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How Residual Injuries Affect Your Auto Accident Injury Claim

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A residual injury is a car accident that has a long-lasting effect on the patient.

Residual injuries continue to cause symptoms or limitations after the initial injury has healed.

It’s not necessarily a disability per se, but more of a symptom you will feel even after treatment, such as soreness in your joints because of a fracture. Because it is expected you will suffer from this residual injury for a long time, it is possible for the amount of compensation you receive for your Saint Louis car accident claim to increase.

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This legal professional has shown exceptional competence and dedication in their field. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking legal representation that is committed to unwavering advocacy and support throughout the entirety of their case.
I would describe this lawyer as highly educated, sharp, and top of his game. Explains the car accident process and treatment options well. The lawyer said if they don’t pay you, we will have the jury take it from the insurance company. Great lawyer. Dynamic person.
Very good car accident lawyer. Gets the job done.
This lawyer is as good as you will find in st. Louis. Call this lawyer if you are in an auto accident. 100% recommended
Interviewed all the TV car accident lawyers and decided to call this law firm that had great reviews. So happy I did. What a difference!
Response from the owner: TV car accident lawyers are just mass production. This is not a good fit for litigated cases. Paralegals instead of lawyers. Monthly quotas for settlements. Car accident victims end up in a cattle call with the lawyers on TV.
Love my car accident lawyer. This law firm is a step above.
Response from the owner: Our lawyers train and track the best approaches on cases. Whether litigation in cases or the practicalities of certain treatment, the growth of our lawyers over time is paramount. Always staying ahead of and setting practice trends. Thank you.
This auto accident law firm is incredible!! Very accomplished lawyers!
Response from the owner: Being labeled “an incredible lawyer” is quite the compliment. We are only incredible if this client is. Thanks.
Serious family member have a car accident injury? Look no further. This litigator is for real. Always two steps ahead of the other lawyer.
Response from the owner: This is a sad reality for car accident lawyers. The #1 passenger in an auto accident is a relative. Helping a family make it through this and putting the family back together is one of the most rewarding things I do as an automobile accident attorney.
This lawyer handles really big accident cases in St Louis. He is a lawyer, accountant and has his masters in tax so he gets the injury cases for individuals that can never go back to work or individuals own a business and cannot run it due to injury. He specializes in valuations of massive loss. Thank goodness a firm like this exists.
Response from the owner: Thank you. When accident are severe and you lose the ability to work or to continue a business, having an accounting and tax background is key. Valuing large losses are second nature for us.
You are a great lawyer! Thank you.
Response from the owner: That is a great compliment. Thanks.
Asked a trauma surgeon who operates on car accident victims who are the best injury lawyers that have taken his deposition. He said “by far” it was Mr Hoffmann. Interviewed several attorneys and this was a correct assessment. In a league of his own!
Response from the owner: Our attorney have deposed nearly all the trauma surgeons at every Level 1 Trauma Center in Saint Louis. These doctors save lives after a car accident. Whether controlling bleeding or reestablishing blood flow or bone structures, they are life savers.
Few lawyers in St. Louis can handle the biggest injury cases! This is one of them!
Response from the owner: Our law firm has made great efforts in terms of training to handle life changing injury cases. Whether in depth knowledge of the medical, loss of income and earning capacity, or lifetime medical care plans, our clients feel confident and know their case is in good hands. Thank you for the compliment.
Cannot say enough about this lawyer. Call if in an accident. This attorney handles the biggest car accidents in St Louis.
Response from the owner: Thanks Ash! Our biggest source of cases is our clients. Our second biggest referral source is defense lawyers telling their relatives to call us. Few lawyers can handle the largest cases. Our law firm welcomes and has trained for this. We don’t do mass production settlement like the lawyers on TV. Our clients can never go back to work. Their cases need massive focus and effort and often long fought litigation.
