Brain injuries often have devastating effects, impacting every aspect of the lives of victims and their loved ones. If you or someone you love suffered a brain injury due to another party’s negligence, you may be eligible to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other losses resulting from the injury.
The North Carolina brain injury attorneys at Bradford Law can help. We have the experience and resources to take on the insurance companies and demand every dollar you deserve. You may have a limited time to pursue compensation, so call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries
Brain injuries may happen in a variety of incidents, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Falls from heights
- Accidents during sports and recreational activities
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace incidents, such as construction or industrial accidents
- Physical assaults and violence
How Brain Injuries Happen
Brain injuries are serious conditions that can have lasting effects on an individual’s life. There are several ways in which brain injuries may occur, depending on whether the cause is external (such as a blow to the head) or internal (like a lack of oxygen):
- Direct Impact – A direct blow to the head, as seen in car accidents, motorcycle crashes, and physical assaults, can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull. This can lead to bruising (contusions), bleeding (hemorrhages), or tearing of brain tissue.
- Acceleration-Deceleration – Sudden movements, like whiplash in car accidents or falls, can cause the brain to move back and forth rapidly within the skull. This movement can stretch and tear nerve fibers, affecting brain function on a widespread scale.
- Penetration – Objects penetrating the skull, such as in gunshot wounds or shrapnel from explosions, can directly damage brain tissue.
- Lack of Oxygen (Hypoxia/Anoxia) – Medical malpractice, such as surgical errors or prolonged respiratory issues, can reduce the oxygen supply to the brain. Without sufficient oxygen, brain cells begin to die, causing widespread and permanent damage.
Long-Term Consequences of Brain Injuries
Brain injuries often have lasting effects, changing how an individual thinks, acts, and feels. Many brain injury survivors suffer from one or more of the following:
- Cognitive Impairments – Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and problems with reasoning or understanding
- Physical Issues – Chronic headaches, dizziness, seizures, and problems with coordination and balance
- Emotional and Behavioral Changes – Depression, anxiety, mood swings, and changes in personality
- Speech and Language Difficulties – Trouble speaking, understanding language, reading, or writing
Identifying Liable Parties for a Brain Injury
When someone’s negligence or wrongdoing causes a brain injury, they can be liable for your injuries and expenses. Several different parties may be liable for a brain injury, depending on the circumstances of the accident:
- In motor vehicle accidents, the at-fault driver or their insurance company might be held responsible.
- In workplace incidents, employers or equipment manufacturers could be liable for failing to provide a safe environment.
- Property owners may be accountable if the injury occurs due to hazardous conditions on their premises.
- In cases of medical malpractice, healthcare professionals or institutions could be responsible.
- In sports-related injuries, coaches, schools, or sports organizations might bear liability for inadequate safety measures or supervision.
Evidence Needed to Show Liability
Proving liability in a brain injury case requires evidence of the other party’s negligence or wrongdoing. Here are some critical pieces of evidence that can help:
- Medical Records – Detailed documentation can show the extent and cause of the injury, recommended treatment, and your long-term prognosis.
- Accident or Police Reports – These official reports objectively describe how the injury occurred and identify any at-fault parties.
- Expert Testimonies – Insights from medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, or other experts can explain how the injury happened and its impact on your life.
- Photographs and Videos – Visual evidence, such as photos or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any unsafe conditions or defective products involved, is helpful in establishing liability.
- Witness Statements – Accounts from individuals who witnessed the incident can provide crucial details and corroborate your story.
Compensation You Could Recover for a Brain Injury
If you or a loved one has a brain injury caused by someone’s reckless or negligent actions, filing a personal injury claim could help you recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including past and future care like surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and assistive devices
- Lost wages due to your injury and reduced earnings from disability
- Home modifications required to accommodate your changed physical abilities
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Diminished quality and enjoyment of life
How a North Carolina Brain Injury Attorney Can Help
After an accident that causes a brain injury, you need the support of an experienced Charlotte attorney who has successfully represented individuals who have suffered brain injuries due to accidents, negligence, or other wrongful acts. A lawyer will provide crucial assistance by thoroughly investigating the incident to determine liability, gathering the necessary evidence to support your claim, and consulting medical and vocational experts to understand the extent of your injury. This comprehensive approach helps in crafting a strong case on your behalf.
Additionally, your brain injury attorney will negotiate with insurers and defense attorneys to secure the fair compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, also accounting for your future medical needs and long-term care. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will be ready to take your case to trial and advocate vigorously for your right to compensation.
Finally, your brain injury attorney will offer support and guidance throughout the legal process, helping you and your family understand what to expect and keeping you up to date on the progress of your claim.
Call Bradford Law for a Free Consultation
You should not have to pay when someone else’s negligence caused your brain injury. A knowledgeable and compassionate brain injury attorney at Bradford Law will help you understand your legal options and safeguard your rights while we fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Take the first step towards justice and healing by contacting us today for a free consultation.
