Brain injuries often have a permanent impact on your life and health. This is especially true of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These have the ability to touch every aspect of an individual’s life, whether involving relationships with family, friends, or a spouse; one’s ability to work; or even a person’s ability to care for themself.
If you or someone you know has recently suffered a brain injury, it is essential to get the right help in order to ensure maximal recovery. In the United States, many individuals forgo seeing a doctor. This is unwise as even a seemingly “mild” head trauma can prove extremely damaging if left untreated.
Each year in the U.S. about 2.5 million children and adults suffer a TBI caused by either a blow to the head, penetrating head injury, or repeated jolts to the head, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than 5.3 million Americans are currently living with a lifelong disability due to TBI.
From slight concussions to severe head injuries, every kind of head-trauma deserves proper care and treatment—especially if the injury you suffered came as the result of another individual’s negligence.
Here at Shea & Shea, our brain injury lawyers strive to ensure that victims of head injury receive the health care they deserve, as well as compensation for the disability, pain, and suffering brought about as the result of their brain injury.
If you or someone you know has suffered a head injury, this page is dedicated to helping you acquire a basic understanding of what brain injuries are and how we can help you get the financial support needed to recover.
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Whether you’ve experienced a mild concussion or a severe head injury, it is essential to receive proper care and treatment, especially if your injury resulted from someone else’s negligence.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries
From mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries, there are a number of accidents that can result in brain injury.
Here are some of the most common ways that victims sustain brain injuries:
- Vehicular collisions
- Defective or unsafe products
- Anoxia
- Blows to the head
- Falling & striking the head
- Chemical exposure
- Severe whiplash injuries
As you can see, there are many different incidents that can result in brain injury. Whether you are someone who operates a vehicle everyday, or the victim of an unsafe product, or engage in other activities that put you at risk of being injured, there are so many scenarios in which you could suffer a brain injury.
Different Types of Brain Injuries
These types of injuries can be caused by immediate and blunt impact to the head but can also be caused by interruption of blood circulation, damage to nerve fibers, and swelling in the skull. No matter what the cause may be, brain injury victims should seek immediate medical and legal help right away.
- Acquired brain injuries: These types of injuries stem from instances of illness, as well as occasions where blood or oxygen has difficulty getting to the brain.
- Closed head injuries: A brain injury can occur without a fracture to the skull. These more contained head injuries can present treatment challenges.
- Coma: When an injury causes an individual to become comatose, they can face an uncertain recovery.
- Memory loss: A loss of memory can have a profound impact on your life, and it is often a lasting symptom of a brain injury.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Some instances of TBI can be mild in their severity, while more serious cases can have permanent consequences.
- Post-concussion disorder: A concussed individual can be left reeling with significant post-concussion disorder symptoms.
- Severe and moderate brain injuries: The severity of a brain injury depends on a multitude of factors, but even the most moderate cases warrant immediate medical attention.
Common Symptoms of a Brain Injury
While symptoms of a brain injury may take on many different forms, here are some of the most common symptoms that accompany a brain injury:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness, imbalance
- Difficulty with memory, attention, or concentration
- Mood swings, depression, irritability
- Confusion
- Sensitivity to light & sound
- Changes in hearing
- Changes in vision
- Change in behavior or personality
- Emotional changes with anxiety and depression
Recognizing these symptoms following a head injury or accident is vital, and seeking medical assistance promptly is crucial.
What to Do if You Have Suffered a Brain Injury
Brain injuries are dramatic events and lead to a lot of medical, financial, and legal complications. It isn’t easy for victims of brain injuries to know what to do following an accident, and it’s often this slight delay in action that is detrimental.
With some direction, you can avoid potentially crucial mistakes—both legally and medically.
Following an accident, here are three things that you should immediately do:
- Get medical help: Neglecting to seek out appropriate medical help can prove fatal. Even if you suspect your injury is only a mild concussion, it’s better to make sure that your condition isn’t critical before doing anything else.
- Contact a qualified brain injury lawyer: You don’t want the help of a general lawyer, you want a lawyer who is skilled in brain injury law and has experience representing victims of brain injuries.
- Focus on rest and recovery: For the sake of your health, you should take things easy and focus on rest and recovery. Your doctors will take care of you medically. Let your brain injury lawyer take care of you legally. A qualified brain injury lawyer will sort through all the legal issues while you focus your efforts on recovery. What you need more than anything is to take things slow and focus on rebuilding your health.
Brain Injury Claims
Brain injury claims can be complex, especially when you seek compensation for medical expenses resulting from the negligence of an individual or company. In such cases, the responsible party may attempt to challenge your claims, questioning your character or the severity of your injury.
To bolster your case, it’s essential to gather medical documents that substantiate your condition and demonstrate that your brain injury resulted from the actions of the accused party. A qualified brain injury attorney can assist you in collecting all the necessary evidence to support your claim.
