What Are the Long-Term Effects of a Personal Injury?

Suffering a personal injury can have serious and long-lasting effects on various aspects of a person’s life. Although immediate consequences, such as physical pain and medical treatment are apparent, it is just as important to understand other long-term implications of a personal injury.

If you were injured due to another person’s negligent actions, you have the right to pursue compensation for your damages, including long-lasting damages. You should strongly consider working with our experienced personal injury lawyers in New Jersey to recover full compensation.

Below, we discuss the significant long-term effects that personal injuries can have on individuals and families.

Ongoing Physical Health Concerns

Personal injuries can result in ongoing physical health concerns that may persist long after the initial incident. These concerns can range from chronic pain to more severe conditions, depending on the severity of the injury.

Some common long-term physical effects include the following:

• Chronic pain – Many accident victims experience chronic pain, which can affect their daily activities, mobility and overall quality of life. Conditions such as nerve damage, back injuries or joint issues may lead to persistent pain.
• Cognitive issues – Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function, memory, attention and decision-making capabilities. These impairments may require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.
• Sensory issues – Injuries affecting the senses, such as hearing loss or vision impairment, can significantly impact an individual’s daily life. Adjustments and accommodations may be necessary to minimize the effects of these impairments.

Lifestyle Changes

Suffering a personal injury may also result in lifestyle changes, impacting a person’s independence, daily routines and overall well-being. For example, reduced mobility, change in career and depending on others for basic necessities.

Spinal cord injuries or limb amputations that affect mobility may require the use of assistive devices or mobility aids. Adjusting to these changes can be emotionally and physically challenging.

If an injury prevents an individual from doing certain job-related duties, it could mean he or she is unable to return to his or her previous job right away. In some cases, this could even require a complete career change.

In severe cases, personal injuries may result in a person becoming dependent on others for daily activities and personal care. This dependency can lead to feelings of frustration, loss of independence and strain on personal relationships.

Impacts on Mental Health

The psychological effects of a personal injury should not be overlooked either, as they can have a significant long-lasting impact on an individual’s life.

Individuals who have experienced a traumatic event resulting in a personal injury may develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Symptoms can include the following:

• Flashbacks
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Difficulty sleeping

The emotional toll of coping with a personal injury can also lead to depression and anxiety disorders, even if the individual is not suffering from PTSD. This could result in the injured victim retreating into social isolation, which can further exacerbate these other psychological issues.

Financial Impact

A personal injury can also have a significant financial burden on the accident victim and his or her family.

Even though Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance may help cover medical costs and lost wages, it may not be enough to cover the full extent of your damages for an extended period. This could result in financial restraints in the future.

If the accident victim is forced to quit his or her job or take a low-paying position, this could also have serious financial ramifications.

Recovering Compensation For Long-Term Impacts of a Personal Injury

There may be some legal options available for individuals seeking compensation for the long-term consequences of personal injuries.

To recover compensation for the long-term impacts of a personal injury, it is important to determine the damages suffered. This includes not only immediate medical expenses but also future medical costs, ongoing rehabilitative treatment, therapy and any necessary assistive devices. Lost wages, diminished earning capacity and potential career changes should also be considered when determining the value of these long-lasting impacts.

Once the extent of your damages is determined, then your attorney can negotiate with the liability insurance company on your behalf. If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer may need to look at the legal options that may be available to you.

Need Help After an Injury? Call Us Today

The legal process after an accident in New Jersey can be complex. That is why it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side from the beginning.

Our lawyers have decades of experience negotiating settlements, and we are prepared to take cases to court when necessary.

We offer a free consultation to determine your legal options and there are no fees while we work on your case.

Call (800) 518-0508 to learn more.