Toronto Disfigurement Injury Lawyers
In personal injury law, certain injuries are considered to be “catastrophic.” These are defined as injuries which are both serious and permanent, injuries that have a significant impact on one’s day-to-day life. Under Ontario law, a catastrophic injury may include:
- Paraplegia or quadriplegia
- Blindness in both eyes
- Severe brain injury
- Injury resulting in severe mental or behavioral impairment
Another category of injuries is the “disfigurement injury.” Disfigurement injuries may include burns, wounds that leave significant scarring, and amputations.
If you or a family member has suffered a disfigurement injury, your first priority is to ensure that your medical care is optimal. Having excellent medical care can help to minimize the effects of the injury, and can help you cope with pain until you are fully healed.
Of course your primary physicians are part of this team, but they should also make referrals to other medical personnel such as:
- Specialists. Once the injury has healed sufficiently, and pain is under control, you should be referred to the appropriate specialists. In cases where burns or scarring are involved, this may mean cosmetic surgeons. Amputees should be referred to a prosthetist who can work with them to design a prosthesis that fits their needs.
- Physical Therapists. A physical therapist works to help you maximize your physical abilities. In the case of an amputation, this may mean learning to walk again, or to write and eat with a different hand. In the case of burns or scarring, it may mean working to maximize movement, strength, and function.
- Occupational Therapists. OTs work to provide you with accommodations, devices, and strategies to help you perform the tasks you wish to do. These can range from dressing, feeding, and toileting to complex work-related activities.
- Counselors. Coping with a disfigurement injury can be very stressful emotionally -- these injuries are life-altering. People often become depressed, or develop body image issues. In addition to dealing with physical pain, you may be experiencing acute mental pain as well. You may begin to doubt your ability to perform your jobs, your attractiveness to your romantic partner (or potential romantic partners), or your ability to cope with the stares of co-workers or strangers in public places. It’s important that you have a counselor to talk to, to help work through mental and emotional difficulties. Usually, it is valuable for the patient’s whole family to attend some sort of therapy in order to cope with the challenges of the situation.
Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer for your Disfigurement Injury Case
Another priority after experiencing a disfiguring injury is to talk to a lawyer. If you’ve been injured accidentally, you will want to file an insurance claim.
Paperwork in these types of insurance claims is exacting and complex. Certain deadlines must be met, and particular forms must be submitted. A personal injury lawyer can advise you on the supporting paperwork necessary to submit a claim, which can include police reports, eyewitness accounts, and photos from the accident scene, as well as medical records about the injury. Past, present, and future must be considered, so you will need statements from medical professionals about what the ongoing impact of your injury will be. You will also need to supply receipts, invoices, and other proof of expenses your injury has caused you to incur. You may need records about your past income, such as income tax records, or pay slips.
As soon as you are able, meet with a personal injury lawyer to discuss your options. With serious injuries, it’s usually important to secure financial compensation from your insurance company. Because you may be unable to work for weeks or months while you are recovering, the sooner your claim can be put into motion, the better. Let a skilled and experienced personal injury law firm take care of this for you – look for a lawyer who has handled hundreds of these types of cases. When choosing a firm, consider your specific requirements: do you prefer a lawyer who speaks a language other than English? Will your lawyer be able to meet with you face-to-face when necessary? Will you be able to speak to a lawyer whenever you need to?
Finding Support after an Injury Occurs
In addition to medical professionals, it’s important to seek out support from the community. Sometimes only someone in a similar situation can understand what you are going through. That’s why most people seek help from support groups set up to help those who have suffered burns, undergone amputation, or are dealing with significant scarring. Organizations offer a wide variety of services, from various types of emotional or financial support to sports and leisure activities. People who have been through the experience can often help others find ways to cope with their “new normal.”
Ask your medical personnel about support groups in your area, and explore online resources, too. Groups can lead to new friends, information about devices that will help you to function more efficiently, and the development of new skills. Personal injury lawyers often have a list of local organizations that can provide help.
If you’ve experienced an accidental disfigurement injury, contact a personal injury lawyer. They will be able to assist in finding the support you need to live your life to the fullest.