Accidental injuries send tens of millions of people to the hospital each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 24.8 million people visited a physician, and emergency rooms handled 97.8 million visits due to unintentional injuries in one recent year. 

While some of these injuries are easily treated, many others result in a disabling condition that could be long-lasting or even permanent. In fact, 61 million adults in the U.S. are currently living with a disability, according to the CDC. 

Here, we have provided a list of the most common types of unintentional injuries that could result in a disability. 

Types of Accidental Injuries Frequently Causing Disability

Some of the most common injuries that cause disabilities include:

• Back and neck injuries — Injuries to the neck and back can significantly impact the ability to move, as an injury to these body parts can make it difficult to bend and twist the upper body. An injury to the cervical spine (the part of the spine in the neck) can lead to quadriplegia and loss of critical bodily functions.
• Spinal cord injuries — Spinal cord injuries can have a lasting or permanent impact on the victim because the spine is responsible for transmitting signals throughout the body. A spinal cord injury can cause nerve damage, paralysis, numbness or weakness in the limbs, and other severe disabilities.
• Broken bones — If a broken bone is not set correctly, it might not heal appropriately, leaving the victim in pain and possibly limiting the ability to move and use the affected part of the body.
• Traumatic brain injuries — Brain injuries can cause a range of physical and mental disabilities, from paralysis to memory loss and more. Brain injuries are particularly serious because the damage usually cannot be reversed.
• Amputations — If you lose all or part of an arm or leg in an accident, it could permanently affect the ability to perform specific tasks and activities. A prosthesis can help in some instances, but the loss of a limb is usually considered a significant disabling condition.
• Burns — Severe burns can cause significant scarring and disfigurement. In some cases, severe burns could also cause nerve damage that can impact movement and function.

How Permanent Disabilities Affect Your Life

Some of the ways a permanent disability can affect your life include:

• Limited ability or inability to take part in certain activities
• Impaired brain function or other cognitive difficulties
• Diminished quality of life
• Financial difficulties due to ongoing medical care and an inability to work

Potential Benefits for People with Disabilities After Accidents

Many benefit programs can help if you have a permanent disability, though some of these benefits can be difficult to obtain without legal help. Some potential benefits you may be eligible for include:

• Social Security disability benefits
• Workers’ compensation
• Disability benefits from private disability insurance
• Compensation from a personal injury lawsuit

Contact Our Experienced Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Our Florida personal injury lawyers want to hear from you if you are dealing with a disabling condition. You could be entitled to significant disability benefits and other forms of compensation that could help you rebuild your life and live with the dignity you deserve. Contact The Disability Law Firm today for a free consultation.