Brain injuries are always a cause for concern, but traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are especially severe. They can have lifelong effects on victims and diminish their quality of life. The person responsible for a TBI should pay fair compensation to victims. An attorney can help you get compensation for your injuries.
Damages in TBI cases may be substantial, as victims often deal with complications from their injuries for many years. Your medical bills, lost income, and various other costs may be enormous and should be factored into your compensation. Additionally, your non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, may be very high. Our team can help you gather medical records and other evidence to prove your claims for damages.
Receive a private, free legal review from our traumatic brain injury attorneys when you call Rice Law at (410) 694-7291.
What Damages Are Available in Lawsuits for Traumatic Brain Injuries?
TBIs are serious injuries that may come with life-altering complications. As such, damages tend to be extensive and substantial. Below are some, but not necessarily all, possible damages you may claim in your case.
Medical Bills
Medical treatment is a major part of a TBI victim’s life. You might need expensive emergency medical treatment after the accident. Depending on the injury, you might need ongoing care for many weeks, months, years, or forever. Our traumatic brain injury attorneys will estimate the cost of future medical care and add it to your damages.
Lost Income and Earning Potential
A TBI can cause physical and cognitive complications, making it very difficult to live your life. Many people find it difficult or impossible to return to work, and they can no longer earn a living to support themselves. Your lawyer can help you estimate the income you have lost and may continue to lose in the coming years, and claim it in your lawsuit.
Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress
Your non-economic injuries may be substantial. TBIs may lead to serious complications and cognitive impairments, completely changing the way you live your life. You might have to leave a promising career, give up your independence, and rely on others for almost all aspects of your daily care. This can be incredibly distressing, painful, and humiliating, and you may claim significant damages.
FAQs About Civil Lawsuits for Traumatic Brain Injuries in Germantown, MD
How Do I Know if Someone I Love Has a Traumatic Brain Injury?
TBIs may present with various mild to severe symptoms. Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and confusion are some common signs of a TBI. More severe symptoms might include fluid leaking from the ears, difficulty standing or walking, and convulsions.
How Do Traumatic Brain Injuries Happen?
TBIs may occur because of unfortunate accidents, medical mistakes, or acts of violence, among other causes. Accidents are common causes of TBIs, and many victims get TBIs from car accidents or falling injuries. Medical mistakes can also cause TBIs, such as birth injuries or improperly prescribed medication. If you experience a TBI because you are attacked, you need urgent medical care and the police.
Can People Fully Recover from Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Sometimes, yes. Not all traumatic brain injuries are permanent, and some victims may recover with proper medical care. However, recovery is often slow, and victims may need intensive treatment and therapies before they begin to heal. Even so, you may sue for your injuries even if you fully recover.
Who Should I Sue for a Traumatic Brain Injury?
The person you sue may not be immediately clear, and we may need to investigate how the accident happened. In car accident cases, victims often sue other negligent drivers. If you fall and hit your head, the owner of the property where you fell might be held responsible. Still, doctors and hospitals may be sued if a TBI is the result of medical negligence.
Can I Sue for a Traumatic Brain Injury My Loved One Suffered?
Possibly. If your loved one experiences a TBI and cannot assert their own rights or file a lawsuit because of their injury, you might be able to step in and sue on their behalf. Depending on your relationship to your loved one, you might need to petition the court to be appointed as your loved one’s guardian.
How Much Compensation Can Someone Get for a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Compensation will vary based on the extent of your injuries, economic costs, and various losses and experiences. Even so, many TBI settlements are quite substantial, especially if they must include damages for current and future medical costs. Many victims require lifelong medical care and can no longer work, so a good settlement could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, possibly millions in severe cases.
How Can My Doctor Help with My Traumatic Brain Injury Lawsuit?
Yes. TBIs are complex injuries that are difficult to explain to a jury of laypeople. Many TBI cases require expert testimony from medical professionals who can explain the injury and its effects on the plaintiff. We may need your doctor, or another doctor who specializes in TBIs, to explain your medical condition in court.
Should I Accept a Settlement for a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Maybe. Civil lawsuits are known for taking a long time to complete, and you and your family might not want to spend so much time and money fighting for justice in court. Many people with TBIs accept settlements, but you should never accept a settlement without reviewing it with your lawyer. Even if the settlement seems like a lot of money, your attorney might know from experience that you deserve more.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Help Me Get a Good Settlement for a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Yes. An attorney should have the skills and experience to evaluate your case and determine what kind of compensation you are entitled to. They should also know how to negotiate with the defendant to get you as much compensation as possible. Remember, the defendant will likely try to offer the smallest settlement they believe they can get away with, and your lawyer can help you get more.
What if the Defendant Refuses to Pay a Settlement for a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Defendants do not always cooperate, even when victims are severely injured. If the defendant refuses to offer a good settlement or refuses to offer any settlement at all, your attorney can help you take your case to court. Juries may be sympathetic to victims of TBIs, and you can get the compensation you deserve through a trial.
Ask Our Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys in Germantown, MD for Help Today
Receive a private, free legal review from our traumatic brain injury attorneys when you call Rice Law at (410) 694-7291.