Personal Injury Terms and Definitions

Years of Potential Life Lost Years of potential life lost (YPLL) is a measure of premature mortality. YPLL is presented for persons under 75 years of age because the average life expectancy in the United States is over 75 years. Compensatory damages Which measure actual dollar-value losses for such things as medical expenses, lost income, loss of future earning capacity, etc. Managed care Any system that manages healthcare delivery with the aim of controlling costs. Managed care systems typically rely on a primary care physician who acts as a gatekeeper through whom the patient has to go to obtain other health services such as specialty medical care, surgery, or physical therapy. Trauma Any injury, whether physically or emotionally inflicted. "Trauma" has both a medical and a psychiatric definition. Medically, "trauma" refers to a serious or critical bodily injury, wound, or shock. General damages Better known as "pain and suffering" damages, which include the emotional trauma from physical injuries, pain, humiliation, etc. Compensation Compensation is defined as a recompense for loss. If you suffer an injury, either physical or psychological as the result of an accident that was not your fault, then you may be able to claim a financial award to cover any loss of income, the cost of medical bills, or any other costs that you have incurred as a result of the injury or accident that you would not normally have incurred. Disc Injury Injury to the supporting discs (cushions) located between each spinal bone. Discs that are ruptured or cracked may cause extraordinary pressure resulting in back pain. Vicarious Liability When a person who did not actually cause an injury is held for the injury. Sometimes called imputed liability. Unintentional Injury Two categories of unintentional injury: motor vehicle-related injuries and home and recreation related injuries. Whiplash injury Hyperextension (over-extension) injury to the neck, often the result of being struck from behind, as by a fast-moving vehicle in a car accident.

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	Did You Know?
	Wrongful death claims seek compensation for losses resulting from the family member's death A number of situations lead to wrongful death case being filed. Medical mistakes, car accidents, criminal attacks, work-related injuries, and other accidents result in wrongful death case. Expert testimony and other requirements mean that medical mistakes tend to be the most difficult wrongful death claims to prove, requiring extensive effort on the part of attorneys.