Millions of accident victims experience the life-altering impact of suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year and rely on continuous surgery, medical care, or rehab to have a sense of normalcy after being injured. The loss experienced and the costs incurred can be insurmountable.
That’s where the Shelly Leeke Law Firm steps in. If you or a loved one has experienced a TBI from negligent conduct, such as medical malpractice or personal injury situations, our Charleston personal injury lawyers can explore legal options that may result in a large settlement.
Our South Carolina traumatic brain injury lawyers have years of experience throughout South Carolina and remain dedicated to restoring justice for each client. Find out if your injury qualifies as a TBI, how to respond to settlement offers, and more. We offer free consultations if you wish to gain an in-depth analysis of the value of your TBI claim.
What Is Considered a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injury is the term used to describe a serious brain injury brought on by external head trauma. Many different accidents can result in blunt-force head injuries. One of the most frequent causes we see is being struck by an object, followed by falls, workplace injuries, and car accidents.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that some physical symptoms of TBI include hearing loss, dizziness, fatigue, impaired vision, problems with coordination, brain fog, and memory loss. Someone who is showing evidence of a traumatic brain injury may have a wide range of side effects, including:
- Impaired judgment
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Frequent mood shifts
- Disinterest
- Weakness
- Decreased motor skills
- Inability to regulate emotions
Some forms of brain injury, such as minor concussions, may only have transient effects, but others may cause catastrophic, life-altering conditions like seizures or paralysis.
Estimating the Settlement Amount for a TBI Personal Injury Claim
When calculating the value of your personal injury settlement for a TBI, it is important to know how the awarded amount is determined. Our Charleston TBI attorneys discuss this in depth during the initial consultation session, but here is a general overview of the determining factors:
- Medical expenses, as well as any additional costs associated with the injury, such as around-the-clock care or accommodations made to your home
- Income loss, including lost pay, wage reductions brought on by injuries, and loss of future salary possibilities
- Pain and suffering, such as a diminished quality of life or the inability to participate in previous activities
- Mental suffering, like PTSD or anxiety
- Loss of consortium
Causation of Traumatic Brain Injuries
There are numerous situations where an injury could result in a concussion or cause a TBI. The signs and symptoms of any ailment might be mild to severe. Our brain injury lawyers take on instances resulting from:
- Workplace injuries
- Medical negligence
- Premises liability incidents
- Animal attacks
- Auto collisions
- Nursing home abuse
While seeking legal counsel won’t be able to repair the damage, it will assist in carrying out treatment or other actions. By speaking with a personal injury attorney about your TBI and how you received it, we can advise you on if you qualify for compensation.
Responding to Settlement Offers
Insurance companies offer quickly when they are at fault and can take advantage of TBI victims by lowering, delaying, or outright rejecting their compensation. By speaking to us first, a TBI lawyer in Charleston from our firm can make progress by intervening and advocating for fair recompense.
It is important to know before speaking to an insurance adjuster that they won’t offer a figure that even comes close to being reasonable until compelled to. Their primary responsibility is to use any measures required to maintain firm profitability. It’s acceptable to let them know that you need some time to think over your alternatives or that you’d like to put off speaking with them.
Strategies and Deadlines for Your Traumatic Brain Injury Case
Traumatic brain injury can lead to a variety of issues that affect a person’s thinking, cognition, emotions, and behavior. To strategize and quantify your suffering for the compensation request, your injury must be classified as mild, moderate, or severe.
After an injury, it is advised to seek medical attention right away because the signs of a traumatic brain injury are not always visible. A TBI can only be recognized and treated by a doctor and may take time to see improvement.
When injured, recovery is prioritized over deadlines, such as the statute of limitations in South Carolina that allows accident victims a limited time period to file a personal injury claim. After three years from the date of injury, you won’t be able to file a claim to collect compensation.
A lawyer, however, can ensure that all claims and paperwork are filed on time.
Maximize Your TBI Settlement Award Today
Contact the Shelly Leeke Law Firm right away to begin a free consultation and get the services of a reputable legal team. Avoid putting your TBI claim at risk by defending yourself or relying on the irresponsible party to uphold the law.
Our team of legal specialists will work to conduct their own investigation, refute claims that undercut your claim, and, if required, prepare your case for trial. Hire a Charleston traumatic brain injury attorney to represent you to increase your chances of getting a favorable settlement.