Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) describe conditions ranging from mild concussions to permanent brain damage. These injuries can be particularly dangerous, as symptoms do not always manifest right away. Repeat TBIs, even if they are initially mild, can lead to permanent damage or death.
If you or a loved one suffered a TBI in an accident caused by someone else, talk to an experienced attorney about your legal options for pursuing compensation. A Suwanee traumatic brain injury lawyer could help you and your family determine the best course of action for recovering the losses you have suffered.
Symptoms of TBIs
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, almost 300,000 Americans are hospitalized every year for traumatic brain injuries. The leading causes of non-fatal TBI are falls, motor vehicle crashes, and blows to the head while playing sports. Symptoms of mild to moderate TBIs might include loss of consciousness, memory interruptions, confusion, disorientation, muscle weakness, and changes in vision or speech.
In the case of a severe TBI, the injured person might suffer long-term or permanent:
- Weakness in the extremities or on one side of the body
- Disordered or unintelligible speech
- Mood dysregulation
- Vision problems
- Sensory issues
- Poor motor coordination
- Inability to focus, limited attention span
- Cognitive impairment
In some cases, a TBI could cause permanent disabilities that render a person to live independently. With such significant losses, it is crucial for a TBI victim and their family to get legal help recovering compensation from the at-fault party.
Damages in Suwanee Brain Injury Claims
When negligence causes an accident that results in a TBI, the negligent parties could be responsible for compensating the injured person for their losses, otherwise known as damages.
In a TBI case, damages could include:
- Rehabilitative services
- Lost future earning capacity
- Costs of home care
- The value of domestic duties the injured person cannot perform due to their injury
- Other expenses associated with caring for a TBI victim
An award of damages could also include payments for intangible losses that lack a set value. These non-economic damages could compensate for mental anguish, humiliation, physical pain, lost ability to participate in enjoyable activities, and other factors that diminish the quality of the victim’s life. A well-practiced local attorney could advise a family about documenting injury-related costs to ensure that a damages award covers all of the TBI victim’s losses.
Punitive Damages for Intentional Acts
If a TBI results from someone’s intentional or malicious actions, the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 51-12-5.1(b) allows a plaintiff to seek punitive damages. These damages require a plaintiff and their attorney to prove that someone acted with reckless disregard for the harm their conduct was likely to cause.
For instance, if a TBI resulted from someone driving under the influence or engaging in other egregious conduct, a claim for punitive damages might be appropriate. An experienced traumatic brain attorney could determine whether the specific circumstances merit a claim for punitive damages.
Call a Suwanee Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer for Legal Guidance
If you or a loved one sustained a TBI in an accident, you might not know where to turn for help putting your life back together. Let a Suwanee traumatic brain injury lawyer guide you through the process of pursuing compensation. A legal advocate could relieve some stress and ensure that your rights are protected. Call today to schedule an appointment and discuss your case.