Deep Tissue Injuries
Table of Contents
Pressure injuries can occur as a result of a traumatic accident wherein force is applied to the surface of an accident victim’s skin. People who become trapped underneath heavy objects for a prolonged period of time, or whose bodies are dragged forcefully against another surface, could develop severe pressure injuries. Additionally, people who have sustained muscle injuries resulting in nutrient deficiencies, as well as injuries that have damaged their fascia, may be at risk of developing severe pressure injuries.
The severity of pressure injuries is measured in stages; Stage IV pressure injuries can cause extensive damage to muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and deep tissues. If there is no open wound but tissues beneath the surface of the skin have been damaged, the resulting sore is called a deep tissue injury (DTI).
DTIs can be difficult to detect in people with dark skin tones. One of the primary observable symptoms is a purple or maroon skin discolouration. There may also be a blood-filled blister caused by damage to underlying soft tissues. The injured area might also have tissue that feels different to the touch than the adjacent areas. It might feel more painful, firmer, or spongier than non-injured areas, or have a difference in temperature.
The Long-Term Impacts of DTIs
In addition to the physical pain and limited mobility often experienced by accident survivors who are suffering from DTIs, these severe pressure injuries can have long-lasting, profoundly impactful consequences. There are major risk factors involved with DTIs that could have severe repercussions for injured accident victims in the future. These include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Immobility
- Incontinence
- Diseases that affect blood flow (including diabetes and atherosclerosis)
- ObesityÂ
- Ischemia
- Hypoxemia
- Anemia
- Neurological disease
- And more
Many people suffering from DTIs require extensive and expensive personal assistance in the form of personal support workers and attendant care. Since DTIs often make it impossible for injured accident victims to continue working in their current positions of employment, affording the necessary costs of personal care in addition to other medical expenses, lifestyle adjustment costs, and regular costs of living often feel like an impossibility.Â
How an Ontario Personal Injury Lawyer May Be Able to Help
If you sustained a DTI in an accident caused by another party’s negligence, our Ontario personal injury lawyers may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve. At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we believe that no one should be forced to face financial uncertainty because of someone else’s wrongful conduct.Â
By working with our personal injury lawyers serving all of Ontario, you may be able to recover compensation for damages you incurred as a result of all the injuries you sustained because of your accident. To learn more about how Preszler Injury Lawyers may be able to assist you, contact us today.
Call 1-800-JUSTICE for a Free Initial Consultation
No two accidents are alike, and the impacts of resulting injuries are similarly unique. By taking advantage of a free initial consultation with our Ontario personal injury lawyers, you can receive personalized, case-specific legal advice tailored to your specific needs. If you are eligible to pursue a civil claim, our personal injury lawyers serving Ontario might be able to review the severity of your injuries, assess the financial impact they have had on your life, and pursue the maximum amount of compensation to which you might be entitled.Â
To receive your cost-free, no-obligation consultation with our Ontario personal injury lawyers, call 1-800-JUSTICE today.
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Personal Injury FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions for personal injury claims
What does a lawsuit look like?
Every personal injury lawsuit is generally comprised of five main parts. The length of time each part takes can vary depending on the complexity of your case. Your lawyer will help you through each stage by providing tailored advice and strong legal representation.
You can expect:
- Statement of Claim: This is a formal document that initiates the personal injury claim against the at-fault party (or individual you are suing).
- Examination for Discovery: This is a meeting where you and your lawyer will ask the opposing party questions about the claim, the accident, fault, and anything else that is deemed relevant. The opposing party will also have the opportunity to ask you questions.
- Gathering of Evidence: Your legal team will gather a variety of evidence on your behalf to strengthen your claim. This might include medical records, police reports, images from the accident scene, witness testimony, expert opinions, and more.
- Mediation: If you would like to attempt to settle without going to trial, you will likely undertake mediation. Mediation involves you and the opposing party negotiating the terms of your settlement with the assistance of a neutral third party.
- Trial: If you are unable to reach a settlement during mediation, your claim will proceed to trial. During trial, your lawyer will present your case and the evidence they have gathered before a judge (and sometimes a jury). Once complete, the judge will decide the final amount of compensation you’re entitled to.
It’s important to note that a majority of personal injury claims are settled through mediation, out of court. Our Toronto personal injury lawyers help guide clients through each of these stages, so they don’t have to navigate the legal complexities alone.
How much will I have to pay for lawyers’ fees?
Our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win your case. A percentage of the settlement you receive will go towards lawyers’ fees. There are no upfront, out-of-pocket payments required.
What type of compensation can I expect to get?
When you’re injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, there are many different types of compensation you may be eligible to receive. The amount and kind will depend on the severity of your injury and the specifics of your case.
Common damages you might claim include:
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Loss of income
- Housekeeping losses
- Medical costs
- Legal costs
- And more
Our experienced Toronto personal injury attorneys will help maximize what you can recover by exploring your case and eligibility in depth. We aim to ensure that the compensation you receive reflects not only your current suffering, but the lifelong effects that your accident may have in the future.
When can I sue for non-pecuniary general damages (e.g. pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, etc.)?
In Ontario, you can sue for non-pecuniary damages if you have suffered a permanent and serious impairment of an important physical, mental, or psychological function, or permanent, serious disfigurement. This is known as the “threshold.” If you meet this threshold, you can sue for general damages such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other similar losses.
How long will it take to settle my case?
The length of time it takes to settle a case depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the extent of your injuries, and whether the other parties involved are willing to settle. Some cases can be settled in a few months, while others can take years.
How long will the process take?
The length of time a personal injury claim can take varies widely according to the specifics of your case. While some cases settle in a matter of months, some can take anywhere from two to four years.
Some factors that affect the duration of personal injury claims include:
- Complexity of your injuries
- Each party’s willingness to settle
- Whether a claim goes to court
- Insurance company cooperation
- Availability of evidence
- And more
When liability is clear or injuries/damages are more clearly documented, cases may move faster. A personal injury lawyer will make sure the process keeps moving, although sometimes delays (like court backlogs) are unavoidable. Seeking personal injury legal advice early may help you streamline your timeline.
How long do I have to sue?
In Ontario, generally speaking you have two years from the date of your injury-causing accident to file a claim. However, based on the circumstances of your individual case, this timeline could be subject to additional limitations.
Do I have a strong case?
After taking advantage of a free initial consultation with our personal injury lawyers, the strength of your case can be evaluated based on the evidence available and the specific circumstances of your accident. Our personal injury lawyers offer case-specific legal feedback to help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your case and advise you on legal options that might be available.