When accidents occur, determining who the victims are, and if they need compensation is sometimes simple, and sometimes complicated. Despite the classification of the injury by medical professionals, legal assessment is different.

Filing a serious claim takes more than getting hurt and getting admitted in hospital. Compensation requires proof and evidence that convinces beyond reasonable doubt. For this, you need the help of both medical professionals and an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Types of Injuries

Identifying the type of injury is critical. The more severe it is, the more compensation you are entitled to. Legally and medically, there are three classifications of injuries.

• Life-threatening injuries – these are injuries are serious and compromise the life of the victim. Such injuries usually affect the head, check or major organs. Blunt and penetrating force usually cause such injuries.
• Life-changing injuries –injuries in this class don’t pose an immediate threat to the life of the victim. However, they are non-reversible and last a lifetime. Some of the injuries that fall under this category include loss of eye sights, amputation, severe burns and brain injuries resulting in permanent damage to a function.
• Serious injuries – Fractured jaws, blood infection, broken bones requiring plates or pins, severe leg or foot damage that impairs mobility, and nerve damage to the back or neck feature prominently on the list of serious injuries.

Some injuries are not as easy to classify. During classification, various factors are put in consideration. The main considerations include occupation of the victim, and how the injury affects their ability to make a livelihood.

Factors that Determine Compensation

Determining the level of injury is just one of the factors that determine the compensation the victim gets. There are various other factors considered. These include:

• Short and long-term loss of income
• Cost of any special equipment
• Medical care and rehabilitation costs
• Car and home modification costs

Why You Need a Lawyer

Determining the extent of the injuries is only part of the process. You need an experienced lawyer who will help you table and present facts to maximize your compensation.

Hiring a lawyer also ensures you don’t damage any evidence vital to your case. Under the guidance of a lawyer, you can preserve more evidence for a stronger claim.

Lawyers are an essential part of any serious injury claim. With the help of medical professionals, other witnesses, and evidence your lawyer can significantly improve your compensation.