Douglasville Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney
Brain injuries are among the most challenging and difficult injuries to deal with after an accident. They can be hard to diagnose and treat, and ultimately, they can change the lives of victims and their loved ones. Brain injury cases are more complex than standard personal injury claims due to the need for specialized medical knowledge and long-term care considerations. If someone else’s negligence caused your brain injury, the victim may be entitled to compensation for the harm which he or she has suffered.
At Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., our personal injury attorneys have 9 decades of combined legal experience preparing and trying complex cases in a variety of practice areas. Our team provides comprehensive support to navigate both the medical and financial challenges related to traumatic brain injury (TBI). We handle every aspect of your brain injury case ─ from assisting our clients with the initial phases of the claim, monitoring medical treatment, all communication with insurance companies, pre-suit resolutions, and navigating the legal process and litigation process (if needed). The legal process for brain injury claims often involves negotiations with insurance adjusters, who may try to minimize payouts, making legal representation crucial. Everyone at our firm works together as a team to support you through this tough time. Our work ethic and our commitment to our clients shine through in everything we do. Quality service is the cornerstone of our business.
Our attorneys understand that recovering compensation for a brain injury requires taking the time to carefully investigate the case and to learn all about the science and medicine behind the injury. A brain injury lawyer can provide guidance on the complexities of brain injury claims, including gathering necessary evidence and working with neurologists and neuropsychologists for expert testimony. We are here to help.
If you suspect that another person’s negligence caused you or a loved one to suffer a brain injury, it is important to act quickly after a brain injury to preserve your right to file a brain injury lawsuit and avoid missing critical deadlines. Contact our Douglasville brain injury lawyers at (770) 920-8350 for a free consultation about your case. Navigating the legal system without a brain injury lawyer can be overwhelming and may result in missed deadlines or inadequate compensation. We serve clients in Douglasville and throughout West Georgia. We are ready to review your case today.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is exactly what it sounds like – a physical injury to the brain. When the brain suffers a physical impact – whether from a puncturing force or impact with a solid object – the injury is not always observable to the naked eye. Instead, special diagnostic imaging tests must be used in order to properly identify and diagnose the injury.
Common symptoms of a TBI include headaches, confusion, dizziness, and memory problems, which may not appear immediately after the injury but can develop over days or weeks.
TBI can lead to a wide range of symptoms, many of which may look similar to other unrelated conditions. So, the diagnosis of TBI can present a challenge to healthcare providers. It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately after a head injury, as some symptoms may not be apparent until days or weeks later, complicating proper diagnosis and treatment. Medical malpractice during diagnosis or treatment can also be a cause of brain injuries, highlighting the need for careful medical evaluation. However, once diagnosed, treatment is available in many TBI cases. The key is early detection and proper diagnosis.
What Are Common Types of Brain Injuries in Georgia?
A sharp blow, puncture wound, or jostling of the head can lead to a wide range of damage to the brain. Some of the most common types of brain injuries that we see among our clients at Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., are:
- Hematoma – This is a clot or small cluster of blood that forms outside of the vessels. A hematoma is a sort of bruise that can form inside the brain, leading to complex symptoms.
- Hemorrhage – This is considered bleeding that cannot be controlled. A brain bleed can be fatal if a victim does not get immediate treatment.
- Fracture – When the skull suffers a harsh direct blow from a blunt object like a dashboard or pavement, the skull can actually be fractured, leading to serious complications.
- Concussion – Often described as a mild to moderate form of TBI, a concussion occurs when there is a lapse in consciousness – even if for just a brief second or two. The longer the state of unconsciousness, the more severe the potential concussive event.
- Diffuse axonal injury – This type of injury occurs when the brain is shaken or twisted about inside the skull, leading to small lesions in the white matter of the brain. These lesions can occur throughout the brain in different areas, leading to a constellation of symptoms that can be troubling to health care providers.
What Are the Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury can result in complex and bewildering symptoms. At times, the symptoms may be severe, while at other times, they may appear to subside. Here are just a handful of common symptoms of minor or moderate TBI:
- Groggy or disoriented feelings
- Mood changes
- Agitation or frustration
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Visual and auditory changes
- Gait and balance trouble.
