What to Do if You or a Loved One has Experienced a Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury is an increasingly common diagnosis that actually affects thousends of Americans each year. There are a variety of causes and degrees of severity that may range from mild to moderate. The impact of such a diagnosis is life-altering. If you or a loved one has suffered such an injury it is always wise to seek legal consultation; even if unsure of who or if anyone may be at fault.
Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury
Some of the most common causes of brain injury include falls, automobile accidents and medical malpractice. In many of these instances, the injury could have been prevented and may be due to negligence or wrongdoing of another party. This can be very complex and the average person may not even be aware of this without obtaining proper legal consultation.
Lifelong Disability
A traumatic brain injury can cause lifelong disability, no matter how minor the injury seems. So-called minor effects can include but is not limited to problems with speech, memory and even concentration. Major problems may include remaining in a vegetative state or coma, partial or full paralysis and limited movement of the body. Other issues can involve problems with speech and speech recognition, emotional instability or the individual may lose the ability to think logically on an age-appropriate level.
Financial Impact
The financial impact as a result of a traumatic brain injury is often severe for the victim and family. Due to the previously mentioned disabilities, these individuals may not be able to hold down employment. This can create a huge problem especially if the victim is the sole breadwinner or relied on employer-sponsored health care. The cost of medical care alone is expensive without the kind of care that may be required following a brain injury. However, the victim or the family may be entitled to compensation that can cover a variety of things which can include: medical bills – deprivation of companionship – loss of income – altered quality of life care of dependents.
Do Not Accept a Settlement Offers
Due to the financial uncertainty, accepting a settlement offer from a corporation or insurance company may seem like the best option. This is never recommended. Typically, these companies will offer much less than what the claim may be worth, and once accepted the party at fault cannot be held further liable. This means that the burden of future problems, as a result, will fall to the injured or their family. If approached with any type of offer for compensation, it should be run by an attorney experienced in traumatic brain injury claims. Seek legal Consultation as Soon as PossibleDo not wait to seek legal consultation if you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury. Contacting an established legal firm immediately can save a lot of time, money, and hassle. This can allow an experienced member of the legal team to begin scrutinizing the details of the injury immediately to determine if there may be a reason to file a claim for compensation. There are time limitations to filing suit in many areas. There are no charges associated with an initial consultation and no obligation, so there is nothing to lose. Rather, the victim and the family can gain peace of mind knowing that someone may be able to help. Get legal help today!