There are around 39 million serious personal injury cases every year. Personal injuries can happen in many ways, from car accidents to slip and falls. While the circumstances leading to these injuries vary greatly, there are a handful of injuries that occur more frequently than others.
Below are 5 of the most common personal injuries people experience, according to Tillmann Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyer.
Whiplash
Three million people suffer whiplash injuries each year. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents – it usually occurs at crash speeds less than 12 mph. It occurs when the head is suddenly jerked back and forth, causing strain to the muscles and ligaments in the neck. Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, reduced range of motion, headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and pain or numbness radiating down the arms.
While many cases of whiplash resolve within a few months, some result in chronic pain. Proper treatment usually involves rest, ice, pain medication, physical therapy, and sometimes the use of a soft collar.
A personal injury lawyer can advise you if you have a viable claim for whiplash.
Concussions
Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. They can range from mild to severe and result in a variety of symptoms including headache, confusion, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, mood changes, and loss of consciousness.
Concussions are common sports injuries, but can also occur from falls, assaults, and motor vehicle accidents, and 2.3 millon children and adolescents suffered a concussion in 2022. Most people recover fully with rest and time, but multiple concussions can result in lasting problems. Preventing further head injuries during recovery is crucial.
Sprains and Strains
Sprains occur when a ligament, which connects bones together, is stretched or torn. Strains happen when muscles or tendons are overstretched or torn. Two of the most common sprains are ankle sprains and knee sprains. Strains frequently occur in the back, hamstrings, groin, and shoulder, with basketball, soccer, and football the three sports where sprains and strains are most likely to occur.
Typical symptoms include pain, swelling, and reduced mobility of the affected area. Treatment involves RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), over-the-counter pain relievers, immobilization with a brace or sling, and physical therapy.
Fractures
Around 6.3 million Americans break a bone each year. Broken bones or fractures happen when there is enough force against a bone to break or crack it. They are very common injuries, often caused by falls, crashes, collisions, and blows. Some fractures are stable and the bone remains in alignment, while others are unstable with the bone fragments movable and misaligned. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to put weight on the affected limb.
Fracture treatment depends on the location, type, and severity, but often involves immobilizing casts or splints while the bone heals.
Burn Injuries
Burns are damage to the skin and tissue underneath caused by heat, electricity, radiation, or chemicals.
There are several burn classifications based on severity – first, second, third, and fourth-degree burns. First and second-degree burns affect the outer layers of skin and are considered superficial. Third and fourth-degree burns penetrate deeper into tissues, muscles, and bones, causing extreme pain and requiring medical care to prevent infections.
Burn injuries can happen in motor vehicle crashes, house fires, industrial workplace accidents, and more. Treatment goals are to control pain, prevent infection, and facilitate healing. Scarring and physical therapy may also be needed.
Personal injuries can vary greatly in their severity and how they occur. However, knowing the most prevalent types of injuries can help everyone take proper precautions and seek appropriate medical care when accidents do happen.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
