As per the Brain Injury Association of America, yearly around 2.8 million individuals in the United States suffer from trauma-related brain injuries. Over 5 million people in the U.S. are living with either the side effects or disabilities caused by brain injury. The leading cause of TBIs among all age groups in the US is falls, particularly in the case of toddlers and the elderly.
The leading causes of TBI are car accidents, falls, occupational hazards, and sports injuries. Since the resulting effects vary from minor concussions to major and permanent damage, all the victims have to deal with the consequences of TBIs.
According to Hickory traumatic brain injury lawyer Lyndon R. Helton, no matter the extent of brain injury that you endured, be it a light concussion or a hard one, you are entitled to make a claim for personal injury and also get the wrongdoer to pay for their negligence.
Let’s take a look at the important things that brain injury victims need to know when pursuing a claim.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries and Their Impact
The impact of TBI is quite substantial and cannot be neglected in any way. Various methods are observed in patients for the manifestation of TBI symptoms like physical, mental, and social issues. The social aspect is the most affected area among these, which might lead to difficulties in forming relationships with others.
It is almost impossible to connect or communicate the way you used to. Symptoms can be so obvious that you are unable to relate to others. Emotional and cognitive impairment caused by severe TBIs can prove devastating. Sustaining a TBI can cause serious changes in one’s life.
You might experience feelings of loneliness or a dip in self-esteem. Others who are facing the same issues can relate to you. Begin looking for assistance to handle the transformations in your life and pursue a positive direction.
Gathering Evidence for Your TBI Claim
Gathering evidence for a TBI case can very easily make or break the outcome of your case. Take photos of the accident and the cars involved to begin. If there are any injuries, you should take photographs of them. Witness statements would be an excellent advantage.
Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, their effects on your daily activities, any current issues you face, days of lost work, and any jeopardized partnerships. Assemble all documents issued by the police and insurance.
A collection of these kinds of documents supports your assertion and records the reality of your situation. Your documentation will help others be able to relate to your story more easily. Every piece of evidence counts toward your narrative so you can receive a favorable personal injury lawyer settlement.
The Role of Medical Documentation in TBI Cases
The next step to gathering evidence of the accident’s cause is to acquire thorough medical evidence. Medical records can serve as the fundamental basis of your brain injury case.
Complete and detailed medical history, assessments, care plans, and follow-up notes serve as a strong indication of the severity of the injury and the manner of its negative impact on your life. Keep all records of meetings and any written correspondence between yourself and the service provider.
You will bolster your claims and show your ongoing suffering through the records. In case the doctors’ words are not clear to you, do not hesitate to request additional explanations. Keeping detailed medical records could turn out to be a huge plus in your case.
Managing the Claims Process: Steps to Follow
The entire claims procedure may frighten you, yet if you divide it into steps, it will be less challenging. Collect your medical documents and any other pertinent details concerning your TBI. These documents are the concrete evidence of your injury.
Notify your insurer without delay following the incident. Discover the deadline for your specific case. Every single correspondence with any insurer regarding your accident and every paid and unpaid expense about your injury must be well documented.
Write down how your injury is affecting your daily life. You can join support groups or go to chat sites to seek shared and learning experiences.
Finding the Right Legal Representation for Your Case
How would you become acquainted with the right legal services concerning a TBI case? Get referrals from people in your support groups who have been in the same kind of situation. You want an attorney knowledgeable on TBI claims, so look into their credentials and track record.
It’s important to schedule conversations with several of them to gauge their attentiveness, passion for legal matters, and competence in handling clients with TBI. You need to feel supported in their office and not worried, so trust your instincts when selecting your hire.
Find out their thoughts on justice and whether they are genuinely working on your behalf. People deserve someone who will fight for them and help them with their claim. The right fit could be the turning point for your recovery.
