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Lacerations/Abrasions

The words “lacerations” and “abrasions” are medical terms for deep cuts and scrapes following an accident. Although the bodily injuries are surface level, an abrasion or laceration can have lasting effects. Many suffer every day from symptoms related to their lacerations or abrasions such as nerve damage, burning or cold sensations, lack of physical stimuli and infection.

 If you or someone you know has sustained a serious laceration or abrasion due to negligence, then it’s important you seek an experienced criminal defense attorney. Lacerations and abrasions can require extensive medical treatment for recovery, which means high medical bills. You may be able to file a suit against the responsibility party and receive compensation to cover your injuries. To find out more, we recommend you read the article below.

Personal Injury Attorney for Lacerations or Abrasions in West Des Moines, IA

Did you sustain a laceration or abrasion injury recently in the West Des Moines area? You could be entitled to compensation based on the circumstances of your situation. To see if you qualify, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C.. 

McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. is a reputable firm with collectively decades of personal injury practice. We approach our clients with compassion and a plan to ensure they’re confident when they step foot in the courtroom. Do what’s best for your finances and future by calling us at (515) 279-9700

McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. provides representation throughout the Polk County and Dallas County area including Perry, Miniburn, West Des Moines, De Soto and Ankeny.

Overview of Lacerations & Abrasions in IA


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Receiving Compensation for Your Injuries

If your injury occurred under specific circumstances, you could be entitled to a settlement. To file a personal injury suit you must prove the negligence of another person or entity is the cause of your injury. This can be done through evidence, medical records, expert witness testimony and other legal processes.

To prove that the other party was negligent, you must understand what negligence means in a legal setting. A person is negligent when they fail to behave with the same level of care as a reasonable person would in the same situation. Essentially, it means the negligent person was careless, reckless or so grossly unaware that their actions lead to another person’s injury.

For example, if a property owner recently cleaned the floors but fails to put out a “wet floor” sign, then they are setting themselves up to be liable to a lawsuit because they were negligent in maintaining their property. If someone is injured due to lack of signage stating the floor is wet, that injured party has the right to sue the property owner for damages.

You must first send a demand letter if you wish to file a suit for damages. If the respondent rejects the letter, then you can take the case to mediation or court. If you’re in court, then expect to bring evidence to back up your claims and contradict the defendant’s argument. For these reasons, it’s extremely recommended you have an attorney on your side. 

An experienced personal injury attorney can assess the situation, collect evidence, file motions, call on experts and do whatever’s necessary to help you receive a settlement. They understand how adjusters work, tactics of negotiation and can save you a boatload of stress because they will be there to guide you. For these reasons, having an attorney on your side will dramatically increase your chances of obtaining a monetary award.


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What Are Abrasions?

An abrasion is a medical term for a scrape or deep graze that, although not affecting the skin beneath the epidermis, can lead to scarring. Normally, an abrasion is a result of falling onto a rough surface such as concrete pavement or against the dashboard of a car. A severe form of abrasion is referred to as an avulsion in a medical setting.

The majority of abrasions end up being minor and need minimal treatment. However, some abrasions can be quite extensive and painful. However, the most worrying part of an abrasion is the scarring. Nearly all abrasions heal into rough scar tissue that can be humiliating and lifelong. Abrasions to the neck or face can be especially dehumanizing to victims.

An abrasion stems from a variety of incidents including falls, dog bites, cars, construction zone accidents and more. It’s incredibly important you receive medical treatment as soon as possible after an abrasion. If you don’t, it could result in a serious infection.


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What Are Lacerations?

Lacerations are medically defined as an irregular and jagged cut. Many lacerations are accompanied by torn off soft body tissue and occur from some type of penetrative trauma. A laceration can happen in many ways including getting involved in a car accident, slip and fall, a workplace injury or falling objects. 

Lacerations are similar to abrasions as they range in severity. Some lacerations are shallow and can heal over time as long as they’re cleaned regularly. Although, a laceration can be an incredibly deadly wound if it’s deep enough and wrought with bacteria. Often doctors will require patients with lacerations to undergo a tetanus shot and frequently apply anti-bacteria ointment to avoid infection. However, in some cases the wound is so deep infection may happen anyway.


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Additional Resources

First Aid/CPR/AED – Visit the Red Cross’s website and read a thorough first aid guide. See how a person treats a laceration or abrasion during the time of the injury. Read on how to stop bleeding, reduce pain, and lower the chances of infection.

Wound Home Skills Kit: Lacerations & Abrasions – Visit the American College of Surgeons (ACS) website, a scientific and educational association of surgeons that promote the quality of care for surgical education and practice. View a at-home guide to handling a laceration or abrasion. Read the differences of a laceration vs. a cut, and the other types of wounds that a person can be injured with.


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Lawyer for Deep Cuts and Bruises in West Des Moines, IA

A person should not have to suffer with a laceration or abrasion because of someone else’s negligence. Do not let your injury go without consequence and hold the responsible party accountable. Seek legal representation to evaluate and file a claim with a personal injury attorney such as the ones at McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C..

Our attorneys at McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. understand the burden of financial medical costs and chronic pain. Let us guide you through this legal process and help you recover. Call (515) 279-9700 to set up your first consultation in the Dallas County or Polk County area.