Legal consequences: In a lawsuit from an accident causing paralysis, an injury attorney may have to consult many of these specialized experts, in addition to medical doctors, to best understand what the future holds for a paralyzed accident victim and how best to present that person's claim to a jury.

Where the paralysis affects the injured person's ability to earn a living, there may also be coordination with Medicare, Medicaid, private health and disability insurance, and other alternative sources of income or payment for medical care.

Amputation

Another type of catastrophic injury is amputation.

Definition: "Loss of a body part." Usually a finger, toe, arm or leg, due to an injury, accident or trauma.

Sometimes an amputated body part can be re-attached, especially when care is taken both of the body part and site of the amputation.

In a partial amputation, some tissue remains connected. Re-attachment may or may not be possible.

Complications common to this type of injury include bleeding, shock and infection.

50% to 80% of amputees experience the phenomenon of "phantom limbs." This means that they feel as if the missing body part is still there. These phantom limbs can itch, ache and feel as if they are moving.

Some causes of amputation: factory, farm or power tool accidents or from motor vehicle accidents.

Long-term care for amputees may include a prosthesis and training in its use.

In a lawsuit from an accident causing amputation, an injury attorney will have to focus on rehabilitation and the injured client's ability to earn a living. Vocational and occupational experts are frequently consulted. The question often arises about future expenses, such as future medical costs and care and replacement of the prosthesis.

Burns

From kids washing under a too-hot faucet to the accidental steam explosion from a car radiator, burns are a potential hazard. Babies and young children are especially susceptible to burns, as they are small and curious and have sensitive skin.

Common causes of burns are:

Scalding (from hot liquids or steam) - contact with open flame or heated objects (stove,fireplace, etc.) - chemical burns (bleach, battery acid, etc.) - electrical burns - sun burn Types of burns:

First-degree: Mildest. Limited to top layer of skin. Redness, pain minor swelling. No blisters.

Second-degree: More serious. Involve skin layers beneath the top layer.

Third-degree: Most serious. Involves all layers of skin and underlying tissue. Nerve damage may mean little pain.

What to do:

Seek medical assistance if:

Burned area is large or looks infected (swelling, pus, redness, etc.); Burn is from a fire, electrical or chemical source; Smoke was inhaled; - Burn is on the face, scalp, hands or genitals. A lawsuit for an accident involving burns can require sophisticated engineering assistance to show negligence, particularly in the cases of chemicals and/or defective products. An experienced legal team is essential.

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