Philadelphia Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) have affected more than five million Americans today based on a recent estimate. TBI can be referred to as the blow to the head that eventually disrupts normal brain functions. In fact, there are so many affected in the United States that there are around 130 people who die from it daily. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that TBI has been a primary cause of death and disability in the United States, contributing to around 30% of all injury-related deaths.

If you or someone you love suffered a brain injury caused by someone else, then a brain injury lawyer is what you need. Pursuing a brain injury case can be complex so you need a highly skilled lawyer to evaluate your case and to advocate for your best interests. Brain injuries and brain damage can be from a number of causes. They may be from a vehicle accident, a blow to the head, a bad birthing experience, toxic industrial accident, slip-and-fall accident and other types of related events. The brain is an important part of the body and any damage to it can have devastating effects.

TBI Effects

As mentioned, TBI can be devastating to the person involved depending on the extent of damage. Some people may only experience mild effects like a brief change in consciousness or mental status while others can experience graver effects like amnesia or extended unconsciousness.

The following symptoms suggest you may have a brain injury:

• Loss of consciousness
• Loss of memory
• Altered mental state
• Focal neurological deficits
• Dizziness and balance problems
• Paralysis and difficulty moving body parts
• Slow pulse or breathing rate
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Ringing in ears
• Body numbness or tingling

Also, TBI can also affect the person for just a period or permanently like:

• Thinking (reasoning and memory)
• Sensation (taste, smell and touch)
• Language (understanding, communication and expression)
• Emotion (anxiety, depression, aggression, personality changes, social inappropriateness, acting out)

As mentioned, there TBI can result from a range of things:

• car crash/vehicular accidents
• slips or falls
• birth injuries
• medical malpractice
• sports injuries
• anesthesia during surgery
• concussions

What to do if you suspect a brain injury?

The first thing you need to do is to seek immediate medical attention. Consult a doctor first to prevent further damage and to manage the situation. This will also lower the chances of sustaining permanent damage. Aside from getting immediate medical help following the accident, the victim should also make sure:

• He or she does not engage in any more activities that can worsen the head injury. These include doing contact sports.
• He or she avoids driving or operating heavy equipment including other dangerous machines until the doctor clears him or her.

After ensuring the head injury will not worsen, it is best to call a lawyer to help conduct the case.

Compensation for Brain Injury Victims

Just as you can get brain injury from many different things, you can also get compensation in many different ways. Your attorney will help you assess the damages you sustained and determine what type of compensation you can obtain. Generally, you can claim for the following:

• Medical Bills – this can range from emergency services to continuing life-support services
• Medical Monitoring – to see if the brain damage has other future effects
• Pain and Suffering – this can be short or long-term impairments that affect your quality of life
• Lost Wages – for the period of time you were unable to work because of the injury
• Impairment of Earning Capacity – for limitations that you suffered and which prevented you from doing your job fully
• Lifestyle Changes – for other problems that you may experience including spending time with your loved ones
• Future Damages – some brain damage effects won’t be apparent until a certain time
• Life-Care – for other non-medical and home care needs
• Punitive Damages – if the individual who caused the brain injury acted recklessly or maliciously with the intent to harm

Contact The Brod Law Firm

Head injuries are complex, so it’s very important to consult an experienced Pennsylvania brain injury lawyer. A good attorney will be able to tell you how your case should be conducted and what compensation you might be entitled to. Depending on the type of damages you want to be compensated for, there are different ways to manage your case.  Your lawyer will build your case and attempt to get you the highest payout possible for your injuries.

Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. They’ll have a team of lawyers trying to work the case and reduce your compensation. Your goal is to make sure you get what you deserve. Brain injury can have serious, life-altering consequences. It may even lead to death if the injuries are grave enough.

Contact the brain injury lawyers at The Brod Law Firm for a free and confidential consultation.