If you or a family member has suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident caused by someone’s negligence, the Lake Charles personal injury attorneys at Veron Bice, LLC can help you understand your legal rights.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur when a person’s head is struck or subjected to turbulent movement and normal brain function is disrupted. These injuries range in severity from mild to extremely serious, and unfortunately, they’re often the result of another party’s reckless or careless actions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), traumatic brain injuries lead to millions of disabilities and deaths in the United States each year. Complications from TBI can be temporary or lifelong, leading to a variety of impairments that affect victims’ quality of life, as well as the lives of their families. In addition to all the suffering, there are significant medical expenses and other consequences that can devastate a person’s financial situation.
At Veron Bice, LLC, our Lake Charles attorneys recognize that you are suffering a personal tragedy and difficult circumstances, and we want to fight for the justice you deserve. Call us today at 337-310-1600, and let us explain how we can help you.
What a Veron Bice, LLC Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Can Do for You
As you consider filing a brain injury claim, you might wonder if hiring a lawyer is the right choice for you. We believe you should, and here is what our legal team has to offer:
We explain your rights and what to expect during the claim process. During your complimentary case evaluation, we will discuss the specifics surrounding your injury, describe your legal rights and options, and clarify what will happen as we proceed with your claim.
We establish your strongest case. Our knowledge and previous experience with similar cases will enable us to build a solid claim to prove that another party should be held responsible for the losses suffered from your injury.
We handle all the details for your claim. We will work on your behalf to complete the necessary correspondence and paperwork, all while keeping you informed and answering any questions you have. If the other party attempts to diminish your case, we will protect your best interests.
We seek your maximum compensation. Our skilled attorneys know every avenue of compensation you are eligible for and will persistently pursue each one. You will be in a much better position to have the highest value placed on the harm you have suffered from your injury with our attorneys working on your behalf.
When you have Veron Bice, LLC by your side, you have a team of lawyers who are respected in the legal community and have successfully represented numerous Lake Charles clients, including those with traumatic brain injuries. We are ready to help you navigate the legal process and secure the outcome you deserve.
How Traumatic Brain Injuries Can Happen
Traumatic brain injury is the result of damage from sudden physical trauma, so it important to get medical care following any forceful shaking or impact your body undergoes. Certain individuals are at higher risk for TBI. It happens more often in men than women, and adults aged 65 or older are more at risk for hospitalization and death attributed to TBI.
These kinds of injuries can arise from a variety of situations, including:
- Falls – Slipping or tripping and falling are common accidents and are prone to cause TBI, especially for older adults.
- Automobile accidents – Vehicle occupants often experience severe blows to their bodies while being jolted during an accident.
- Motorcycle/ATV accidents – Riders can suffer particularly severe impacts because their bodies are openly exposed when colliding with another vehicle or being thrown to the ground.
- Accidents at work – Falling objects, equipment failures, explosions, or other such incidents can happen to workers, especially those who have physically demanding responsibilities or whose jobs take place in dangerous environments.
- Sports – Head injuries are common among those who participate in high-impact and extreme sports.
- Physical assaults – Head trauma can result when someone is assaulted during an altercation or is the victim of criminal activity.
- Medical oversights – In certain cases, surgical errors, misdiagnosis, or delayed treatment can lead to TBI.
Traumatic Brain Injuries Explained
Brain trauma may be immediately evident following an accident, or it can develop over time as brain tissue swells and bleeds. Injuries from brain trauma are typically characterized as one of these categories:
Closed head injuries – These are the most commonly occurring head injury, and they are caused by impact, but the skull is not penetrated.
Open head injuries – These result from an object penetrating the scalp or skull, potentially exposing the brain. These can cause bleeding and be very serious. Since the wound is open, it is susceptible to contamination leading to infection.
The most common traumatic brain injuries are:
- Concussions (chemical changes in the brain)
- Contusions (bruises)
- Hematomas (blood clots)
- Skull fractures (ranging from hairline cracks to pieces of bone breaking off)
Another way the brain can be harmed is when it does not receive enough oxygen for a prolonged time and brain cells die off. This condition is called cerebral hypoxia, and it can happen from smoke inhalation, choking, carbon monoxide poisoning, or other situations.
Traumatic brain injuries often cause permanent or temporary damage to brain function that is visible through the following symptoms:
- Motor impairment – Seizures, lack of coordination and balance, paralysis
- Physical impairment – Blurred or loss of vision, dizziness, headaches
- Cognitive impairment – Short-term memory loss, amnesia, disorientation, diminished thought processes
- Emotional impairment – Agitation, depression, anxiety, mood swings
Symptoms and effects will vary depending on the patient and the particulars of the injury. Complications from milder TBI can improve within a short period of time and will most likely resolve completely. Severe brain injuries require specialized treatment and can cause long-term or permanent effects.
FAQs About Traumatic Brain Injury Claims
If you or a loved one have experienced traumatic brain injury, you are dealing with countless difficulties and worries and may be wondering where to go from here. Veron Bice, LLC is available to walk you through everything and answer all your questions during a complimentary consultation about your case. In the meantime, here is some information you may find helpful:
Do I really need a lawyer for my TBI claim?
Although it may feel overwhelming to consider taking legal action while you’re dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury, having an attorney who understands and will explain your rights can actually make a difference in relieving the stress you feel. If someone else’s negligence contributed to the injury, there could be substantial compensation available that will aid in your recovery process.
What does negligence have to do with my traumatic brain injury?
Negligence is when someone acts carelessly and it results in someone else becoming injured. Personal injury claims are based on holding the other party accountable for their reckless actions. When victims can prove that their suffering is because of another party’s negligence, they can be reimbursed for expenses and awarded damages (compensation).
What can I get compensation for and how much will it be?
A successful claim or lawsuit will mean that you receive compensation for your losses, such as related medical expenses, lost wages, and also the emotional harm you’ve suffered. Without knowing all the details surrounding your injury, it’s not possible to generalize the worth of your claim. Factors in determining how much compensation you may be eligible for can include the severity and duration of your injury, as well as how much your ongoing medical expenses will be.
When you work with a skilled lawyer from Veron Bice, LLC, we will come up with a comprehensive summation of your economic and emotional losses to attain the maximum value of your claim.
Will I have to go to court to get a settlement?
Plenty of traumatic brain injury claims are settled before a lawsuit or trial becomes necessary, but there is always the possibility that a lawsuit will be the only way to obtain proper compensation for you. Our firm has trial lawyers with years of experience presenting cases before judges and juries and obtaining substantial verdicts on behalf of our clients. Often, just having a reputable lawyer to represent you will encourage the other side to settle instead of going to trial.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you or a family member has suffered a brain injury, you are likely facing physical and emotional recovery, as well as extensive medical bills and possible loss of income. We don’t want you to feel alone. Even if you are unsure whether you have a valid claim, we welcome you to consult with a Veron Bice, LLC brain injury attorney without delay. If we take on your case, we will give it the attention it deserves and provide you with fierce advocacy. The financial compensation we have acquired for our clients has brought them peace of mind as they recover and security for their family’s financial situation.
Our services are free of charge until we obtain a settlement for you. If we don’t settle your claim or win your case, you will not be charged any fees. Give us a call today at 337-310-1600, and let us see how we can help you.