Personal Injury and Brain Injury Attorneys in Washington State – After the Injury

After a formerly healthy individual suffers a serious personal injury, his or her life is forever changed. Phillips & Webster handles all types of personal injury claims, including the claims of survivors of burn injury, spinal cord injury, amputation, and brain injury. Our attorneys serving Seattle, Tacoma, and communities throughout Washington State recognize that the years following an injury can filled with physical, emotional, and financial hardships. This is why they have dedicated themselves to securing the compensation that will result in the best possible quality of life for personal injury victims and their families.

• Medical Recuperation after a Serious Personal Injury
  • Brain Injury
  • Burns
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Amputation
• Lifestyle Changes after an Injury
  • Brain Injury
  • Burns
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Amputation
• Getting the Support You Need

Medical Recuperation after a Serious Personal Injury

Doctors provide the best medical treatment after a serious personal injury, but loved ones and even the victims themselves can speed up the recovery process by educating themselves about the repercussions of the injury. Knowing how an injury has affected a person medically can help heal them and ease stress during this confusing time.

Brain Injury

After an acute brain injury, some patients may fall into a state of unconsciousness commonly known as a coma. The doctor will attempt to elicit a response to touch, sound, sight, or smell. When patients begin to respond to their surroundings, their reaction time may be very slow. With a shortened attention span and increased reaction time, patients often tire quickly or become stressed by stimulation tests. As patients begin to react more consistently to their surroundings, they may start to feel confused and at times agitated. Helping patients focus by giving them one task at a time and keeping activities short is one way to improve mental function.

When patients are able to move about and keep daily routines, they benefit from assistance in making decisions and solving problems. Rest, safe behavior, and the usage of memory aids such as day planners should be encouraged. As soon as possible, either the victims or their loved ones should discuss their cases with the qualified brain injury attorneys at our Seattle and Tacoma-area offices in Washington State. Our lawyers are experienced in dealing with brain injury clients and can help them obtain compensation for their injuries if another party is at fault.

Burns

In the first 48 hours after a burn injury, doctors will prevent fluid loss and infection with electrolytes, antibiotics, tetanus vaccination, pain medication, and/or by inserting a catheter. The wounds will be cleaned and dressed. In several days, the doctor will be able to determine if a skin graft is necessary and whether the patient is strong enough to undergo skin graft surgery. Over the next few weeks, scar tissue will begin to form as the skin heals itself. The body will produce collagen fibers and new blood vessels to repair the burned area. The scar will mature and grow stronger for the next few months to years. If dead skin is removed and replaced with skin grafts early, healing may be significantly accelerated.

Spinal Cord Injury

Treatment for a spinal cord injury begins at the site of the accident. Medical personnel will immobilize the spinal cord, often using braces, casts, and straps. Steroid medication will be administered to prevent the spinal cord from swelling. Surgery to heal the spinal cord may remove bone that is pressing against it or realign the spine in places where it has been damaged. Fractured vertebrae may be grafted together or prevented from moving with metal rods and cages. Stretching the spine using weights and pulleys may be recommended by the patient's doctor. This aids spine alignment. A rehabilitation program following surgery can help the patient strengthen his or her muscles and relearn how to complete basic tasks. Those who sustain a complete spinal cord injury will not, in most cases, regain full functional use of their body below the point of the injury.

Amputation

The patient will stay in the hospital for up to two weeks after amputation surgery. During this time, the patient may feel pain in the limb that is no longer there. This is a psychological phenomenon known as phantom limb pain and should be addressed with psychological counseling or drug therapy. As soon as possible, the doctor will direct the patient towards opportunities to strengthen and heal the body with physical therapy.

back to top

Lifestyle Changes after an Injury

Modern medicine allows those who have suffered injuries with permanent consequences to lead fuller lives than ever before. However, victims of serious personal injury can expect significant lifestyle changes which loved ones should be prepared to accommodate.

Brain Injury

It is important to rest after a brain injury. This allows the brain to heal from the concussion. During healing, victims of brain injury should get plenty of sleep and return to normal activities gradually. It may be helpful to write down notes to aid memory and work through one task at a time until brain function is fully restored. Keeping the same routine each day may also aid the brain. Alcohol and certain other drugs should be avoided for a speedy recovery. Brain injury can cause significant physical, emotional, and financial damage. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to another's negligence, contact our brain injury attorneys. At our law offices serving Seattle and Tacoma in Washington State, we can help the injured person seek resources for recovery and support.

Burns

Exercise is crucial to burn victims in that it allows them to move and stretch their skin. Although movement may be painful, it actually aids healing and improves, rather than damages, the flexibility and strength of the skin. If the skin is not regularly exercised, joint movement may be permanently impaired. Burn survivors should avoid environmental and working conditions which may result in heatstroke, as many will have lost the sweat glands in their skin. Once the skin is healed, it remains delicate and requires gentle care. Clothes that fit well, sunscreen, and lotion are invaluable to the burn survivor. Many have increased or decreased sensitivity to temperature.

Spinal Cord Injury

A rehabilitation program can provide both emotional support and the tools spinal cord injury survivors need to recover body function. Those affected by spinal cord injuries may not be able to return to the workplace, in which case they should seek other fulfilling social outlets such as classes, hobbies, and participation in community groups and events. Sexual function may be altered following spinal cord injury. Many men experience erectile dysfunction, and most are unable to ejaculate post-injury.

Amputation

Many patients who have undergone amputation go through a period of grief to cope with the loss of their limb(s). Once this initial stage of mourning subsides, the person will likely be pleasantly surprised to learn there are few activities he or she cannot participate in with the appropriate training, equipment, and assistance. Many people who have had an amputation learn to walk again in time. After amputation, survivors will need to learn new skills, such as how to operate a wheelchair and use an artificial limb, as well as relearn old skills. A vocational rehabilitation office can prepare those who have had an amputation to return to the workforce.

back to top

Getting the Support You Need

Many organizations exist to help those who have been affected by the traumatic brain injury of a relative or a friend. Those who have suffered a brain injury may act differently than before, and these changes may make interaction difficult. The Brain Injury Association National Help Line at 800.444.6443 can assist you in helping a victim of brain injury. Traumatic Brain Injury Advocacy, Resource, and Mentoring Services may also be reached at 877.205.9177. The attorneys at Phillips & Webster are experienced in brain injury cases and may be able to assist you. Please contact us for additional information about brain injury resources.

back to top

Contact Expert Attorneys Serving Washington State

Whether you or a loved one has suffered a burn, spinal cord injury, amputation, or brain injury, contact our lawyers near Tacoma and Seattle. Washington state law dictates that those who have been injured due to the negligence or recklessness of others deserve to be financially compensated for their losses.

back to top