Violent movements of the head, percussive blows, or other types of trauma can cause brain damage, and the impact this type of injury has on one’s life can be devastating. If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of someone else’s negligence or wanton misconduct, you may be able to recover personal injury damages.
Effects of Brain Injury
There are many effects of brain trauma, and they might not always show up right away. In terms of physical symptoms, any of the following may occur:
- Loss of consciousness
- Blurred vision
- Slurred speech
- Headaches
- Various sensory changes, including changes in your sense of smell or ringing in your ears
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Loss of balance or dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than normal
- Sense of being confused, disoriented, or dazed
- Issues with memory or concentration
- Random mood changes
- Anxiety or depression
Note that these are the effects of mild brain damage. Additional symptoms may occur in severe cases, including:
- Seizures
- Inability to wake up when sleeping
- Lost coordination or muscle control
- Numb or weak areas of the body, such as fingers or toes
Whether it’s a mild case or a more severe one, the impact brain trauma can have on your life is significant. These symptoms can be problematic for your work, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Your Rights
Even if the symptoms seem minor, they can still impair your social and professional life. If your injury resulted from an accident in which another party was responsible, you merit compensation for the injury.
For instance, if you were in an automobile accident in which someone else disobeyed the law and struck your vehicle, then the other driver would be responsible for the costs of your medical treatment, the impact your injury has on your quality of life, lost wages, and repairs on your vehicle. If it was the result of medical malpractice, then your doctor would be held responsible.
In the end, you have a right to recover damages for the following costs if the other party was shown to be negligent or wanton in their conduct:
- Medical expenses, including surgeries, therapy, follow-up treatments, and so on
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Damage to property
- Punitive damages in especially severe cases
Note that you can only recover damages if the injury was due to someone’s misconduct or negligent actions. Also, you need to file your claim as promptly as possible to avoid the statute of limitations on these cases. The time limit varies from case to case, varying from two to five years depending on the circumstances, so the sooner you act, the better.
Recovering Damages
The key to recovering what you deserve for your injury begins with choosing the right attorney and collecting evidence. You need proof that your injury resulted from someone else’s negligence and that it has caused you lasting pain, suffering, and expense. This may take the form of doctor’s reports, photographs of the accident, or expert witness testimonies.
A skilled attorney can assist you through this process of pursuing personal injury damages for brain trauma. Contact Hart David Carson LLP today for the legal representation you need.