Knowledgeable Illinois Lawyer Handles Traumatic Brain Injury Cases
Bridgeview attorney fights for victims throughout the Chicago area
The brain controls all the complex functions of our bodies. When you suffer a serious blow to the head, every area of your life may be affected, from cognitive abilities to memory to movement. If you have sustained a traumatic brain injury caused by someone else’s negligence or willful act, you have the right to pursue financial compensation. At Skinner Law Firm, P.C. in Bridgeview, we have decades of experience helping Illinois clients achieve positive outcomes in severe injury cases.
What is traumatic brain injury?
Like back and spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries can inflict catastrophic harm on victims. A TBI might be caused by a strong jolt to the head, or an object piercing brain tissue. Falls, car accidents and high-impact sports are among the most common causes of TBIs. When you have experienced an accident in which you hit your head, your body was violently thrown around or something penetrated your skull, get immediate medical attention. Some symptoms of brain injuries are not immediately apparent, so an examination is necessary even if you are not feeling any effects. Your medical records will also be critical evidence in your legal claim.
Types of traumatic brain injuries
Typically, a TBI is grouped within one of these three severity classifications:
- Mild — According to the Mayo Clinic, mild traumatic brain injuries, which include concussions, are typically treated with rest, pain relievers for headache and monitoring to make sure symptoms don’t worsen.
- Moderate — A TBI is considered moderate when there is a loss of consciousness for up to 24 hours. Emergency care is required in these cases.
- Severe — When a person loses consciousness for more than 24 hours, that indicates a severe TBI, which could result in lifelong disability or death.
Even a mild brain injury can have a serious impact on your life, physically, mentally and financially.
Recognize common symptoms of a TBI
Some of the common signs of a TBI include the following:
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Trouble sleeping
- Dilated pupils
- Clear fluid coming from ears or nose
- Loss of consciousness
- Weakness or numbness
- Confusion
Your doctor will assess your symptoms to determine whether you have a TBI and what steps should be taken. Our firm will help you understand your options for pursuing a monetary remedy.
Obtaining payment for a traumatic brain injury
How you might get financial compensation following a TBI depends on the circumstances. If your brain injury occurred at work, you may be entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits. There is a chance that you can collect additional payment if someone besides your employer or a co-worker caused the accident, such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer. When a TBI results in long-term disability, you may qualify for SSDI benefits. If you were injured in a car accident, fall or other incident caused by someone else, you could get payment for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and additional damages through a personal injury claim. Many of these cases settle, but our firm is always prepared to litigate if that is the best way to secure an appropriate resolution. If you lost a family member, you may be able to collect damages through a wrongful death lawsuit. We will develop an effective strategy based on the facts of your case in pursuit of the maximum payment.
The impact of a TBI on your life
Some TBI victims are unable to work because of their condition and might require long-term care either in their home or at a residential facility. Severe or repeated impacts to the head increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Emotional problems stemming from depression and anxiety are not uncommon when a person’s life has been upended after a significant head injury. In addition to physical and emotional costs, expenses related to these injuries can cause ongoing strain on victims and their families. We battle to relieve the financial burden on clients and to hold negligent parties accountable.
Contact our Illinois law firm for a free traumatic brain injury consultation
The Skinner Law Firm, P.C. in Bridgeview, Illinois helps victims of traumatic brain injuries get compensation. Call us at 312-635-6459 or contact us online to set up a free case evaluation.
