Brain Injuries

Brain injuries can have devastating consequences for the individuals and families affected by them. These injuries can occur in a variety of situations, from car accidents to falls, and can have a wide range of symptoms and long-term effects. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, it’s important to seek the help of an experienced brain injury lawyer.

Compensation for Brain Injuries

Brain injuries can have a significant impact on a person’s life, often leading to long-term disabilities, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. If a brain injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness, it may be possible to pursue compensation for damages through a personal injury claim. Some common damages that may be available in a brain injury claim include:

  • Medical Expenses: including hospital bills, doctor’s visits, medications, and rehabilitation costs.
  • Lost Wages: including lost income from missed work or reduced earning capacity due to the injury.
  • Pain and Suffering: including physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: including the loss of the ability to participate in activities and hobbies that were enjoyed before the injury.
  • Punitive Damages: in cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or intentional, you may be entitled to punitive damages on top of the other categories of damages.

Calculating damages in a brain injury case can be complex, as it may require evaluating the long-term costs associated with the injury, including ongoing medical care and support. An experienced brain injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Symptoms of Brain Injuries

The symptoms of a brain injury can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury and the part of the brain that is affected. Some common symptoms include:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness or loss of balance
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blurred vision or ringing in the ears
  • Memory loss or difficulty concentrating
  • Mood changes, such as depression or irritability
  • Sensitivity to bright lights
  • Lack of taste or smell
  • Changes in behavior or personality

It’s important to note that not all brain injuries are immediately apparent, and some symptoms may not manifest until hours, days, or even weeks after the injury. If you suspect that you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. TBIs can range from mild to severe, and symptoms may appear immediately after the injury or take days or weeks to develop. There are several types of TBIs, including:

  • Concussion: a TBI that can occur after a blow to the head or whiplash injury. Concussions can lead to a range of symptoms, including headache, confusion, and memory problems.
  • Contusion: a bruise on the brain that can occur after a blow to the head. Contusions can cause swelling and bleeding in the brain, leading to a range of symptoms.
  • Diffuse Axonal Injury: a severe form of TBI that occurs when the brain rotates or moves rapidly inside the skull, leading to tearing of the brain’s nerve fibers. Diffuse axonal injuries can cause long-term disabilities or even death.
  • Penetrating Injury: a type of TBI that occurs when an object penetrates the skull and enters the brain. Penetrating injuries can cause significant damage to the brain and can be life-threatening.

If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further damage to the brain and improve the chances of recovery. A brain injury lawyer can also help you pursue compensation for your damages and ensure that your legal rights are protected.

Brain Injury Claims

Wrongful death claims are intended to compensate surviving family members for the losses they have suffered as a result of their loved one’s death. Damages may include:

  1. Lost Income: One of the primary factors in determining pecuniary loss is lost income. This refers to the income that the deceased would have earned had they not died. This can be calculated based on their previous income, their future earning capacity, and other factors such as benefits and retirement savings.
  1. Medical and Funeral Expenses: Another factor to consider is medical and funeral expenses. These can be significant and may include hospital bills, ambulance fees, funeral and burial costs, and other related expenses.
  1. Household Services: The plaintiff may also be entitled to compensation for the loss of household services. This refers to the value of the services that the deceased would have provided to the household, such as cooking, cleaning, childcare, and home maintenance.
  2. Loss of Companionship and Support: The plaintiff may also be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship and support. This refers to the emotional and psychological impact of losing a loved one, such as the loss of love, guidance, and emotional support.
  3. Pain and Suffering: This refers to the pain and emotional trauma experienced by the deceased while the deceased was still alive.

There may be other factors to consider when determining damages, such as the deceased’s age, health, and life expectancy, as well as inflation and the value of money over time.