, low blood pressure, wheezing, fast breathing, and cyanosis. This type of injury requires prompt attention, as lung issues can quickly worsen and put you in critical condition.

The longer a bruised lung goes without treatment, the less oxygen your body receives. A bruised lung is typically treated through frequent coughing, long and deep breaths, pain management, and the use of an incentive spirometer.

Worse Complications May Occur

Other issues may arise with a chest contusion. A respiratory infection can make you feel fatigued, cause you to cough more than normal, and give you headaches. Respiratory infections vary widely in severity, with some resolving on their own with enough rest and others causing lifelong health issues.

One of the most dangerous outcomes of a chest contusion is acute respiratory distress syndrome. This potentially fatal lung injury causes fluid to leak into the lungs. As more fluid builds up, breathing gradually becomes more difficult, and less oxygen makes it into your body. As the disease progresses, it can cause other organs to fail. While ARDS cannot be cured, the condition can be treated if the victim is supported during the healing process.

The Healing Process is Unpredictable

It’s very difficult to predict the recovery timeline of a chest contusion. For some people, symptoms and related health concerns fade away in a matter of days. For others, symptoms drag on for weeks or even months. A lot depends on the type of crash that caused your injuries.

The more severe the injury is, the more likely it is to leave you with lingering side effects. Symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and soreness could linger for a long time. It’s crucial to give yourself plenty of time and rest to support proper healing.

Start Your Personal Injury Claim with Reeves & Mestayer

If you’ve suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligence, you can hold them accountable with a personal injury claim. The team at Reeves & Mestayer can help you fight for the compensation you are owed. To set up a meeting, call us at 228-374-5151 or get in touch with us online.