Traumatic brain injuries can have a devastating impact on victims and their families. In addition to the physical and emotional pain that a TBI can cause, the financial burden can be overwhelming. Hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care can quickly become expensive, leaving many survivors struggling to make ends meet.
If you or someone you love has suffered a brain injury because of someone else’s negligence, you may feel like your life has been turned upside down. You don’t have to go through this difficult time alone. A skilled Union City traumatic brain injury lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
The right lawyer will work tirelessly to secure the maximum possible recovery for your unique case so that you can focus on your healing and moving forward with your life. The Law Offices of Gilbert Sperling, III has helped many brain injury survivors in Georgia, and we are ready to help you too.
Get in touch with us today at 404-418-7816 for a free consultation with a Union City personal injury lawyer.
What Are Some of the Leading Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury?
Though TBI can occur at any age, the leading causes differ depending on the age group. The following are some of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries.
Traffic Accidents
Traffic accidents are a leading cause of brain injury for adolescents aged 15-19 and the second leading cause of TBI in adults aged 20-64.
The forceful impact of a car accident or truck accident can cause brain damage, even if you don’t hit your head. The risk of suffering a brain injury in a collision is especially high for motorcycle riders and pedestrians.
Falls
Falls are the leading cause of TBI for children and adults aged 65 and older. While anyone can fall and suffer a brain injury, older adults are more susceptible to falls because of age-related factors such as vision problems, balance issues, and bone fragility.
Sports Accidents
The danger of concussions in sports has received a lot of attention in recent years. Football, hockey, and boxing are among the most dangerous sports for brain injuries.
Violence
Violence is a leading cause of TBI for adults aged 20-24. Unfortunately, many of these injuries are the result of domestic violence.
What Are the Types of Brain Injuries?
While brain injuries vary in form and severity, they can be grouped into different categories based on how they occur.
- Open Injury: An open injury is one in which the brain is penetrated. This type of injury typically results from a bullet wound.
- Closed Injury: This injury occurs when the skull isn’t penetrated but the brain is still damaged. Common causes include car accidents and falling from a height.
- Deceleration Injury: A deceleration injury is caused by the brain hitting the skull after a sudden stop. This type of injury often occurs in car accidents and can cause serious damage to the brain.
- Chemical Injury: A chemical injury occurs when toxic substances enter the brain and cause damage. Common causes include carbon monoxide poisoning and drug overdoses.
- Hypoxia: Hypoxia is a type of brain injury that occurs when the brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen. This can be caused by drowning, strangulation, or smoke inhalation.
What Are the Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
The symptoms of a TBI can vary depending on the severity of the injury.
For a mild traumatic brain injury, the following are the most common symptoms:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Brief loss of consciousness
- Blurry vision
- Confusion
- Neck pain
- Ringing in your ears
- Slow reflexes
These are the symptoms of severe TBI:
- Persistent headaches
- Dilated pupils
- Slurred speech
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Inability to wake up
- Fluids leaking from your ears or nose
- Seizures
- Numbness in your limbs
Why Is It Important to See a Doctor After a Head Injury?
A head injury cannot be taken lightly. Even if you think you are fine, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. You may have suffered a concussion. If you wait too long to get checked out, it could turn into a life-threatening situation.
Seeing a doctor right away can help to ensure that you are properly treated and on the road to recovery. They will be able to run tests and determine the extent of your injuries. If you have a concussion, they can give you instructions on how to take care of yourself and watch for any warning signs.
Additionally, medical records are critical for proving what caused your injury and how severe it is. Without this evidence, your chances of getting fair compensation are slim.
Why Should I Hire a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer?
After suffering a traumatic brain injury, you may be facing a long road to recovery. You also have to deal with expensive medical bills, lost wages, and the inability to return to work. Of course, there’s the physical pain, emotional trauma, and cognitive impairment that you go through.
If your injury was caused by another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. However, dealing with insurance companies and proving liability can be complex and overwhelming. This is where a traumatic brain injury lawyer in Union City can help.
Attorney Gil will fight for your rights, ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation you are owed, and take care of the legal details so that you can focus on your recovery. Don’t try to tackle this process on your own. Contact the Law Offices of Gilbert Sperling, III today.
Can Insurance Companies Obtain My Past Medical Records?
From a legal standpoint, insurance companies can request your medical records from before the accident. However, there are some privacy laws in place that protect your information. The insurance company will need to obtain a signed release form from you in order to access your records.
It is important to be aware that the insurance company may try to obtain your records without your consent. They may also try to contact you directly to get you to sign a release form. It is important that you do not sign anything or agree to anything without consulting with a Union City brain injury lawyer first.
If the insurance company is able to obtain your records, they will be looking for any information that they can use to deny your claim or minimize the amount of compensation you receive. This is why it is so important to have an experienced lawyer on your side who can protect your rights and ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation you are owed.
What Happens if the Insurance Company Refuses to Pay My Medical Bills?
Treatment for a brain injury is often expensive even with health insurance. It also isn’t fair for you to shoulder the financial burden if someone else is responsible for your injury.
If the liable party’s insurance company refuses to pay your medical bills, you have a few options. First, you can try to negotiate with them for a settlement. Your Union City traumatic brain injury lawyer will negotiate with the insurer on your behalf to help you get the highest possible amount.
However, filing a lawsuit is sometimes necessary in order to get the compensation you need to cover your medical bills. Attorney Gil can help you decide what option is best for your individual situation.
What Compensation Can I Receive for a Brain Injury?
How much compensation you can receive for a brain injury depends on the severity of your injury, the costs of medical treatment, the impact on your life, and other factors.
Depending on the details of your case, you could recover three types of damages.
Economic Damages
These damages compensate you for financial losses that can be calculated. This can include medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and home and vehicle modifications for a disability.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages provide compensation for losses that do not have a specific monetary value, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not awarded in all cases. They are meant to punish the at-fault party for malicious or extremely reckless behavior. Georgia law normally limits punitive damages to $250,000. But this limit doesn’t apply in drunk driving accident cases.
Are There Time Limits for Filing a TBI Claim in Georgia?
Yes. In Georgia, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you do not file within this time frame, you will be barred from recovering any compensation. This is why it pays to contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.
Call the Best Union City Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
The Law Offices of Gilbert Sperling, III can help you every step of the way, from investigating your accident to filing your claim to negotiating with the insurance company. We will do everything we can to secure the maximum amount of compensation you are owed.
Call 404-418-7816 today to schedule a free consultation with a brain injury lawyer in Union City, GA.
