Possible Compensation For Brain Injuries
April 10, 2014 | Category: Brain Injuries | ShareThere are several different kinds of brain injuries that an individual can incur, including open head injuries, closed head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). These injuries can be mild, moderate or severe and they can be short-term, long-term or even fatal. That being the case, it is very important for anyone who has sustained a blow to the head during an automobile accident or any other type of incident to seek proper medical attention as soon as possible. Fort Myers personal injury attorney Randall Spivey says, "The full effects of a brain injury may take days or weeks to develop, and the effects may be somewhat subtle." However, "without proper diagnosis and treatment, a victim and his or her family may not get the help that is needed right away."
Top Causes of Brain Injuries
According to the Brain Injury Association of America, there are a number of primary causes of brain injuries. Topping the list are slip and fall accidents. Also on the list are automobile accidents, crashes with semi-trucks, motorcycle crashes, assaults/violent crimes and collisions with stationary and/or moving objects (to include sports-related injuries). Unfortunately, over a million individuals sustain serious head injuries on an yearly basis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, there is help available to those individuals who have sustained head or brain injuries due to another person's negligence or recklessness.
The Costs Associated With TBI
Statistics gathered by the CDC indicate that the cost associated with TBI in the U.S. on a yearly basis is over $76 billion, which takes into account both lost production and medical costs. But as your Fort Myers personal injury attorney will tell you, the costs per individual will vary based on the nature of his or her injury.
Individuals who have sustained brain injuries often incur a number of expenses, including the costs related to the initial hospitalization, rehab, and in some instances, long-term care. Moreover, injured victims might face costs associated with a loss of income that can be quite detrimental to the well-being of their families as a whole. That is why it is important for brain injury victims to work with skilled attorneys who can help ensure that they obtain the compensation to which they are entitled.
What Type of Compensation Can a Brain Injury Victim Expect?
Given the fact that there are several factors that must be taken into account when dealing with brain injury cases, compensation amounts can vary greatly from person to person. Brain injuries impact victims and their families in a variety of ways, and even though no amount of money will be able to change the damage done by such injuries, it definitely can help to assist them and their loved ones.
Victims should note that contacting an attorney as soon as possible after a brain injury is strongly advised, as there is a statute of limitations on such cases. Any delay could seriously affect the amount of compensation a victim receives. Victims may be entitled to compensation for not only their medical expenses, but also their lost wages, diminished earning capacity, rehab-related costs, property damage and pain and suffering.
If you or someone you love has sustained a brain injury and you would like to learn more about your right to compensation, contact a Fort Myers personal injury attorney at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. today.