Finding a Reliable Brain Injury Lawyer Near You
Shea & Shea is a distinguished law firm specializing in representing individuals who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. When searching for a lawyer, it’s crucial to find an expert in the field of traumatic brain injuries, rather than just any legal practitioner.
Whether you require legal assistance for yourself, a friend, or a family member, you deserve a lawyer who will advocate for your rights and help you obtain the justice that the law provides for TBI victims. Shea & Shea has been dedicated to representing brain injury victims since 1966, offering extensive experience and insight into the profound impact of brain injuries on individuals and their loved ones.
You should not have to bear the financial and personal consequences of a brain injury caused by someone else’s negligence. Protect yourself and your future by contacting a qualified brain injury law firm like Shea & Shea today. Schedule your first consultation with an expert brain injury lawyer to explore your options and seek the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Understanding the Long-Term Impact of Brain Injuries
Brain injuries are often underestimated in their potential for long-term consequences. While some individuals may recover fully from mild concussions, others may face a lifetime of challenges due to more severe traumatic brain injuries. It’s important to recognize that the effects of a brain injury can extend far beyond the immediate physical symptoms.
One of the most significant aspects of a brain injury is its impact on an individual’s cognitive and emotional well-being. Memory problems, difficulty with concentration, and mood swings are common issues faced by brain injury survivors. These challenges can hinder one’s ability to work, maintain relationships, and enjoy a fulfilling life.
The financial burden associated with brain injuries can be overwhelming. Medical bills, ongoing rehabilitation, and the need for long-term care can strain a family’s resources. This is where the expertise of a brain injury lawyer becomes invaluable.
The Role of a Brain Injury Lawyer
A brain injury lawyer specializes in representing individuals who have suffered brain injuries, whether due to accidents, medical malpractice, or other forms of negligence. Their primary goal is to ensure that victims receive the compensation and support they need to navigate the complex journey of recovery.
Brain injury lawyers are well-versed in the legal intricacies surrounding these cases. They understand the unique challenges faced by brain injury survivors and their families, and they work tirelessly to protect their clients’ rights.
When you engage a qualified brain injury lawyer, you’re not just hiring an attorney; you’re gaining an advocate who will fight on your behalf to secure the financial resources required for your recovery. This includes pursuing compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Navigating the Legal Process
The legal process for brain injury claims can be intricate and time-consuming. It often involves gathering extensive medical records, consulting with medical experts, and negotiating with insurance companies or responsible parties. A skilled brain injury lawyer has the experience and resources necessary to navigate this complex terrain.
Their role begins with a thorough evaluation of your case. This includes assessing the circumstances surrounding your injury, collecting evidence, and determining liability. They will work closely with medical professionals to understand the full extent of your injuries and their long-term implications.
Once the groundwork is laid, your brain injury lawyer will engage in negotiations on your behalf. Their aim is to reach a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for your losses. If negotiations fail to produce a satisfactory outcome, they are prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights in front of a judge and jury.
Finding the Right Brain Injury Lawyer
Selecting the right brain injury lawyer is a critical decision in your journey to recovery. Not all attorneys have the specialized knowledge and experience required to handle brain injury cases effectively. Here are some factors to consider when seeking legal representation:
Experience: Look for a lawyer or law firm with a proven track record of success in brain injury cases. The more experience they have, the better equipped they will be to handle your specific situation.
Expertise: Brain injury law is a specialized field. Ensure that your chosen lawyer has expertise in this area and stays up-to-date with the latest developments in brain injury research and treatment.
Client Reviews: Read reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge their satisfaction with the lawyer’s services. This can provide valuable insights into the lawyer’s approach and effectiveness.
Compassion: Dealing with a brain injury is emotionally challenging. A compassionate lawyer who genuinely cares about your well-being can make a significant difference in your experience throughout the legal process.
Resources: Brain injury cases often require substantial resources for expert witnesses, medical assessments, and legal support. Ensure that your lawyer has access to the necessary resources to build a strong case.
Brain injuries are complex and life-altering events that require specialized legal representation to ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve. Brain injury lawyers play a crucial role in advocating for their clients’ rights and helping them navigate the challenging journey of recovery.
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, it’s essential to take action promptly. Seek medical attention, follow the recommended treatment plan, and consider consulting with a qualified brain injury lawyer. They can provide the expertise, support, and legal representation necessary to help you rebuild your life and secure your future. Remember, you don’t have to face the challenges of a brain injury alone—there are dedicated professionals ready to assist you every step of the way.
OTHER SERVICE AREAS WE SERVE:
Catastrophic Injury
Brain Injury
Spinal Cord Injury
Loss of Hearing
Loss of Vision
Back Injury
Wrongful Death
Birth Injury
Pediatric Injury
Amputation Injury
Burn Injury