Permanent Injury Attorney in El Paso  

While an accident can happen in the blink of an eye, the consequences and impact of the accident can last a lifetime. Amongst the potential consequences of an accident, permanent injuries can have a profound effect on an individual's life, altering their physical abilities, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. The emotional and psychological consequences of a permanent injury can be as challenging to cope with as the physical limitations.

With over two decades of experience, Attorney Ruben Ortiz has earned a reputation for being an attorney who not only delivers results but also genuinely cares about his clients and their struggles. Our firm is committed to ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve, so you can focus on rebuilding your life after a devastating injury.

By choosing the Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz, you will benefit from our vast knowledge of personal injury law, our relentless pursuit of justice, and our unwavering support throughout the entire process. We understand that no amount of money can truly make up for the pain and suffering you have endured, but we can work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Call (915) 308-8850 to schedule an initial consultation today.  

What Is a Permanent Injury?  

A permanent injury is an injury or harm caused to a person that is irreversible. While some permanent injuries are evident due to their nature, others require a medical diagnosis.  

Some examples of permanent injuries include:  

• Hearing loss. Hearing loss can be caused by exposure to loud noises, infections, or head injuries. Symptoms include difficulty hearing conversations and tinnitus. Treatment options may include hearing aids, cochlear implants, and speech therapy.  
• Vision loss. Vision loss can result from eye injuries, diseases, or genetic conditions. Symptoms include blurred or reduced vision and difficulty with daily activities. Treatment options may include corrective lenses, assistive devices, and vision rehabilitation services.
• Disfigurement. A disfiguring injury is any injury that causes severe or permanent damage to a person’s appearance. These injuries are often caused by personal injury accidents, such as motor vehicle collisions, workplace incidents, or acts of violence. Disfiguring injuries can encompass a wide range of medical conditions, including lacerations, burns, fractures, and amputations. Symptoms of disfiguring injuries may vary depending on the severity and type of injury sustained, but can include pain, swelling, loss of sensation, limited mobility, or scarring. Treatment for disfiguring injuries typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating the expertise of medical professionals from various fields such as orthopedic surgeons, plastic surgeons, and occupational therapists.
• Dismemberment. Amputation (or dismemberment) refers to the removal of a body part, typically a limb, due to injury or disease; during a personal injury accident, a person may suffer a traumatic amputation, or following the accident, may have a surgical amputation because of the severity of their injuries. Symptoms include phantom limb pain and limited mobility. Treatment options may include prosthetics, physical therapy, and counseling.
• Chronic pain. Chronic pain may result from injuries, surgeries, or nerve damage. Symptoms include persistent pain that lasts for more than three months. Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture.  
• Organ damage. Organ damage refers to the impairment or destruction of one or more organs in the body, which can result from personal injury accidents such as car crashes, falls, medical malpractice, or acts of violence. These injuries can occur through various mechanisms, including blunt force trauma, which may cause direct damage to the organ, or internal bleeding that leads to a lack of oxygen supply and subsequent organ failure. The severity of organ damage can range from minor contusions to life-threatening ruptures or lacerations, with the potential for long-lasting health consequences. Common symptoms of organ damage may include a drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing or speaking, visual disturbances, confusion, and severe pain in the affected area. Treatment for organ damage depends on the nature and extent of the injury and may include immediate medical intervention, medication to manage pain or reduce inflammation, and surgical procedures to repair or remove the damaged organ. In some cases, prolonged hospitalization and rehabilitation may be necessary to ensure the patient's recovery and prevent additional complications.
• Paralysis. Paralysis is a medical condition characterized by the loss of muscle function in one or more parts of the body. This loss of function can be a result of damage to the nervous system, particularly the spinal cord, brain, or peripheral nerves. The location of your injury (and the severed nerves) will determine where you experience paralysis. The primary symptoms of paralysis are the loss of sensation and movement in the affected areas. Depending on the type and severity of paralysis, other symptoms may include chronic pain, respiratory difficulties, muscle stiffness or spasticity, muscle weakness or atrophy, respiratory difficulty, and difficulty with balance, and coordination. treatment for paralysis can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, medications, and surgery.  
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBI occurs when a sudden trauma, such as a blow or jolt to the head, damages the brain; more severe TBI cases can have a long-term impact on a person’s life and abilities. Symptoms include headaches, memory problems, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating. Treatment options may involve medications, rehabilitation, and cognitive therapy.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a psychological condition that can develop after experiencing a traumatic event. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression. Treatment options may include therapy, medications, and support groups.

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How to Prove You Have a Permanent Injury  

When seeking compensation for a permanent injury, it is crucial to provide concrete evidence of the injury’s permanence. Here are some of the steps and documentation needed to prove your case:  

• Gather your medical records. Collecting all medical records related to your injury is the first step in proving a permanent injury. This includes initial diagnosis and treatment records, surgical reports (if applicable), prescriptions for medications and therapies, records of follow-up appointments, rehabilitation or physical therapy records, and any other relevant medical documents.  
• Obtain expert testimony. An expert witness, such as a medical professional or specialist, can provide a credible opinion on the permanency of your injury. They will analyze your medical records and may conduct a physical examination to assess the extent of your injury.
• Request or submit to a medical examination. In some cases, you may need to request an independent medical examination (IME) to confirm the permanency of your injury. This examination should be conducted by a neutral third-party physician who specializes in your specific injury.
• Present diagnostic imaging evidence. Diagnostic imaging tests, such as MRI, CT scans, and X-rays, can provide visual evidence of your injury. These images can help demonstrate the severity and permanence of your injury to the judge or jury.
• Obey medical advice. Adhering to your doctor's recommendations for treatment and recovery is essential. Failure to follow their advice may lead to accusations of exacerbating your injury or not taking your recovery seriously.

In addition to proving the permanence of your injury, you may need to consider other factors that impact your claim, such as:

• Lost wages. If your injury prevents you from working, gather evidence of your lost income, including pay stubs and employment records.
• Emotional distress. Psychological trauma resulting from your injury can also be considered in your claim. A mental health professional's testimony can help validate your emotional distress.
• Impact on daily life. Document how your injury affects your daily activities, such as personal care, hobbies, and social interactions. This information can help demonstrate the lasting impact of your injury.

Why Work with Our El Paso Attorney?  

At the Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz, we are equipped to help clients understand their legal rights and options and pursue the compensation you deserve. If you have sustained a permanent injury in a negligence-based accident, you can trust our firm with your case, as:  

• We work on a contingency fee basis. Contingency fees, in the context of personal injury law firms, refer to a payment arrangement where an attorney only receives compensation if they successfully secure a settlement or win a case for their client. In simple terms, the lawyer's payment is contingent upon the outcome of the case. While many firms charge upwards of 40% contingency fees, the Law Offices of Ruben Ortiz charge a 25% contingency fee for cases settled out of court.  
• We are backed by decades of legal experience. Our attorney has over two decades of legal experience and has helped countless clients achieve favorable results in their personal injury claims. 
• We have a proven track record of success. Review our testimonials to see for yourself how we have helped clients successfully navigate their cases.  
• We take a client-focused approach to cases. Known for being steadfast and compassionate advocates for our clients, we prioritize the specific needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual client to tailor our counsel and solutions to best meet your needs.  

To get started on your case today, call (915) 308-8850. We offer free consultations and case evaluations.