Cuts and lacerations are common injuries that people suffer in various types of accidents, including car accidents, workplace accidents, slip and fall accidents, and more. And while cuts and lacerations might sound like minor injuries, that isn’t always the case. In cases of severe cuts and lacerations, long-term health consequences could result.
If you have sustained cuts and lacerations in an accident that was caused by a third party’s negligence, then you could be entitled to recover compensation to help you cover the cost of medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and more related to the accident. The Maine cuts and lacerations lawyers at Mann Law have the experience and resources to fully investigate your claim, gather evidence, and build a strong catastrophic injury case for compensation.
Common Causes of Cuts and Lacerations in Maine
Cuts and lacerations may be caused by many different types of accidents. They may occur due to broken glass, debris, dangerous equipment, metal, and other objects. These objects can slice through the epidermis and right into an artery or vein, causing a potentially life-threatening medical situation. Cuts and lacerations can also cause scarring at the site of injury, potentially leading to permanent disfigurement.
Some of the most common causes of cuts and lacerations include:
Types of Cuts and Lacerations
There are several types of cuts and lacerations. Four of the most common are:
- Cut lacerations – Cut lacerations are one of the most frequent types of lacerations and are the result of any kind of sharp object slicing the skin open and breaking the skin apart.
- Grinding compression – Grinding compression lacerations often occur due to blunt force trauma to the skin. In a grinding compression laceration, the skin is “peeled” back when an object impacts the skin.
- Split lacerations – Split lacerations can result from a body part being squished or squeezed between two objects. The skin and surrounding tissues then tear due to the pressure applied to them. These types of lacerations often occur on the face, legs, and hands.
- Stretch lacerations – Stretch lacerations occur when the skin is overstretched, creating a “flap” of skin. This type of laceration may have many different causes, but one common one is violent assault. If a person is kicked, the force of the kick may create a wound that results in a flap of skin being pushed back by the force of the impact.
What to do after Sustaining Cuts or Lacerations
If you have been in an accident that resulted in serious cuts and lacerations, it’s critical to know what to do in the immediate aftermath. Consider taking the following steps:
- Seek medical attention – Get medical care right away. If a cut or laceration has sliced open an artery or vein, you may begin to lose blood, which can be life-threatening. Immediately put pressure on the wound to prevent loss of blood, and call 911 or have someone else call for you. Once emergency personnel arrive, make sure that you are seen and evaluated right away.
- Document the injury – If you can, take photos or videos of the injury and the scene of the accident so that you have a visual record of what occurred. Photo and video evidence can help strengthen your claim later on.
- Keep a pain journal – Consider keeping a journal where you record details about your injury and the recovery process. This can also be used as evidence to support your claim.
- Don’t post on social media – Consider refraining from posting about your injury on social media until your claim is resolved. Insurance companies can take anything that you say and attempt to use it against you as a reason to deny or reduce your claim.
- Consult with an attorney – A seasoned cuts and lacerations attorney in Maine can help you identify the at fault party or parties, craft a winning legal strategy, and pursue the full amount of compensation you deserve.
Compensation for Cuts and Lacerations
Compensation awarded in a successful cuts and lacerations lawsuit is designed to cover the cost of:
- Present and future medical expenses related to your injuries, including hospital bills, physical therapy, skin grafts, surgeries, tests, prescription medications, and more.
- Lost wages, if you are unable to return to work due to your injuries.
- Pain and suffering, which includes non-financial losses like emotional trauma, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive damages, if appropriate. Punitive damages are not frequently awarded, but when they are, the purpose is to “punish” the at fault party for the excessively reckless or grossly negligent behavior.
Navigating the complex civil claim process can be challenging, particularly if you are trying to recover from your injuries. That’s why it is crucial to consult with an experienced Maine cuts and lacerations attorney.
Contact a Maine Cuts and Lacerations Attorney Today
If you have sustained cuts and lacerations in an accident resulting from negligence, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our dedicated attorneys today. At Mann Law, we bring almost two decades of experience in personal injury law to the table, and we have the knowledge and skill to help you pursue the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. Contact us for a free consultation to learn how a Maine cuts and lacerations lawyer can advocate for you.
