Personal Injury Terms and Definitions

Paraplegia Complete paralysis of the lower half of the body including both legs, usually caused by damage to the spinal cord. General damages Better known as "pain and suffering" damages, which include the emotional trauma from physical injuries, pain, humiliation, etc. Compensatory damages Which measure actual dollar-value losses for such things as medical expenses, lost income, loss of future earning capacity, etc. Cerebral edema Accumulation of excessive fluid in the substance of the brain. The brain is especially susceptible to injury from edema, because it is located within a confined space and cannot expand. Mental Anguish Mental suffering. It is different from a physical injury, but may be considered in awarding damages. In some cases damages for mental anguish can be awarded even if no physical injury occured. Traumatic Brain Injury Serious injury to the head often resulting in severe and permanent damage to the brain. A bone may break or fracture when the force applied against it is greater than the strength of the bone itself. Bodily Injury A cut, abrasion, bruise, burn, or disfigurement; physical pain, illness, impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty; or any other injury to the body, no matter how temporary. Unintentional Injury Two categories of unintentional injury: motor vehicle-related injuries and home and recreation related injuries. Quadriplegia Complete paralysis of the body from the neck down, usually caused by damage to the spinal cord. Basilar fracture A break in bone at the base of the skull. About a half of basilar fractures are caused by bicycle or motor vehicle accidents, about a quarter by falls, and a tenth by recreational activities, particularly by diving accidents.

Contact a personal injury attorney in Kansas now!

Get legal help for your injuries by hiring a lawyer in Kansas that you are sure will handle the case with respect to you and the legal profession. Hire a personal injury lawyer that has experience in your claim area.

	Did You Know?
	Wrongful death claims seek compensation for losses resulting from the family member's death A number of situations lead to wrongful death case being filed. Medical mistakes, car accidents, criminal attacks, work-related injuries, and other accidents result in wrongful death case. Expert testimony and other requirements mean that medical mistakes tend to be the most difficult wrongful death claims to prove, requiring extensive effort on the part of attorneys.