Injury Severity Score
What is the ISS?
The Injury Severity Score incorporates the concept of the abbreviated injury scale. The abbreviated injury scale assigns scores to each injury based on the location and severity of the injury. The Abbreviated Injury Scale assigns a number from 1 to 6 for each injury. The number 1 is used for a minor injury, while the number 6 is assigned to severe or fatal injuries.
How is the ISS Used During a Health assessment?
During a health assessment by a medical professional, every region of the body is evaluated to determine the severity of any injuries sustained. Once the assessment is completed, the highest three Abbreviated Injury Scale scores are squared to calculate the Injury Severity Score.
How Does a Personal injury attorney Use the ISS to Strengthen an Insurance claim?
A personal injury lawyer handling an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit will use their client’s ISS to prove the severity of their client’s injuries when seeking compensation for accident-related damages. The attorney will work with the patient’s treating physicians and other medical professionals to determine their client’s current and future medical needs, based on their medical records and ISS.
Demonstrating the Impact the Accident Had on their Client’s Life
Personal injury lawyers will also use the ISS to demonstrate the impact the injuries their client suffered have impacted their client’s day-to-day life and overall quality of life. A higher Injury Severity Score can indicate life-changing injuries, which can help an attorney recover a higher settlement amount on behalf of their client.
Expert Witnesses
If an attorney is presenting evidence in court they will have medical experts testify regarding the ISS score, explaining the future complications and long-term consequences of their client's injury.
Comparative Analysis
A personal injury attorney may use the average Injury Severity Scores and compare those scores to the ISS their client received for similar injuries. If the accident victim received a higher than average score, it can help strengthen their case
Contact Us Today!
If you were involved in an auto accident that was caused by a negligent motorist, contact the auto accident lawyers at MVP Accident Attorneys today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Our accident attorneys have extensive experience handling complex auto accident claims and know how to build a strong case that can help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and let the legal team at MVP Accident Attorneys fight for the fair settlement you deserve.
Author
Brett Sachs
Brett S. Sachs graduated from Michigan State University College of Law with Cum Laude Honors. While attending Michigan State, Brett was awarded for his service in the Michigan State University College of Law Civil Rights Clinic, where he represented prisoners of the Michigan Department of Corrections from injustices brought upon them. Learn more.
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