Can a traumatic brain injury support a personal injury claim?

One of the challenges facing individuals who have suffered head trauma is that a diagnosis of traumatic brain injury might not be made right after the accident.

Unfortunately, there is no single, objective test for TBI. A basic neurological exam may look for symptoms such as briefly losing consciousness, various degrees of amnesia, confusion, headaches, loss of balance, vomiting, seizures, mood or personality changes, cognitive impairments, or any disruption to the brain’s functioning. Yet an individual with TBI may not exhibit all of those symptoms at once. In addition, even MRI and CT scans might be unable to detect brain injury and come back negative.

Although the symptoms of TBI can be difficult to assess, our law office focuses on personal injury claims based on brain injury, and we know that there may be clues. For example, an individual’s behavior or actions may seem off after an accident, perhaps indicated in mood or personality changes. Symptoms may also not immediately appear, or be intermittent.

The diagnostic ambiguity surrounding TBI injuries can make it difficult for an individual to qualify for disability benefits. Consequently, to the extent an individual’s TBI injury was the result of another’s negligence, it is very important to request adequate compensation for long-term recovery costs, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages.

Our attorneys have experience bringing personal injury claims against negligent parties. We understand that a successful case involves not only proving negligence, but also supporting any claims for damages. In that regard, we can help brain injury victims seek the compensation they will need for the long run.

Source: Brainline.org, “What Should You Do If You Think You Have Had a Concussion?” copyright 2015, WETA