So glad I called attorney Hoffmann. This time I got it right! So glad I hired the Hoffmann Law Firm - professional, reliable and available.
Response from the owner: Thanks Taylor. Our lawyers answer the phone day, night, weekends and even during lunch. Being professional means training to beat the best defense lawyers. Client rely on us to get results and we do.
Great lawyer. Cares about his clients, knows his stuff and goes the extra mile. I recommend this lawyer for car wreck injury claim. Every other lawyer on TV would not even help with my property claim. This attorney did.
Response from the owner: Thank you for the kind words. Every case starts with a great client. You are correct the car accident lawyers on TV are mass production settlement mills. When injury clients fire them, we get their files and the cases are not worked up at all. Appreciate your confidence in us!
Major car accident injury in St Louis area for a family member. Four different lawyers we know said the same thing - call Chris Hoffmann. On another level.
Response from the owner: This is such a great compliment. Most of our cases come from prior client or lawyers that also do car accidents cases but the particular case is too large or too difficult. Being a lawyer and an accountant, we specialize in cases with total lost of income, earning capacity and/or often the inability to continue a family business. Evaluations such as these are second nature for our lawyers. Thanks.
Best in St Louis for auto accident cases. Nobody else is even close.
Response from the owner: So kind of you to leave this review. Whether our lawyers are going after big insurance or their lawyers, skill and experience are essential and win the day for our auto accident clients. Thanks!
This attorney is very smart, very experienced, returns phone calls and knows the answers when asked. One call and I knew this was a great law firm for auto accidents.
Response from the owner: Our law firm appreciates this. This is a comment we get from so many people who call…”none of the lawyers we called told me all the things that you did.” Whether we take a car accident case or not, helping people is a good thing.
5 Star Lawyer for sure! Best you will find in Saint Louis.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the 5 Star Rating. Reviews like this are great. Injury victims quickly figure out the TV advertisers are not good. We work hard at being the best we can be and it reflects in our representation of car accident victims.
Watch this lawyer in action. Was way better than all the others. Get this lawyer for an automobile accident for sure.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the recommendation. Besides doing cases, our attorneys train for this. Hard work, case knowledge and technique is key to success in car accident litigation.
Very pleased with The Hoffmann Law Firm. Lawyers are attentive, friendly and go the distance to force the settlement you want. The TV lawyers recommend low offers. This law firm gets the maximum.
Response from the owner: We get calls from car accident victims that had to fire the TV lawyers that they hired. They give the same two reasons: 1) they never spoke to a lawyer at the Big TV law firms, only a paralegal, and 2) the paralegal recommended they accept a low offer. At our law firm, you only talk to the lawyer and if an offer is low we tell you to sue. Thanks!
You will love this car accident lawyer.
Response from the owner: You are the best! Thanks for the review. Our attorneys work hard but it all starts with a great client.
Several lawyers said to call this lawyer because he is the best. You will appreciate this law firm. Helped with the injury and property claims. Attentive and knowledgeable. Great reputation in St Louis.
Response from the owner: Thanks Lexi. Our #1 source of cases is other lawyers referring us cases that are too big for them to handle.
Would use this accident law firm. Best in Saint Louis. Highly rated and it shows. After one phone call, you just know this attorney is better. 5 Stars!!
Response from the owner: Thanks for recommending our lawyers in St Louis. There is a major difference in lawyers as you well know.
Great law firm thanks Leah for the referral
Response from the owner: Appreciate you recommending our law firm. Car accident litigation is all we do and specializing allows us to focus.
Car accident lawyers on tv are not good . Get this attorney ! He is a pro !!
Response from the owner: Thanks Nathan. TV lawyers market for car accidents, use paralegals instead of lawyers and give their employees settlement quotas hence forcing cheap settlements. At our law firm, you get a lawyer who keeps pushing forward for more.
