Most scientists would agree that the brain is one of the most delicate and complicated organs in the human body. Even today our most advanced experts and researchers are unable to fully grasp how the human brain works. Our limited understanding of how the human brain works means it can be difficult to treat head or brain related injuries. Often those suffering with brain injuries must endure systematic medical treatments that are not only expensive but can sometimes be debilitating.
Those managing a brain injury or traumatic brain injury (TBI) tend to undergo serious side effects from their treatment and the injury itself. TBI and brain injury sufferers deal with a variety of symptoms including memory loss, convulsions, headaches, nausea, and in some cases even partial or complete loss of motor control. Managing these side effects is not only costly but can take a huge toll on a person emotionally as well.
If you’ve sustained a traumatic brain injury because of another’s carelessness, then it’s within your best interest to consult a personal injury attorney today. You could be entitled to compensation for your damages stemming from the brain injury.
Brain Injury Accident Lawyer in Bellingham, Washington
Traumatic brain injuries can result in lifelong medical conditions and intensive treatments you may have to manage for the rest of your life. If your injury was caused by another person’s recklessness or negligence, then we urge you to get the compensation you deserve by hiring an experienced attorney at PNW Trial Lawyers. Our Washington head trauma attorneys understand the severity of a brain injury and what it can do to your personal and financial health. Our attorneys will aggressively and effectively use their litigation/negotiation skills to ensure you receive every penny needed to recover.
Set up your first consultation with the catastrophic injury attorneys at PNW Trial Lawyers by calling us at (360) 483-5201. PNW Trial Lawyers accepts clients in the Bellingham area and surrounding counties including Whatcom County, Snohomish County, and Skagit County.
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Traumatic Brain Injury Statistics in the U.S.
The severity of head and brain injuries have caused a lot of people to consider them rare events. Unfortunately, in the U.S. that is not the case. Traumatic brain injuries happen more often than you may think, and reports show that there are millions of people struggling with the signs and symptoms of a brain injury or traumatic brain injury. This can be shown via statistics collected by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, also known as AANS.
Listed below are some statistics related to brain injuries from AANS.
- As of now, there are approximately 80,000 to 90,000 people suffering with a brain injury or traumatic brain injury
- Every year there are around 235,000 hospitalizations for brain injuries or TBI
- It was discovered brain injury and TBI patients spent up to $56 billion on treatment costs each year collectively
- 60 percent of all brain injuries or traumatic brain injuries stem from a car accident
- The research shows that an estimated 50,000 people die from brain injury or TBI related complications
- 2,500 of those deaths can be attributed to children under the age of 14
- Those who are 60 or older are at the highest risk of death from a brain injury or TBI
How Does a Brain Injury Affect You?
The complex and multifaceted nature of the brain means it can be difficult to predict how a person will react to a brain injury. For some, the symptoms are manageable and can improve over time. Others, however, may suffer from long-term symptoms for years and in some cases the rest of their life. The severity of the symptoms will rely on how much trauma the brain endured and if anything pierced or cracked the skull.
Listed below are some common signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury.
- Coma;
- Loss of consciousness;
- Dilated pupils’
- Headaches;
- Speech issues such as slurred words;
- Difficulty swallowing;
- Slow pulse;
- Difficulty with cognitive thinking;
- Droopy eyelids or facial features;
- Dizziness and balance issues;
- Vomiting;
- Lethargy;
- Inappropriate emotional responses;
- Paralysis;
- Confusion;
- Breathing issues;
- Body tingling or numbness;
- Changes in vision;
- Ringing in the ears or changes in hearing;
- Loss of bladder or bowel control;
- Slow breathing rate; or
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) coming through the ears or nose
What is the Average Payout for a Head Injury?
Was your brain injury or TBI a result of someone or an entity’s carelessness or recklessness? Could your injury have been avoided if the person at fault had acted in a reasonable and prudent manner? If so, then you may be able to file a lawsuit against the responsible party and recover your damages. People or companies who act grossly unaware or recklessly despite the risk of another person being harmed can be held liable in court.
You can file a lawsuit against the liable party after you’ve sent a demand letter. If they reject the letter, you can begin the process of filing a claim against them. Personal injury cases are proven by a preponderance of evidence, which is an evidentiary standard where the burden of proof is met if the party bringing the claim convinces the court that there is a greater than 50 % chance their claim is true. To successfully win your lawsuit, you will have to prove the following to the court by a preponderance of evidence:
- The defendant was required to uphold a duty of care;
- They knowingly or intentionally breached this duty;
- You were injured because of their actions; and
- You suffered as a result of the injury
The average payout for a brain injury will depend on the facts of the case. If you sway the court in your favor, then the judge will grant you a monetary award for your losses. The purpose of the compensation is to cover any damages you’ve experienced because of the injury, which includes both physical and emotional damages.
The following are some damages your monetary award may cover:
- Medical expenses;
- Vehicular repairs;
- Rehabilitation costs;
- Counseling;
- Loss of consortium;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of future earnings;
- Pain and suffering; and
- Loss of quality of life
Additional Resources
Brain Injury Alliance of Washington – Visit the official website for the Brain Injury Alliance of Washington (BIAWA), which is a small non-profit organization dedicated to exhibiting the power to do great things despite brain-related injuries. Access the site to learn about their latest events and happenings, how to support BIAWA, and resources for brain injury victims.
CDC | Traumatic Brain Injury Statistics – Visit the official website for the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn more about traumatic brain injuries, the symptoms of one, and how many people in the U.S. suffer from it daily. Access the site to learn more about signs and symptoms, treatment methods, and the long-term effects of a TBI.
TBI Attorney in Whatcom, WA | Head Trauma Lawyers
If you or someone you love has sustained a traumatic brain injury, then it’s within your best interest to contact PNW Trial Lawyers. You could be entitled to compensation three times the amount of your damages based on your circumstances. To learn more, contact the experienced Washington personal injury attorneys at PNW Trial Lawyers. We can hold the negligent party responsible and help you recover from all your losses.
Set up your first consultation by calling our offices at (360) 483-5201. PNW Trial Lawyers accept clients throughout the Whatcom County area including Bellingham, Lynden, Ferndale, Blaine, Everson, Birch Bay, Custer, Sudden Valley, Nooksack, and Point Roberts.