Legal Guides

What Does it Mean to be Asked if an Injury Affected my Quality of Life?

An injury of any kind can affect your quality of life in many ways, be it a mental health issue or a physical issue. There are many aspects to take into consideration when asked if an injury affected your quality of life.

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Questions you may ask yourself can include: Has it stopped me from doing small to large everyday tasks, or is it a life changing injury? Has this accident affected my job, hobbies, personal life, or my career. All these factors can affect the quality of life you have after an accident.

The injury that is affecting your quality of life may have been caused by various types of accidents such as a car accident or an accident at work – these are two common places where serious injuries can be caused: *

  • Car Accident: A car crash is never something you expect to happen to you. Car crashes can cause minor to severe injuries depending on the scale of the accident with some resulting in more serious injuries and resultant pain.
  • Accident at Work: Workplace accidents can occur in several different environments that an employee is legally required to be throughout the course of their working day and be caused as a result of lack of proper equipment, lack of training or health and safety procedures issues, etc.

Chronic Pain

Chronic or persistent pain is pain that carries on for longer than the expected healing period despite medication or treatment. In the case of chronic pain, it may result after breaking a bone(s), traumatic back injuries, or spine damage. Even if you think the injury is not serious, it can continue to cause discomfort. In rare cases, you may require a lifetime of medication, surgeries, and procedures to help you deal with the chronic pain.

Reduced Quality of Life

In some cases, after an accident, serious injuries can lead to disabilities. For example, a paralysis disability can come from a severe spine injury, leading to partial or complete mobility loss, and/or long-term pain from your injuries. In addition, severe burns or traumatic eye injuries can cause disfigurement, which can impact a person’s self-esteem and social interactions.

Other injuries that can impact your quality of life include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Herniated disc
  • Burn injuries

Emotional Pain of a Personal Injury

After being in an accident, the aftermath may affect your physical wellbeing. It can cause serious distress and damage to your mental health and emotional state, and can leave you feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed. After the traumatic event, most people have difficulty coping and adjusting to everyday life and usual habits.

Post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) is also a common outcome of an injury. PTSD symptoms may not appear immediately, and it is known that some people have had symptoms appear only months or even years after the event. Symptoms of PTSD can cause significant problems in work, social environment and in relationships. Symptoms can vary from person to person.

*Serious Injuries

Serious injury claims are an unfortunate reality for many people who have suffered debilitating injuries due to the negligence of others, and unexpected accidents. In Ireland, the Personal Injury Assessment Board (PIAB) is responsible for assessing personal injury claims, including those related to serious injuries. These types of injuries can have a devastating impact on a person’s life, often resulting in significant loss of earnings, particularly in cases where the injury leads to permanent disability. At Tracey Solicitors LLP, we understand the importance of obtaining fair compensation for our clients who have suffered serious injuries, including loss of earnings, medical expenses, and other related costs. Our team of experienced solicitors is dedicated to helping clients navigate the legal process and secure the compensation they deserve.