Atlanta Brain Injury Lawyer
Brain injury lawyer fighting to get the fair and just compensation that you deserve.
Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers You Can Trust
Are you the victim of an automobile accident? Have you survived a recent assault? Did you suffer a fall where you hit your head? If you have experienced a traumatic brain injury caused by the negligence of another person, it can be an extremely stressful, tiring, confusing, and expensive experience.
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, Atlanta personal injury attorneys at The Fitzpatrick Law Firm in Atlanta, GA, are here to help answer your legal questions, navigate your traumatic brain injury case, and help you gain the financial compensation you deserve.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury, commonly referred to as a TBI, occurs when someone experiences a severe jolt, blow, or penetrative force to the head that compromises brain function. Traumatic brain injuries are a major cause of death and disability in the United States, with the Center for Disease Control reporting over 60,000 deaths per year caused by trauma-inducing head injuries.
People of all ages and backgrounds can suffer catastrophic injuries that result in brain damage, though people heavily involved in contact sports and survivors of domestic violence rank among the highest number of victims of a TBI.
It is important to note, regardless of the extenuating factors involved in your life, traumatic brain injuries can also come as a result of pedestrian accidents, auto accidents, or any kind of attack or injury caused by someone else’s negligence. Understanding the statute of limitations for filing a traumatic brain injury claim in Georgia is crucial for ensuring that victims receive the legal support needed to cover long-term care and rehabilitation costs.
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Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Mild TBI/Concussions
The most common type of traumatic brain injury that occurs each year is mild, known commonly as a concussion. Concussions occur when there is a bump or blow to the head that results in the head and brain being forced to quickly jolt back and forth.
Despite being labeled as "mild," these types of brain injuries are still incredibly serious, with long-term effects, though they are not usually life-threatening. The individual's brain has not only been quickly bounced and twisted around within their skull, but this sudden movement causes chemical changes within the brain and damages brain cells.
Moderate to Severe TBI
Moderate and severe traumatic brain injuries are caused by trauma to the head and brain that results in changes to brain function for longer than a few minutes and carries a high risk of long-term brain damage and even death.
Brain injuries that result in unconsciousness anywhere from 30 minutes up to 24 hours in length are categorized as moderate. Severe traumatic brain injury cases deal with instances where unconsciousness lasts for longer than 24 hours in length.
Moderate and severe TBI cases require ongoing treatment, create a huge emotional toll on the brain injury victim as well as members of their family, and can result in significant costs for medical care and treatment.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Atlanta
The most common causes of traumatic brain injury are:
Falls
The most common cause of TBIs are due to falling. When someone falls from a ladder, on ice or sleet, down a flight of stairs, or in the bathtub, any fall can result in an injury to the head that affects brain tissue and cognitive functioning.
Vehicle-related Collisions
Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents as well as pedestrian-related collisions are the second most common cause of TBIs. A car crash or other auto accidents can result in concussions, brain contusions, skull fractures, diffuse axonal injury, and other injuries to the brain that range from mild to severe.
Acts of Violence
Violent actions inflicted onto one individual by another are a common cause of TBIs. Some examples of violence that results in brain injuries are gunshot wounds that penetrate the skull, blows to the head caused by blunt or sharp objects, brain slams caused by being forcibly pushed against a wall or floor, “shaken baby syndrome,” and loss of oxygen due to strangulation that could cause hypoxic brain injury or anoxic brain injury.
Sports Injuries
High-impact sports like hockey, football, soccer, and boxing can result in short-term and long-term effects that need medical attention. Acquired brain injury from sports is more common in children, young adults, and professional athletes, though anyone participating in contact sports could suffer a TBI.
Combat-related Injuries
For active duty military soldiers, the risk of a TBI resulting from a number of job-related experiences is unfortunately high. Instances where an individual experiences an explosive blast, a head injury from a gunshot wound or other impact, a direct blow due to shrapnel or debris, as well as body collisions and falls are common.
Signs and Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury
If you experience an injury of any kind to the head it is important to take it seriously and get medical attention quickly. Ignoring a brain injury can result in unnecessary long-term trauma, so seeking the help of medical professionals early is key.
Brain injury victims can experience a combination of physical, intellectual, emotional, behavioral, sensory, and communicative symptoms.