A+ attorney. Smart. Helpful. Great for automobile accident cases. Located in saint louis, missouri. Use him!
Response from the owner: Thanks. Car accident cases are difficult without the right attorney and great clients. Much appreciated.
Quality lawyer. Best law firm for a car accident. Advice was way better than other lawyers I called in St. Louis. Helped with property and injury.
Response from the owner: Thanks. The TV lawyer advertisers are just car accident settlement mills. As soon as people call a real attorney, they always tell us how much better and more helpful we were. Appreciate this.
Get this lawyer if you have an automobile accident. Simply the best!
Response from the owner: Thanks Lizzy. Recommendations from other is the best way to find a car accident attorney.
This lawyer is big time. Smooth. The other lawyers on the other side were not nearly as good as this attorney. I recommend friends in St Louis to him for accident injuries and they all say the same thing…”that lawyer is great.”
Response from the owner: Very nice of you to say. Our lawyers work hard on auto accident cases.
Family used this car accident attorney after a crash. Located in St Louis. This lawyer answers the phone and will walk you through the process. Knows his stuff!
Response from the owner: Taking calls, going over the car accident injury and property process is important. Clients that call always say we are the only lawyers that explained everything. Much appreciated.
Tried the lawyers on TV. They were not good. Hired this car accident lawyer instead because he had great reviews. The reviews are correct. This attorney is as good as they get. He does big injury cases that need to be litigated.
Response from the owner: Car accident lawyers on TV do not litigate cases. It is mass production. They have quotas. Local attorneys are best on auto accidents.
Very very good at injury claims for car wrecks. Use this St Louis attorney. Two thumbs up!
Response from the owner: Thanks for the review! All we do is accidents. When you specialize, your knowledge base and practice skills grow. Thanks!
Used this attorney for an auto accident. Highly recommend this lawyer in St. Louis. Communicates well.
Response from the owner: Communicating with clients is essential. Taking the client though the car accident claims process is important otherwise major mistakes can occur. It is an effort that we make. Thanks!
Best for car accidents in St Louis. Use this attorney.
Response from the owner: Thanks. Great clients make for great cases!
This lawyer is great for car accident injury claims. Did an uninsured motorist case. Very good attorney.
Response from the owner: Car accidents can be insured or uninsured. The claims are much different. Thanks for the review.
Great lawyer if you are in an auto accident. I recommend this attorneys office.
Response from the owner: Thanks J. Glad we got your auto accident case completed and that for telling others about our lawyers.
Very good car accident attorney. Did my and my relatives claims and paperwork. Highly recommend.
Response from the owner: Thanks for recommending our law firm on car accident cases.
Fantastic law firm, I would recommend! Received free consultation related to an auto accident when my parked car was damaged by a baseball. Very supportive advice, these guys are good!
Response from the owner: Thank you!
Recommend this attorney for auto accidents.
Response from the owner: Thanks for recommending our attorneys for an automobile accident.
Best St Louis lawyer for car accidents.
Response from the owner: Thanks Tana. Appreciate this!
Great Lawyer!!
Response from the owner: Thank you
I was in a car accident in St.Louis and hired Chris as my lawyer. He was amazing!!! He helped me every step of the way and was able to get me a great settlement!!!Highly, highly, highly recommend him!
Response from the owner: Each step is important in a car accident. Thanks for recommending us for car accidents injury claims.
If you have an auto accident and need an attorney in St Louis, I recommend Mr Hoffmann.
Response from the owner: Appreciate this James and you did great as well. Car accident claims always start with a good client.
Great car accident lawyer. Did a very good job on my injury case. Thanks!
Response from the owner: Thanks. Appreciate the compliment. All we do is car accident litigation.
Very accomplished accident attorney in Saint Louis. 5 stars for sure!
Response from the owner: Thanks
A car accident lawyer I would recommend to anyone.
Response from the owner: Thanks. That is great of you to say about our lawyers.
Great car accident attorney!!
Response from the owner: Thanks
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What is Residual Bodily Injury?