More serious and severe cases of TBI may result in symptoms that include:
- Hallucinations
- Speech and language challenges
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sensory changes (i.e. smelling and hearing)
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Death.
If you know someone living with injuries from a car accident or fall, and they begin displaying any of these signs or symptoms, make sure they get prompt medical attention. TBI can have a lasting effect on a person. The earlier they are diagnosed and begin treatment, the better their chances of making a full recovery.
Treatment options often center on therapeutic care such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and neurological evaluations. They may also require the assistance of a neuropsychologist to diagnose functional limitations and make recommendations for adaptive housing or other measures in order to accommodate changes that have taken place.
What Are Common Causes of Severe Head Injuries?
Severe head injuries occur with remarkable frequency in West Georgia. Many of them are entirely preventable.
The most common causes of Traumatic Brain Injury are:
- Motor vehicle accidents – Even a vehicle accident, including motorcycle collisions, can result in severe head trauma due to the sudden forces involved. It does not take a lot of impact for the head to strike an airbag and cause a concussion. Likewise, hitting the side panel inside of a car’s frame can leave a person with small fractures, brain bleed, or TBI, which can lead to changes in the person’s personality and ability to function.
- Falls – Most falls that result in injury disproportionately affect older people and those with physical ailments. Sometimes, businesses and property owners care more about saving money than making their properties safe for visitors. Brain injuries can also occur on someone else’s property, and property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions for guests. When this happens, people can suffer horrible falls, leading to brain injuries.
- Physical assaults— If a business fails to provide reasonable security and protection, such as failing to provide locking doors in a hotel or over-serving patrons at a bar without proper security on staff, these types of injuries can be quite predictable. The business should be held accountable for its negligence.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Brain Injury Lawsuit in Georgia?
Yes, there is. The statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia, including brain injury claims and brain injury lawsuits, is two years from the date the injury occurred. If the injury is not immediately discoverable, the statute of limitations may begin when the injury is discovered, according to the discovery rule. Missing the two-year deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit means you forfeit your right to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Compensation and Damages for Brain Injury Victims
Compensation for brain injury victims in Douglasville, GA can be substantial, reflecting the serious and often life-changing impact of these injuries. The amount and type of damages available depend on the severity of the brain injury, how the injury occurred, and the specific circumstances of each case. Navigating the legal system to secure fair compensation requires the experience of a dedicated brain injury lawyer.
Types of Compensation Available:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for all past, current, and future medical bills related to the brain injury, including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and ongoing medical treatment.
- Lost Wages and Income: Compensation for time missed from work due to the injury, as well as loss of future earning capacity if the brain injury affects your ability to work long-term.
- Lifetime Care Costs: Severe brain injuries may require ongoing care, rehabilitation, or assisted living. Victims can seek damages for these future medical and care expenses.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the injury.
- Loss of Consortium and Quality of Life: Compensation for the impact the injury has on relationships and the victim’s ability to participate in daily activities.
A skilled Douglasville GA brain injury lawyer will gather necessary evidence, such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements, to build a strong personal injury claim. They will work to ensure that all damages—both economic and non-economic—are fully accounted for, and that victims receive the maximum compensation allowed under Georgia law.
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, it is crucial to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. The legal system can be complex, but with the right legal support, you can focus on recovery while your attorney fights for your rights and financial security.
Contact Our Douglasville Brain Injury Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of TBI following a serious car crash or some other type of accident, and you believe someone else is responsible, then you need to act quickly. Personal injury cases require prompt action to protect your rights. The Douglasville GA brain injury attorneys of the law firm of , are here to help. We never charge for a consultation, and we will get paid only if we can help you collect compensation.
Compensation in brain injury lawsuits can cover economic damages such as medical expenses, lost income, and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering and emotional distress. Funeral expenses may also be recoverable in wrongful death cases resulting from brain injuries. The lifetime care costs for someone with a traumatic brain injury can exceed $1 million, and the financial burdens include medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care costs, which can be difficult to quantify. So, contact us today to discuss your case.
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