5 Most Common Personal Injury Types

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “tens of millions [of] people suffer non-fatal injuries each year which lead to emergency department and acute care visits, hospitalizations or treatment by general practitioners and often result in temporary or permanent disability and the need for long-term physical and mental health care and rehabilitation.” Moreover, “for people age 5–29 years, 3 of the top 5 causes of death are injury-related” one of which are road traffic injuries. Beyond the physical repercussions, trauma—especially during childhood—can lead to mental health issues.

Most people will be affected by personal injuries during their lifetime, whether directly or through a loved one. It is imperative, therefore, to understand more about the most common personal injuries, as well as the role that a personal injury attorney can play in helping you recover.

Most Common Personal Injury Types

Below, you can learn more about common types of injuries and some of their possible causes:

1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

These injuries typically occur from a violent blow to the head or body or an object that penetrates the brain tissue, like a bullet, a piece of fractured skull, or any other foreign object. Mild TBI may affect the cells of your brain temporarily, but should improve with the right care. More severe TBI can result in damaged tissue, bruising, bleeding, and other physical trauma to the brain that could lead to long-term complications or death. Symptoms to watch out for include, among others:

• Headache.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Problems with speech.
• Dizziness or loss of balance.
• Confusion or disorientation.
• Memory or concentration problems.
• Sensitivity to light or sound.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Blurred vision or ringing in the ears.
• Bad taste in the mouth or changes in the ability to smell.
• Mood changes or mood swings.
• Sleeping more than usual.

2. Back Injuries

Back injuries occur when movements, sudden jolts, aging, poor posture, or trauma cause damage to the muscles, joints, bones or other tissues of the back. These injuries can happen anywhere along the back, but are most common on the lower back. Most back injuries are linked to minor strains, and while these can be very painful, they tend to heal on their own within a few days or weeks. More severe back injuries may require treatment and can have a long-lasting impact on your physical well-being. Some of these include:

• Herniated Discs: occurs when a spinal disc ruptures or bulges, putting pressure on nearby nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs. 
• Spondylolisthesis or “slipped vertebra”: a condition where a vertebra in the spine slips out of place. It can occur due to a number of possible reasons, including injury, arthritis, or even a birth defect.
• Spinal Stenosis: a narrowing of the spinal canal that occurs due to aging or injury. It can cause pain, numbness, weakness, or cramping in the back, legs, arms, neck, or shoulders.
• Fractured Vertebrae: a break in one of the bones in your spine. Fractures can occur due to trauma from falls, sports injuries, or car accidents. 

3. Soft Tissue Injuries

A soft tissue injury can cause damage to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Some of the most common types include bruises, strains, and sprains. They can occur due to a variety of activities and have symptoms such as:

• Pain, swelling, burning, bruising, or redness.
• Difficulty moving a joint or muscle.
• Muscle weakness.
• Stiffness.

Soft tissue injuries tend to be milder and can often be treated at home. The RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) protocol is often effective for treating these injuries. To prevent them, you can implement warm-up and cool-down routines, stay hydrated, and pay attention to form during exercise. For more severe soft tissue injuries, like puncture wounds and deep cuts, you should seek medical attention.

4. Fractures

These are a partial or complete break of a bone. The symptoms of broken bones include pain, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility. Common causes include falls, injuries, or repetitive motions. Treatment may involve splints, casts, traction, or even surgery to realign the bone pieces. Bone fractures should be evaluated and treated by a medical professional. If you suspect that you have broken a bone, seek medical attention immediately.

5. Psychological Injuries

A mental health condition that results from an accident, an injury, or a traumatic event can be considered a psychological injury—including anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Since psychological injuries are not visible, they are often harder to detect and diagnose. However, the impact of these injuries can be severe and life-altering. Detecting and addressing these issues is imperative to achieve full recovery. Each individual can experience mental health issues differently, but some common symptoms to watch out for include:

• Nightmares.
• Flashbacks.
• Insomnia.
• Anxiety.
• Panic attacks.
• Agoraphobia.
• Hypervigilance.
• Suicidal thoughts.
• Mood swings.
• Difficulty remembering events.

Steps to Take if You’ve Suffered an Injury

The most important thing to do after an injury is seeking medical attention. This can help minimize the long term damage and assist in identifying injuries that may not present symptoms right away, such as brain injuries. Additionally, if your injuries were caused by an accident, you should document the extent of the damage and the scene by taking videos, pictures, and requesting a copy of any police or medical reports filed. These reports can become key pieces of evidence in a negligence or liability case later on.

The Role of a Lawyer in a Personal Injury Case

The main role of a lawyer in a personal injury case is to represent the interests of the injured individual against the negligent or responsible party. Their key responsibilities include:

Case Evaluation

During this stage, an expert will gather all the necessary information about the accident, what caused it, and its consequences. At Adamson Ahdoot, we are available 24/7 and offer free, no-compromise case evaluations. To talk to our team, you can call (800) 310-1606 at your convenience.

Gathering Evidence

An experienced legal team can help you gather evidence to support your claim. This includes, but is not limited to, police and medical reports, witness statements, photographs and videos, surveillance footage, etc. This will be the foundation for building a strong case.

Legal Representation

While it’s sometimes tempting to attempt to handle a personal injury case on your own, we strongly recommend seeking the advice of an experienced lawyer. Personal injury claims can be complex, especially if filed against major corporations. The right lawyer can safeguard and advocate for your rights, and ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

Client Communication

An experienced legal team can ensure the client is kept informed of every step of the process. They will be available to explain to their client any complex legal challenges that may arise, or address any concerns the client may have.

Have You Had a Personal Injury? We Can Help!

The Adamson Ahdoot team has over 100 years of combined experience in successfully representing personal injury victims. We’ve recovered over $500 million for clients and maintain a 99% success rate.

If you or a loved one suffered a personal injury, we are ready to help. Your dedicated legal team will provide expert, compassionate assistance and guide you through every step of the way to maximize your recovery and get the justice you deserve.

Call (800) 310-1606 today for a free case evaluation!