Residual bodily injury refers to the lasting effects or complications that persist after an initial injury has healed. In the context of car accidents, these are ongoing symptoms, limitations, or conditions that continue to affect a person’s life long after the crash. Unlike acute injuries that heal completely, residual injuries can have long-term or even permanent impacts on a person’s health, lifestyle, and ability to work.

Types of Residual Injuries

The most common residual injuries are scars or disfigurement, either directly because of the accident or because of the medical operations required to treat your injuries after the collision. Such residual injuries can harm a person’s mental state, particularly if the scar is very visible, like the ones left on a person’s face, arms, or legs.

Very visible scars can cause a sense of shame or embarrassment, and it can be argued that a person cannot lead a normal life because of it – for instance, they feel ashamed to wear shorts in the summer because of a large scar on the legs.

However, scars can even make parts of the body less mobile. For example, if you had surgery on your knee, a large scar can make you lose part of your knee mobility, which can even impact your employment if you need to be on your feet or active as part of your job.

It’s also possible to suffer from various back or joint pains after a car accident. The pain may last very long, even after the injury healed. Sometimes, they can even cause a person to lose partial or total mobility.

Common Examples of Residual Damage from Car Accidents

Residual Bodily Injury Coverage

Residual bodily injury coverage is a type of auto insurance that protects drivers if they cause an accident resulting in long-term or permanent injuries to others. This coverage helps pay for ongoing medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages related to these lasting injuries. It’s an important part of a comprehensive auto insurance policy, especially given the potential for significant long-term costs associated with serious car accidents.

How Residual Injuries Affect a Car Accident Claim

These types of injuries can affect a car accident claim in several ways.

  1. Increased damages: Residual injuries can increase the overall damages in a car accident claim, as they may require ongoing medical treatment or may result in long-term disability. This can lead to higher medical expenses and lost income.
  2. Proving causation: To recover damages in a car accident claim, you must be able to show that your injuries were caused by the accident. If you have residual injuries, it may be more challenging to prove that these injuries were caused by the accident, as opposed to a pre-existing condition or some other factor.
  3. Documentation: It’s important to carefully document all your injuries, including residual ones, to support your car accident claim. This may involve keeping track of your medical treatment, including any tests or procedures you have undergone and any ongoing symptoms or limitations you are experiencing.

How Residual Injuries Affect Settlement Values

Residual injuries can significantly increase the value of a car accident settlement. These long-lasting or permanent conditions often result in:

  • Higher medical costs due to ongoing treatment needs
  • Greater compensation for pain and suffering
  • Increased damages for loss of enjoyment of life
  • Higher awards for lost wages or diminished earning capacity

Insurance companies and courts recognize that residual injuries have a more substantial impact on a person’s life than injuries that heal completely, which is reflected in higher settlement amounts.

Documenting Residual Injuries for Your Claim

Proper documentation is crucial for proving residual injuries in a car accident claim:

  1. Keep detailed medical records of all treatments and diagnoses
  2. Maintain a journal documenting daily pain levels and limitations
  3. Follow up regularly with your healthcare providers
  4. Obtain expert medical opinions on the long-term prognosis of your injuries
  5. Gather evidence of how the injuries affect your daily life and work
  6. Take photos or videos to document visible injuries over time

Frequently Asked Questions About Residual Injuries

Acute injuries are immediate and often heal completely with proper treatment, while residual injuries are lasting effects that persist even after initial healing.

Residual injuries can last for months, years, or even be permanent, depending on the nature and severity of the initial injury.

Yes, you can and should claim compensation for residual injuries as part of your car accident claim, as they represent ongoing damages you’ve suffered.

What Can You Do?

You are likely entitled to compensation for all your medical sufferings caused by the car accident. As such, you can add residual injuries to your claims. It’s important to provide sufficient medical evidence that the residual injury is directly caused by the accident. The best way to prove it is through your medical records. When you get a diagnosis, your doctor will let you know if you can expect any residual consequences of your injuries or treatment, and it will be added to your medical file. That is the best proof to prove your claim has a solid basis.

If you have residual injuries following a car accident, speaking with an experienced St. Louis car accident injury attorney is a good idea. They can help you understand your rights and options as they work with you to build a strong case.

Why You Need an Experienced Attorney for Residual Injury Claims

Residual injury claims often involve intricate legal and medical issues, requiring a lawyer with in-depth knowledge and extensive experience in this area:

  • Accurately valuing long-term damages requires in-depth knowledge and experience
  • Proving the connection between the accident and ongoing symptoms can be challenging
  • Negotiations with insurance companies are often more complex for residual injury cases
  • An experienced attorney can help gather the necessary medical evidence and expert testimonies
  • Proper legal representation ensures you don’t settle for less than your claim is worth

At The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C., we have over 25 years of experience handling residual injury claims and can help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!

Updated: November 4, 2024