According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), brain-related injuries are a major cause of disability and death in the United States.
In 2020, over 170 Americans died each day from TBI-related injuries with over 200,000 people being hospitalized after suffering brain and head-related injuries. The problem with traumatic brain injuries is that the path to recovery can be a long and expensive affair with most victims being left unable to perform or work normally.
If you or someone you know have suffered any form of brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, then consider hiring the services of a traumatic brain injury lawyer and have them help you pursue the compensation you deserve and need.
Here at The Super Lawyer, we have experience handling brain injury-related cases and have won our clients millions of dollars in compensation. Contact us at 404-574-4308 for a free, no-obligation case review with one of our qualified personal injury attorneys.
How Do I Know If I Have a Brain Injury?
After being involved in an accident, a majority of victims focus on external wounds and injuries that show physical or tangible symptoms. However, what most people don’t realize is that impacts can also cause internal injuries that are harder to detect unless a qualified doctor performs some tests.
The symptoms and signs of a traumatic brain injury can either be subtle or severe depending on the nature and extent of the injury. When it comes to brain injuries, the more the symptoms are ignored, the worse they become.
In some cases, TBI symptoms and signs may take a few days or weeks to appear. However, if any of the associated symptoms deteriorate after a TBI or occur suddenly, make sure you see a doctor as soon as possible.
What Are Some of the Leading Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury?
Brain injuries can be caused by several things including:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Vehicle accidents
- Sports injuries
- Domestic abuse or assault
It’s worth noting that TBIs fall into several categories. These are:
- Open injuries – The victim’s brain has been penetrated by an object or instrument.
- Closed injuries – The skull hasn’t been penetrated but the brain has still suffered an injury. These injuries are synonymous with car accidents and falls.
- Deceleration injury – The victim’s brain has slammed against the skull.
- Chemical/Toxic injury – This happens when harmful chemicals, such as pesticides, carbon monoxide, or lead penetrate the brain.
- Hypoxia – This happens when the oxygen supply to the brain gets cut off either due to a heart attack or stroke. Other causes include infections, drowning, and tumors.
What Are the Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
TBI symptoms differ significantly according to the nature of the injury sustained, how severe it is, and the individual. Common symptoms include:
- Trouble concentrating
- Fatigue
- Recurring headaches
- Memory loss
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Emotional outbursts
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Depression
- The inability to perform everyday tasks
- Balance problems
Why Is It Important to See a Doctor After a Head Injury?
Head injuries often aren’t immediately noticeable unless there’s apparent damage to the brain (open injuries) or skull. The symptoms and signs of a brain injury may also be misconstrued or delayed.
It’s therefore essential that you see a qualified physician immediately after sustaining a head injury to determine if your brain has been injured.
It’s also vital that you see a doctor so he or she can assess the extent of your injury(s) and treat it accordingly. If left untreated, a Traumatic Brain Injury could grow worse and result in even more severe consequences with long-term effects.
Why Should I Hire a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer?
A traumatic brain injury is something that could change your life forever. If you’ve sustained a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence then it’s worth noting that you qualify to pursue a compensation claim.
However, for you to be compensated for your injury, you’ll have to file a claim against the perpetrator.
In most cases, the defendant’s insurance provider takes up the matter, and since these companies are out to make a profit, chances are they’ll try their best to avoid paying.
Hiring a traumatic brain injury attorney from The Super Lawyer is the best thing to do when pursuing compensation for your TBI.
Some of the reasons why you need to consider hiring an attorney include:
- Your attorney will fight for your rights to ensure that you receive the compensation you need and deserve.
- As an expert in personal injury cases, your attorney has the experience needed to handle such cases.
- Your attorney will handle the collection of evidence, negotiations with the insurance company, and will represent you in court should the matter escalate.
Can Insurance Companies Obtain My Past Medical Records?
Insurers will try everything they can to ensure they either lower or deny a claim. To accomplish this, they may opt to check your past medical records for gaps and loopholes they can use like a pre-existing condition that could have led to your brain injury.
Insurers may also hire specialists to assess your injury and rule out their client’s fault.
If the defendant’s insurance company reaches out to you for medical records, call The Super Lawyer right away and let us help you get ahead of things before they get out of hand.
Do not make the mistake of signing your medical release forms without the consent of an experienced traumatic brain injury attorney.
What Happens if the Insurance Company Refuses to Pay My Medical Bills?
If the defendant’s insurance provider refuses to pay your medical bills, then our traumatic brain injury lawyers are ready to take the matter to court. At The Super Lawyer, we have the best traumatic brain injury attorneys and can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
We’re experienced in handling personal injury claims and are ready to represent your matter before a judge or jury as you recuperate from your injury. Call us at 404-574-4308 and let us help you ensure you receive full compensation for your TBI.
What Compensation Can I Receive for a Brain Injury?
Someone who has sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be eligible for several types of compensation, depending on the severity of the injury and the impact on their life. The compensation typically falls into the following categories:
- Medical Expenses: This covers the cost of current and future medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, therapy, medications, and any necessary medical equipment or home modifications.
- Lost Wages: If the injury has caused the person to miss work or has diminished their ability to earn a living, they may receive compensation for lost wages, both past and future.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury. This can include mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages.
- Loss of Consortium: If the injury has negatively affected the person’s relationship with their spouse, they may be compensated for the loss of companionship and support.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the injury resulted from particularly egregious or reckless behavior by the defendant, the court may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
- Long-term Care and Assistance: If the TBI results in permanent disability, compensation may include costs associated with long-term care, such as in-home care or placement in a specialized facility.
The specific compensation available will depend on the facts of the case, the severity of the injury, and the laws of the state where the claim is filed.
Are There Time Limits for Filing a TBI Claim?
The time you have to file a personal injury claim for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is governed by the statute of limitations, which varies depending on the state where the injury occurred. Generally, you have between one and three years from the date of the injury to file a claim.
However, there are exceptions, such as when the injury is discovered later or involves a minor, which may extend the filing deadline. Missing this deadline can bar you from recovering compensation for your injuries, making it essential to consult with a legal professional promptly to protect your rights and ensure your claim is filed on time.
Review Your TBI Claim With The Super Lawyer!
Traumatic brain injuries can be a life-changing and devastating event. The recovery process is often challenging and long for both the person affected and their families with financial losses often worsening the situation.
The traumatic brain injury lawyers at The Super Lawyer are here to help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Call 404-574-4308 now to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our injury attorneys and have your TBI case assessed for free.