Serious car crashes can cause serious injuries that may result in chronic pain. For example, a severe fracture or back injury could cause pain that lingers for weeks, months or years after the collision. The pain could spring up every day or when you engage in certain activities.
Below, we discuss the common types of chronic pain car crash victims may suffer and how to seek compensation for these damages. Also, we explore the role that medical professionals play for victims who may be eligible for a claim.
If you are suffering from chronic pain after a car crash, our South Bend auto accident lawyers are prepared to help you seek compensation, if we can validate your case. There are no upfront fees or costs. We only get paid if we win your case and you receive compensation.
Call our office to schedule a FREE case review: (844) 678-1800
Common Types of Chronic Pain After a Collision in Indiana
There are several types of car crash injuries that could cause chronic pain:
- Head injuries: Drivers and other vehicle occupants could hit their heads during impact. You could also suffer a head/brain injury when your head and neck are thrust forward and backward during the collision. Damage to your head or brain could cause pain in many ways, such as through headaches.
- Herniated disc: A blow to the spine during a crash could cause a spinal disc to slip out and put pressure on a nearby nerve. This can be incredibly painful and cause weakness, tingling and numbness.
- Whiplash: Whiplash is one of the most common car accident injuries. This is a neck injury caused by sudden neck and head movement, often during a collision. The injury damages the soft tissues in your neck, causing pain and restricting neck movement.
- Blunt force trauma: Blunt force trauma is a forceful impact on the body that can cause bruising, bleeding or serious internal injuries. In a car crash, victims could strike the steering wheel, dashboard or something else inside the vehicle and suffer blunt force trauma.
- Nerve injuries: Nerves in your spine, arms and lower or middle back could suffer damage in a collision. Nerve pain can be apparent immediately after the crash, or it may take hours or days after a collision to present itself.
- Knee Injuries: Some victims might experience inflammation and swelling. They might also hear a popping or clicking noise when attempting to move their knee.
What Are the Other Symptoms of Chronic Pain?
There are different types of chronic pain crash victims may experience. There are also other symptoms that may accompany the pain you feel, such as:
- Burning or aches: Car crash victims with chronic pain could experience aching pain, while others may experience burning pain. It is possible for some to experience two types of pain.
- Fatigue: If victims are experiencing pain throughout the day, it could be draining to their body and prevent them from completing tasks.
- Anxiety or other mental impact: Chronic pain takes a toll on victims’ mental health. Pain can cause victims anxiety, especially if they must continue with their daily life despite discomfort.
- Lack of focus: Chronic pain distracts victims and makes it harder to engage in daily activities. For example, some victims may not be able to focus on work or enjoy their hobbies.
- Trouble sleeping: Crash victims may not be able to sleep because they struggle to get comfortable. This can result in taking naps during the day or sleeping at odd times.
What Type of Evidence Can Help Link Chronic Pain to a Crash?
Connecting chronic pain to a car crash can be a challenge. You can present bills and receipts for treatment of your injuries. However, placing a value on fatigue, mental health issues, lack of focus and trouble sleeping can be a challenge.
An experienced lawyer will know what types of evidence can help establish the potential value of your damages. Some of this evidence can include:
Medical Records
Your records explain your diagnosis, symptoms and treatment plan. Your records also provide updates on the progress of your treatment and statements about how your injuries impact your daily life.
Pain Diary/Journal
Crash victims can keep a record of their pain levels, how the pain is affecting their daily activities and whether medication helps ease the pain.
Pain levels are different for everyone. Some individuals may have a high pain tolerance while others do not. That is why it is important to document the pain you are feeling and be specific.
Witness Testimonies
Statements from friends and family can carry a lot of weight. They can explain how chronic pain has changed your life since the accident.
Expert Testimony
Medical professionals, life care planners and economic experts can explain various aspects of a case. For instance, medical professionals can explain why you are suffering chronic pain while life care planners can detail the cost of managing your pain. Economic experts can also help to justify the cost of your damages.
What Role Do Medical Professionals Play in Proving My Claim?
Victims should visit their doctors immediately after a crash. Your doctor plays a key role in proving your claim is linked to the crash.
How your doctor can help you with your claim:
- Determining the cause of injuries: Medical records can help differentiate your health condition before and after the accident.
- Ongoing medical treatment: If you have injuries that are ongoing, your doctor can evaluate what kind of treatment you will need in the future.
- Allocate cost: Your doctor can prove why you might be eligible for a specific claim amount.
Compensation For Chronic Pain
Every case has unique circumstances that could result in victims getting a wide range of compensation. Below, are some of the types of compensation that victims may be eligible for:
- Medical expenses: This covers things like doctor visits, physical therapy, prescriptions and medical devices.
- Future medical expenses: If your chronic pain is expected to be ongoing, you may be able to receive compensation to cover this.
- Loss wages: If your chronic pain has caused you to miss work, you can include lost wages in your claim.
- Loss of earning capacity: If your chronic pain will impact your ability to make an income in the future, you may be eligible for compensation.
- Pain and suffering: Chronic pain is likely to lead to physical discomfort and emotional distress. These damages can be included in a claim for compensation.
Contact Our South Bend Office To Discuss Your Potential Case
Do not hesitate to call a knowledgeable attorney after a car crash. They can help collect evidence and speak to the insurance company on your behalf.
At Pfeifer, Morgan & Stasiak, we are committed to helping you through the legal process. There are no upfront costs if you decide to hire our firm. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
Proven results. Millions recovered. (844) 678-1800.
