The brain is responsible for controlling our emotions, thoughts, as well as bodily functions. That’s the reason why injuries to the brain are often devastating and can lead to paralysis, coma, the inability to communicate, or perhaps even death.
No amount of money can ever make up for what you are going through after suffering a brain injury, but a settlement can help pay for medical therapy, continuing care and therapy, modifications to your home, and replace your lost wages if you are too injured to work. An experienced Gwinnett brain injury lawyer can help you claim the maximum compensation possible.
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury in Gwinnett, GA due to the negligence of another person or entity, call The Herro Law Firm today for your free, no-obligation consultation. We will review your claim and help you pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Call our Gwinnett personal injury lawyers at (404) 433-6876 today!
How Do I Know I Have a Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI), no matter how minor it might appear to be, should always be taken seriously. If you have suffered a TBI, you need the best treatment possible and must act swiftly to avoid causing further damage.
To quickly determine whether you have a brain injury, you should ask yourself these 2 questions:
- Did you hit your head and lose consciousness? While this isn’t always a requirement for a brain injury, it can be a good indicator.
- Are you suffering from headaches? Headaches are another good indication that you might have suffered a TBI.
It is generally advisable to seek medical attention even if you suffer a minor brain injury because that’s the only way for you to truly determine whether or not you have a brain injury. The first step in diagnosing a brain injury is a CT Scan of the brain or an MRI.
If you suffer from a brain injury in Gwinnett, GA, you need to contact our lawyers at The Herro Law Firm who are familiar with such cases and are experienced in conveying to the insurance company or the court the significant impact these injuries have on your life.
What Are Some of the Leading Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injuries don’t always include a skull fracture or open head wound. Loss of consciousness may also not occur. The following are some of the most common causes of traumatic brain injury:
- Violent Acts
- Sports Accidents
- Falls
- Traffic Accidents
What Are the Types of Brain Injuries?
Brain injuries are of several different types and each type is unique. The differences in brain injuries depend on the amount of force applied, the type of force applied, as well as where the force was applied on the head.
Brain injuries generally fall into the following categories:
Open Injury
Open TBIs occur when an object such as a knife, bullet, or something else penetrates the skull. If the object finds its way into the brain it causes damage to the brain tissue directly.
Closed Injury
Closed TBIs occur when an outside force causes a jolt or blow to the head that does not penetrate the skull. The impact injures the brain and causes it to swell. Closed TBIs are typically observed in falls or car accidents.
Deceleration Injury
A deceleration injury, which is also known as a diffuse brain injury occurs when the brain is slammed against the skull causing the brain to move within the skull. Damage may be caused in several areas where the brain hits the skull.
Non-Traumatic/Hypoxic/Anoxic Brain Injury
TBIs aren’t always caused by trauma to the brain, they can also result from a lack of oxygen to the brain, usually from a stroke or heart attack, but can also occur due to events such as choking and near-fatal drownings.
Chemical/Toxic
Exposure to harmful chemicals such as pesticides, carbon monoxide, or lead can result in severe injury as well as serious medical issues, which include damage to the brain and nervous system. In some instances, exposure to poisonous fumes can be fatal.
What Are the Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury vary depending on the severity of the injury. A key sign is a loss of consciousness after impact. Some people feel dazed for just a few minutes while others are unresponsive for extended periods.
People with mild TBIs can have several varying symptoms, the majority of which are experienced right after the injury to the head or in the days following. Sometimes people actually don’t feel the severity of a symptom until they return to work or school.
Here are the most common signs of a TBI:
- Dizziness
- Loss of memory
- Trouble concentrating
- Inability to perform everyday tasks
- Depression
- Emotional outbursts
- Recurring headaches
- Fatigue
- Balance problems
- Agitation or restlessness
- Slurred speech
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Seizures
Why Is It Important to See a Doctor After a Head Injury?
The symptoms of a TBI can surface either immediately after the accident or in the days and weeks following. The delayed onset of symptoms following a traumatic brain injury is one of the primary reasons why it is so important to seek medical care promptly after a fall or car crash. Even a seemingly minor car accident can end up causing a mild traumatic brain injury, which is actually still a serious medical concern.
Why Should I Hire a Gwinnett Brain Injury Lawyer?
Hiring a traumatic brain injury lawyer such as those at The Herro Law Firm in Gwinnett, GA is one of the best things you can do after suffering a traumatic brain injury since it allows you to maximize the compensation you may receive for your accident so that you can focus on your recovery.
Our experienced lawyers have the necessary skills and resources to pinpoint whose actions or decisions led to the harm you have suffered. We will be at your side, representing your best interests and ensuring that nobody takes advantage of you.
Call us today at (404) 433-6876 if you have suffered a brain injury of any type in Gwinnett, GA so that we can set up a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options moving forward.
Can Insurance Companies Obtain My Past Medical Records?
Insurance companies do need to confirm that you have actually suffered the injuries that you have claimed, which means that they do require some access to your medical record. Still, you have to give written consent for them to do so.
To ensure that insurance companies only have access to medical records relevant to your current situation, it is advisable to hire a lawyer who will only give them access to just those records and not any other.
What Happens If the Insurance Company Refuses to Pay My Medical Bills?
If your insurance company refuses to pay your medical bills, it is legally required to notify you in writing of its reasons for doing so and it must do it within certain time frames. It must also provide you with information about the appeals process.
Once the insurance company provides the above information, you can consult our experienced Gwinnett brain injury lawyers at The Herro Law Firm so that we can help you legally dispute their refusal by taking them to court.
What Compensation Can I Receive for a Brain Injury?
If you have suffered a brain injury from an accident or incident that was the result of the negligent or reckless acts of another party, then the at-fault party should be held liable for compensating you for the injuries suffered.
The compensation that you can receive for a brain injury in Gwinnett, GA may include:
- Past Medical Bills, including doctor visits, medication, surgeries, emergency medical care, and any other treatment needed to treat your brain injury.
- Future Medical Bills, including ongoing medical care or hospitalization, physical therapy and occupational therapy, rehabilitation costs, as well as other forms of therapy needed.
- Lost wages from your inability to work due to the injuries that you have sustained.
- Non-economic damages, which is the compensation for the pain and suffering endured after suffering a brain injury.
- Funeral and burial costs in cases of wrongful death.
Are There Time Limits for Filing a TBI Claim in Georgia?
Yes. TBI claims have to be filed within a certain timeframe starting from the day of the accident or incident that caused the injuries. In Georgia, the amount of time within which you are required to have filed a TBI claim is 2 years.
Call an Experienced Brain Injury Lawyer in Gwinnett, GA!
Victims of TBI often suffer permanent adverse effects on their health and ability to live an independent and productive life. Due to this reason, it is imperative that you contact a lawyer if you or a loved one has suffered a TBI caused by another party’s negligence.
At The Herro Law Firm in Gwinnett, GA, we are experienced brain injury lawyers and have a strong history fighting for the rights of injury victims. We understand the complexities of brain injury cases and know the suffering that victims and their families endure.
Call us today at (404) 433-6876 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and case evaluation.
