Estimates show that more than 1.5 million Americans experience traumatic brain injuries each year. They often result from car accidents, falls, or even sports injuries. When it comes to TBIs, having the right legal help is crucial.
That’s because TBIs can be life-changing not only for the victims but also for their families. The impact can affect physical health, emotions, and the ability to work and enjoy life.
At Bernard Law Group, our Bellevue injury lawyer is here to help you understand your rights and fight to protect them. We know the serious effects of a TBI and are committed to helping you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
Understanding the Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injuries can cause a range of symptoms that affect a person both physically and mentally. Physically, someone with a TBI may have headaches, dizziness, or even feel nauseous.
Mentally, TBIs can cause confusion, memory loss, and an inability to concentrate. Emotionally, they might lead to mood swings, anxiety, or depression.
Sometimes, these symptoms don’t appear right away. This can complicate the diagnosis and make linking the injury to an accident harder. That’s why seeking medical attention immediately after an accident is so important. Medical professionals can perform tests and document injuries, which helps build your case.
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Leading Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
There are many causes of TBIs, but some of the most common include:
- Car Accidents: Motor vehicle accidents can result in serious head injuries due to the significant force of impact.
- Slip and Falls: These are especially common among older adults, and hitting the head in a fall can lead to a TBI.
- Workplace Accidents: Some jobs carry higher risks of accidents involving head injuries, such as construction or manufacturing.
- Sports Injuries: High-contact sports like boxing and football can result in repeated head impacts, leading to TBIs.
- Medical Malpractice: In rare cases, TBIs can happen due to surgical errors or improper care.
The Importance of Legal Representation in TBI Cases
Proving that someone else is at fault for your injury requires gathering strong evidence and knowing how to build a case. Representing yourself in a personal injury case could leave you at a disadvantage, especially when dealing with insurance companies that aim to minimize payouts.
That’s where having an experienced traumatic brain injury attorney in Bellevue, WA can make a big difference. Lawyers can handle negotiations with insurance companies, preventing lowball offers. Our no-win, no-fee traumatic brain injury lawyer in Bellevue works hard to get you the compensation you deserve. If negotiations fail, we are prepared to take the case to trial.
How Our Bellevue Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Can Help
At Bernard Law Group, we help by:
- Evaluating Your Case: We determine if you have a strong case and what evidence will be needed.
- Identifying Liable Parties: We find who is responsible for your injury, whether it’s a driver, employer, or another party.
- Collaborating with Medical Experts: We work closely with medical professionals to support your claim.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: We handle all communication with insurers to prevent unfair settlements.
- Taking the Case to Trial: If necessary, we are ready to present your case in court to fight for a fair outcome.
Proving Negligence in TBI Cases
To win a TBI case, it’s necessary to prove that someone else’s actions or negligence caused the injury. This involves showing:
- Duty of Care: Establishing that the responsible party had a responsibility to act safely.
- Breach of Duty: Demonstrating how the party failed to uphold that duty.
- Causation: Linking the breach to your injury.
- Evidence: Gathering medical records, witness statements, and expert testimonies to support your case.
Proving negligence can be challenging, which is why having the best traumatic brain injury lawyer in Bellevue on your side can make all the difference.
The Role of Medical Experts in TBI Cases
Medical experts play a critical role in TBI cases. Neurologists, psychologists, and other specialists help evaluate the extent of the injury. Their testimonies and medical records are crucial in proving the severity of your condition.
Sometimes, insurance companies may argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim. In these cases, having the top-rated traumatic brain injury attorney in Bellevue to coordinate with medical professionals can help counter these disputes.
Long-Term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries
TBIs can have long-term consequences, such as:
Physical Limitations
TBIs can cause problems with movement and coordination, making everyday tasks like walking, lifting, or maintaining balance more difficult. This can impact a person’s ability to do things they used to handle easily.
Cognitive Impairments
Memory problems, trouble focusing, and difficulty making decisions are common cognitive effects of TBIs. These struggles can interfere with work, school, and daily activities, making it harder to stay organized and complete tasks.
Emotional Changes
Many people with TBIs experience increased irritability, anxiety, or depression. These emotional changes can be tough to deal with and often lead to mood swings or feeling disconnected from others.
Financial Burdens
Dealing with a TBI can be expensive. Long-term medical treatments, therapies, and medications add up quickly. Plus, if someone can’t return to work, the loss of income can make the financial impact even greater.
Impact on Relationships
The effects of a TBI can strain relationships with family and friends. Physical and cognitive challenges, along with emotional changes, can make it harder to communicate and connect with others, which can affect the quality of life for both the person with the injury and their loved ones.
Types of Compensation Available for TBI Victims
Seeking the right compensation is crucial to helping victims rebuild their lives and secure the necessary resources for their ongoing recovery. Understanding the different types of compensation available can help you know what to expect when pursuing a TBI claim.
Victims of TBIs can seek compensation for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Future Medical Costs
- Loss of Earning Capacity
- Mental Anguish
- Property Damage
- Loss of Consortium
- Punitive Damages
Our traumatic brain injury lawyer near you is committed to helping you pursue compensation for all the ways a TBI has affected your life. Whether it’s medical bills, lost income, or the emotional impact, we aim to secure the financial recovery you need to move forward. Reach out today to explore your options and protect your rights.
Challenges of Dealing with Insurance Companies in TBI Cases
Insurance companies are often more interested in their profits than in helping victims. They may try to offer low settlements or claim your injuries aren’t as serious. To counter these tactics, keeping detailed records of medical treatments and communications is essential.
Our top-rated traumatic brain injury attorney in Bellevue will fight to prevent unfair offers and push for the full compensation you deserve.
Special Considerations for Minors with Traumatic Brain Injuries
Children’s brains are still developing, making them more vulnerable to the long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A TBI in a child can disrupt their cognitive, emotional, and physical development, potentially leading to lifelong challenges.
Parents or guardians must understand the potential future impacts, including learning disabilities, behavioral changes, and developmental delays that may arise from a TBI.
These ongoing issues can require specialized care, therapy, and educational support, leading to significant financial burdens for families. Parents or guardians must know their legal rights and seek compensation for ongoing care and potential future impacts.
Workplace Traumatic Brain Injuries and Employer Liability
Employers are responsible for maintaining a safe working environment, which includes providing adequate training, equipment, and safety protocols. When an employer’s negligence or failure to follow safety regulations leads to an accident causing a TBI, the injured worker may be entitled to file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation typically covers:
- Medical expenses
- Partial lost wages
- Rehabilitation costs
This type of coverage can offer a safety net for employees. However, in some cases, workers may pursue additional compensation beyond the standard workers’ comp benefits.
If a third party, such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or another party involved, contributed to the injury, the victim could be eligible to file a third-party claim or lawsuit. This can help cover pain and suffering, full lost wages, and other damages not covered by workers’ comp. Handling these claims can be challenging, especially if you are trying to heal.
For this reason, reaching out to an experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer is crucial to understanding your legal options and securing the maximum compensation available.
Need Justice? Reach Out Today for Legal Counsel
Contact Our Bellevue Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one suffered a TBI at work, contact our Bellevue traumatic brain injury lawyer at Bernard Law Group for a free consultation. We are ready to listen to your story, review your case, and help you take the next steps.
