Special Considerations for Infantry Unit Injury Cases
Being in the infantry is an incredibly challenging and dangerous job, and unfortunately, injuries do occur. If you’ve been injured while serving in an infantry unit, you have rights and options for seeking justice. The physical and emotional toll of such injuries can be overwhelming, and you deserve to have an experienced Orange County military injury attorney on your side who will fight for your rights. At the Law Office of William Bruzzo, our team is passionate about helping infantry unit members demand fair financial compensation.
What Is an “Infantry Unit Injury”?
An infantry unit is the backbone of any military force, consisting of military service members who are specifically trained for ground combat. These units are typically comprised of foot soldiers armed with rifles, machine guns, and other weapons. They are responsible for engaging in direct, close-quarter combat with the enemy, often in challenging and hostile environments.
Infantry units play a crucial role in military operations by securing areas, conducting patrols, and providing firepower support. They are trained in a wide range of combat skills, including marksmanship, tactical maneuvering, and urban warfare. These soldiers undergo rigorous training to prepare them physically and mentally for the demanding and dangerous nature of their profession.
When serving in the military, injuries can happen in various ways, and one type that requires special consideration is an “infantry unit injury.” These injuries can occur during combat or training exercises, and they often result from the physically demanding nature of infantry operations. Infantry unit injuries encompass a wide range of conditions that can affect military members. From orthopedic injuries such as fractures, sprains, and strains to internal injuries from explosions or other forms of trauma, these injuries can have a significant impact on a soldier’s health and well-being.
Examples of Infantry Unit Injuries
Being a member of an infantry unit is physically demanding and very dangerous. Soldiers are exposed to various risks and hazards during combat and training exercises. As an Orange County military injury lawyer, here are some common examples of infantry unit injuries we see:
- Gunshot wounds: Soldiers are often exposed to enemy fire, and unfortunately, gunshot wounds are common in combat. These injuries can range from minor to severe, depending on the location and severity of the wound.
- Blast injuries: Explosive devices, such as roadside bombs or grenades, pose a significant threat to infantry units. Blast injuries can result in severe trauma, including traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and internal organ damage.
- Musculoskeletal injuries: The physical demands of infantry training and combat can take a toll on the body. Soldiers often experience musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains, strains, fractures, and dislocations. These injuries can result from carrying heavy equipment, prolonged physical exertion, and repetitive tasks.
- Burn injuries: Whether it’s from an explosion, a vehicle fire, or exposure to hazardous chemicals, burn injuries have devastating consequences. Burn injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts and long-term rehabilitation.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Infantry units are exposed to highly traumatic situations, which can lead to PTSD. This mental health condition significantly impacts a soldier’s quality of life, causing symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, and depression.
The Impact of Musculoskeletal Injuries on Infantry Soldiers
Musculoskeletal injuries (MSKIs) are common infantry unit injuries among military Special Operations Forces (SOF), and trainees in SOF are particularly vulnerable to these injuries, which can lead to high attrition rates. The most commonly affected body parts among infantry soldiers are the ankle, knee, and lumbar spine. These injuries often result from physical training, followed by activities like running and lifting. Among all the causes, parachuting-related injuries are the most severe, leading to hospitalization and restricted duty days.
However, the true impact of these injuries goes beyond just physical pain. MSKIs significantly affect soldier health and United States Army readiness. In fact, noncombat MSKIs may account for nearly 60% of soldiers’ limited duty days and 65% of soldiers who cannot deploy for medical reasons. Moreover, MSKIs have a high financial burden, with exorbitant medical costs to the US government, including service-connected disability compensation.
How to Sue the Military for an Infantry Unit Personal Injury?
Suing the military for a personal injury is complex, to say the least. When it comes to infantry unit injury, there are some unique considerations that need to be taken into account:
- Establishing Negligence: The first step in suing the military for a personal injury is to establish negligence on the part of the military. This requires gathering evidence that shows the military failed to meet its duty of care towards its service members, leading to the injury. This can be a daunting task as the military often enjoys certain immunities that can make it challenging to hold them accountable.
- Navigating the Feres Doctrine: One of the major hurdles in suing the military for an infantry unit personal injury is the Feres Doctrine. This law, established by the Supreme Court, generally prevents service members from suing the military for injuries that are incident to military service. However, there are certain exceptions to this doctrine, such as cases involving medical malpractice.
- Bringing a Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Lawsuit: If you are able to overcome the Feres Doctrine, the next step is to bring a lawsuit under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This allows individuals to sue the federal government for personal injuries caused by the negligence of its employees. However, there are strict rules and deadlines associated with FTCA lawsuits, so the sooner you speak to an Orange County military injury lawyer, the better.
- Proving Damages: In any personal injury case, you must prove the damages suffered as a result of the injury. This includes both economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. Gathering and presenting evidence to support your claim for damages is a critical part of the process.
Orange County Military Injury Lawyer
If you have been injured serving in an infantry unit, you have nothing to lose by reaching out and speaking to an Orange County military injury lawyer. Successfully navigating the legal aspects of your injury case requires the skill, wisdom, and guidance of a team like the one at the Law Office of William Bruzzo. To speak to a lawyer now, contact our office.
