Frequently Asked Questions About Brain Injuries
What should I do if I have suffered a head/brain injury through no fault of my own?
Head and brain injuries are some of the most serious cases we handle. Sometimes just a small bump to the head can lead to life-threatening complications. If you or a loved one has sustained a head injury—even a minor one—you should seek medical attention immediately to check for internal damage.
What are some common causes of head and brain injuries?
Head and brain injury cases we handle are frequently caused by auto accidents, semi-truck wrecks, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall, medical malpractice, birth injuries, pedestrian accidents, construction/workplace accidents, shaken baby syndrome/other child injuries, or other personal injuries. Remember that severe brain injuries can be immediately apparent, but sometimes the damage can take months or even years to fully reveal itself. If you or a loved one has suffered a head or brain injury due to the negligence of another, contact our brain injury lawyers for a free case evaluation.
What makes brain injuries hard to find?
A brain injury is not always immediately apparent. Swelling or other effects could be delayed or can slowly worsen over time—sometimes taking months or years to fully develop. If you sustained other injuries in the accident, it is also possible the brain injury could be overlooked by your treating physician. If you sustained a bump to the head—even if you think it was minor—follow up with a physician to check for internal damage.
What are some of the effects of head and brain injuries?
Head and brain injuries vary widely in severity and the lasting effects they cause. Concussion, swelling, contusion/hemorrhage, brain bruising/bleeding, and blood clots are a few of the diagnoses a head injury victim could sustain. Long-term effects of head and brain injuries can include personality and mood changes, loss of concentration, headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears, blurred or double vision, memory loss, impaired judgment, loss of workability, paralysis, coma, seizure, and in the most severe cases, death. Regardless of the seriousness, all head and brain injuries should be treated with extreme care.
What compensation is available for a head/brain injury?
If you have been affected by a severe head or brain injury due to the negligence of another, you are entitled to compensation for the medical expenses incurred treating your injury. You may also be able to collect lost wages for missed work or even future lost income if your ability to work has been affected by the injury. Additional damages you may be entitled to include future medical expenses, long-term care and rehabilitation, or the cost of adaptive equipment. If your loved one was the victim of a head or brain injury that results in death or severe permanent disability, your family may be entitled to seek compensation for the loss of financial support, pain and suffering, loss of consortium (companionship), punitive damages, or you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim.
The insurance company has made an offer to me. Should I accept it?
Never accept any payment from the insurance company before consulting with an experienced brain injury attorney – especially if you or your loved one has suffered a catastrophic head or brain injury. If you accept compensation now, you may be giving up your right to file additional claims in the future. Only an experienced brain injury lawyer can help you determine the full value of your case in terms of past, present, and future medical bills, past, and future lost income, and additional losses for you and your family. Call our brain injury attorneys immediately to investigate your case to ensure you get all the compensation you are entitled to.
How long do I have to file suit in a head or brain injury case?
The statute of limitations for filing a head/brain injury claim varies depending on the type of case. If you were injured in a car or semi accident, you will typically have two years to file suit. Other types of claims generally allow one year to file. Either way, time is of the essence! You should contact a brain injury lawyer immediately so the evidence can be preserved and you can begin putting your life back together by getting the medical treatment you need! Rest assured we are committed to you and we will look out for your best interests.
How do I pay for an attorney in a head/brain injury case?
The Law Firm of Flora Templeton Stuart works on a contingency fee basis. That means we only get paid if you get paid in your head or brain injury case. Call Warren and Barren County, Kentucky personal injury attorney Flora Templeton Stuart at (888) 782-9090 for a free initial consultation twenty-four hours a day/seven days a week.
Where can I get more information on head and brain injuries?
If you or a loved one has been affected by a traumatic brain injury, you can find additional information at www.traumaticbraininjury.com, www.biausa.org, or www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tbi/tbi.htm.
