Traumatic brain injury (TBI) victims suffer cognitive and psychological complications for the rest of their lives. If the TBI was the result of another party’s negligence, the victim and his or her family members deserve compensation for medical care and other needs. At Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP, we know how tragic a TBI can be. That’s why our aggressive Maryland brain injury attorneys go to work to make sure the responsible party is held liable.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury
A TBI is caused by a sudden, violent blow to the head, or a penetrating brain injury, that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Symptoms vary from one victim to another, so no two TBIs are alike. Depending on how seriously the brain is injured, symptoms can run from mild to severe.
A TBI is not simply a head injury. It affects basic brain activity, cognitive function, and mental health. Since the brain is responsible for so many aspects of our behavior and personality, a TBI can cause irreversible and dramatic life changes.
Common Causes Of TBIs
Any injury to the brain can cause a TBI, but some of the most common causes include:
- Slips and falls
- Construction and workplace accidents
- Automobile accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Firearm injuries and violent crime
- Sports injuries
What Are The Symptoms Of A Traumatic Brain Injury?
The nature and degree of a victim’s TBI symptoms will vary depending on what portion of the brain was injured. However, there are some common physical and mental symptoms that strongly indicate the presence of a TBI:
- Severe headache
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking
- Difficulty communicating
- Memory loss
- Dizziness
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- Balance problems
A TBI can also cause serious changes in behavior, emotion, and mood. Personality changes, dramatic mood swings, irritability, emotional outbursts, depression, and anxiety are all common.
However, not all symptoms are readily apparent after an injury. It may take a significant amount of time before a physician properly diagnoses the victim. That’s why it’s critical for the victim’s family and healthcare provider to monitor an individual after a head injury. Doing so can help ensure that the victim gets the medical attention they need.
How Will A TBI Affect The Victim’s Life?
To say that a TBI is life-changing may be an understatement. The victim could undergo such changes as:
- Inability to work
- Inability to work at the same level of productivity
- Forced career change or retirement
- Difficulty with routine daily tasks
- Difficulty caring for oneself
- Trouble learning or retaining new information
- The need for rehabilitation or physical therapy
- The need for assistance from a caregiver
All of these, and other changes, can result in immediate and ongoing medical expenses. TBI victims often find it difficult to hold the same job – or any job at all – and therefore support their families. These problems put significant financial pressure on the victim.
How Do I Hold The Party Who Caused The TBI Responsible?
Often, a TBI is the result of someone’s negligence or other wrongful conduct. In cases like this, the victim or their family can hold the responsible party liable in court. The plaintiff’s obligation is to prove that the defendant owed a certain duty of care which was breached and therefore harmed the plaintiff. Usually, this begins with showing that the defendant failed to act in a reasonably safe manner under the circumstances.
The insurance company that covers the driver, business, or another negligent party will likely make an offer to settle at some point. The victim and their family should be wary of such an offer, which may not adequately compensate the victim. Having an experienced traumatic brain injury attorney is critical to fairly valuing your case so you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Damages Can A Brain Injury Victim Receive?
TBI victims are eligible for a variety of past, present, and future economic and non-economic damages. The nature and amount of damages will depend heavily on the individual facts in your case. They could include:
- Medical expenses
- Prescription drug costs
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy expenses
- Equipment and medical devices
- Costs for personal nurses and caregivers
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses in the event of wrongful death
- Property damage
How Can A Maryland TBI Attorney Help Me?
No amount of compensation can undo a TBI, but having the right attorney can help ensure you get the compensation you deserve. One benefit of having an experienced attorney is knowing that the value of your case will be fairly calculated. It’s difficult to anticipate future expenses like lost wages, lost earning capacity, and rehabilitation. Our network of physicians, vocational experts, and other professionals can help put a reasonable dollar amount on your case.
It’s important to understand that after a settlement or trial, you won’t get to demand additional damages. This is especially true with settlement negotiations. Getting it right the first time is why you hire a Maryland brain injury attorney. We have handled countless TBI cases, so we know the damages to expect and the compensation you deserve. Our firm serves clients in the following locations in suburban Maryland:
- Prince George’s County
- Montgomery County
- Calvert County
- Charles County
- St. Mary’s County
Where possible, we will negotiate a fair amount of compensation with the insurance company. But we won’t settle for an unreasonable offer that will leave you and your family in financial straits. If necessary, we will take your case to court and aggressively litigate it before a jury.
Contact Our Maryland Brain Injury Attorney
A traumatic brain injury can cause tremendous anxiety and leave families wondering what to do next. Your first step towards winning the compensation you need is to contact a knowledgeable lawyer. The Maryland traumatic brain injury attorneys of Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP are ready to help you. Contact us today to learn more.