Many people use the terms head injury and brain injury interchangeably. However, these terms refer to two very different types of injuries. Head injuries are injuries that may only affect the outer portion of the head. This includes skull fractures, lacerations, abrasions, and other external injuries. Traumatic brain injuries are injuries that result in the disruption of normal brain activity. They can range in severity from mild to severe.
Traumatic brain injuries can occur in two ways:
These are brain injuries that occur when an object penetrates the skull and causes damage to the brain. The damage to brain tissue can also be caused by fragments or a part of the broken skull itself. These types of injuries are often more obvious as there is an external injury.
These types of brain injuries occur when there is no penetration to the brain or when there is no breaking of the skull. Closed brain injuries may occur as a result of rapid and forceful backward and forward movement of the head which results in the shaking of the brain within the skull. The force of the movement results in the brain slamming against the inside of the skull and becoming bruised. Blood vessels may also be damaged in the process.
Closed brain injuries are commonly caused by sports, falls, car accidents, and even when babies are shaken forcefully.
Traumatic brain injuries vary in severity. The symptoms of these injuries also vary quite greatly. In fact, many people that suffer a mild traumatic brain injury such as a concussion do not know they have suffered a concussion as these injuries may have few symptoms. It is therefore important to visit a doctor as soon as possible after an accident for a thorough assessment. This will ensure that your injury is identified early and treatment is administered to avoid complications.
Some of the symptoms of a mild traumatic brain injury include:
Traumatic brain injuries that fall in the moderate to severe range present more severe symptoms. These injuries also often have long-lasting symptoms. Patients that have suffered moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries may exhibit symptoms that include:
Reports by the Indiana State Department of Health indicate that more than 6000 residents of Indiana are hospitalized annually with a traumatic brain injury. These injuries have become the leading cause of chronic disabilities as well as other severe health issues.
Traumatic brain injuries can occur when there is a blow to the head or when the head is jerked quickly in a back-and-forth motion. These injuries can also occur when a projectile or other types of objects pierce the skull and cause damage to brain tissue. Traumatic brain injuries can therefore occur as a result of:
When seeking compensation for traumatic brain injury it is important to show what caused your injuries. You can rely on the guidance and resourcefulness of a South Bend brain injury lawyer from Blackburn Romey to help you possibly prove your claim. We work with experts to determine the cause of your injuries and the extent of your damages. We will work to identify the party or parties that can be held liable for your injuries and hold them accountable.
You will most likely be devastated and even confused after an accident. However, the steps you take following the accident that caused your injury will play a significant role in increasing your chances of recovering compensation in a traumatic brain injury claim. The following are important steps to take to improve the outcome of your claim.
The most important thing to do after an accident is to ensure that you are safe and healthy. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident in order to get the treatment you need. Timely treatment can help you avoid complications. Your medical records will play an important role in proving your claim too.
Depending on the cause of the injury, you may need to make a report to local law enforcement. For example, if your injury occurs as a result of a car accident, you should contact law enforcement who will visit the scene of the accident and make a report. There are other incidents that will require you to make a report, such as if your injury was the result of an assault.
Being able to provide evidence of your injuries and damages is vital for recovering compensation in a traumatic brain injury claim. You should therefore document your injuries and other damages. For example, take photos of any external injuries, request your medical records, and incident reports if any and keep receipts, invoices, and other bills related to your injuries and any property damage you may have suffered as a result of the incident that caused your injuries.
One of the best things you can do for your claim is to consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible after the occurrence of the injury. An experienced attorney will review your case and help you determine whether you have a valid claim or not. They will guide you on the best approach to take in order to improve your chances of recovering just compensation. Your attorney will also help you avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your chances of recovering compensation. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can possibly recover just compensation.
While it may be obvious that another party is responsible for your injuries, you may not be able to recover the financial resources you need so badly if you fail to act quickly. The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases in Indiana is 2 years. This means that you must file a lawsuit within two years from the date of your injury. If you fail to do so, you may forfeit your right to recover compensation for your injuries.
Consulting with an experienced South Bend brain injury lawyer as soon as possible after the occurrence of your injury is the best thing to do. Our team can get started working on your case right away and help ensure that you’re not locked out by any deadlines. We will handle every aspect of the claim so you can focus on your recovery and picking up the pieces.
There are various types of damages available for victims of traumatic brain injuries. The specific damages you will be eligible to claim will depend on the circumstances of your accident. The following are some of the most common benefits available for traumatic brain injury claims in South Bend.
The team at Blackburn Romey will review your case to determine the damages that you may be eligible to recover. We will determine the full extent of your damages and pursue just compensation.
Pursuing a brain injury claim in South Bend isn’t easy. Even if the fault is clear, you will still need to fight to prove your claim and recover just compensation. Insurance companies and the at-fault parties they represent aren’t likely to give in easily.
Hiring a South Bend brain injury lawyer from Blackburn Romey will help to even the playing field and give you greater chances of success. Our experienced team will analyze your situation and discuss your rights and options with you. We will help you determine the best path to take moving forward. We will walk you through the process of recovering compensation for your injuries and damages. We will represent you and fight to ensure your rights and best interests are protected. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help.
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
Blackburn and Romney went above and beyond to get the settlement I deserved. Tom and his staff were right by my side and in contact with me when I needed them. If your looking for a injury attorney there is no need to look further. I was beyond satisfied with the professionalism and care.
Blackburn Romey founding partner Tom Blackburn graduated with honors receiving a degree from Indiana University at the Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Initiating his legal career in 1977, he has been active in practicing law and currently serves as a member of the Indiana State Bar Association on the Ethics and Advertising Committees, the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, as a board member at the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, and as an appointed member of the Executive Committee for the State of Indiana for the National Trial Lawyers Association.