If you suspect you may have a traumatic brain injury, some symptoms to look for are:
- Headaches
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Seizures or convulsions
- Vomiting and nausea
- Drowsiness and fatigue
- Memory problems
- Difficulty speaking and communicating
- Slurred speech patterns
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Noticeable changes in your sense of smell or taste
- New sensitivity to light or sound
- Feelings of disorientation or confusion
- Difficulty with concentration
- Feeling easily agitated, combative, or emotional
Just as you should seek legal advice for your personal injury case, you should seek medical attention for any of the above symptoms after suffering a head injury.
How Can an Atlanta Brain Injury Lawyer Help?
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, seeking the assistance of an experienced Atlanta brain injury lawyer is crucial. Navigating the legal landscape after such a life-altering event can be overwhelming, but a skilled brain injury lawyer can provide invaluable support. They can help you gather evidence and build a robust case, ensuring that all necessary documentation and testimonies are in place to support your claim.
Negotiating with insurance companies and opposing counsel can be daunting, but an Atlanta brain injury lawyer will handle these interactions on your behalf, striving to secure the best possible outcome. Should your case go to court, they will represent you, advocating for your rights and working tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Moreover, an experienced brain injury lawyer will help you understand your rights and options, providing guidance on the best course of action. They will collaborate with medical experts to assess the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your life, ensuring that your compensation reflects the true cost of your suffering and future needs.
What to Do After a Brain Injury
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, taking immediate and appropriate action is essential to ensure you receive the necessary medical treatment and legal representation. Here are some critical steps to follow:
Seek Medical Attention Immediately:
Regardless of the perceived severity of your injuries, it is vital to get medical help right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and provide a clear record of your condition.
Document Everything:
Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, including doctor’s appointments, hospital stays, and medications. This documentation will be crucial for your brain injury claim.
Contact an Atlanta Brain Injury Lawyer:
An experienced brain injury lawyer can guide you through the legal process, helping you understand your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders:
Adhering to your doctor’s instructions and attending all scheduled appointments is essential for your recovery and for demonstrating the seriousness of your injury in your legal case.
By taking these steps, you can protect your health and strengthen your brain injury claim, ensuring you receive the support and compensation you need.
What Compensation is Available for an Atlanta Brain Injury Lawsuit?
Your Atlanta brain injury lawyers believe you have a right to compensation whether you have suffered a mild traumatic brain injury or a moderate to severe brain injury. Consulting with experienced Atlanta brain injury attorneys is crucial to secure financial compensation for brain injuries caused by another person’s negligence. We understand that after a car accident, attack, or fall due to someone else’s negligence it can be very stressful to pursue compensation as well as non-economic damages without support.
Our personal injury case clients suffer significant impacts on their lives and livelihoods. Oftentimes, victims of TBIs can no longer participate in their favorite hobbies or pastimes, nor can they remain on the career paths they’ve spent years working so hard for.
In addition to living with pain, we see traumatic brain injuries require ongoing physical therapy, occupational therapy, hospital care, and ongoing struggles communicating with insurance companies.
Working with our experts in personal injury cases, The Fitzpatrick Firm will assist you or your loved ones by seeking compensation for:
- past and future medical bills
- lost wages
- ongoing treatment costs
- long-term medical care
- medical devices or modifications made to your home
- pain and suffering
- emotional distress
- loss of quality of life
Brain Injury Statistics
Traumatic brain injuries are a significant public health concern in the United States, leading to substantial mortality and long-term disability. Here are some key statistics that underscore the gravity of brain injuries:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1.7 million people in the United States suffer a traumatic brain injury each year.
The CDC also reports that traumatic brain injuries are a leading cause of death and disability among children and young adults.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) estimates that the annual cost of traumatic brain injuries in the United States exceeds $76 billion.
The NINDS further notes that traumatic brain injuries can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s quality of life, including memory loss, cognitive difficulties, and mood changes.
These statistics highlight the critical importance of seeking prompt medical attention and legal representation if you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury. An experienced Atlanta brain injury lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of the legal process, ensuring you receive the compensation necessary to address the profound impact of a traumatic brain injury on your life.
Traumatic Brain Injury FAQs
What is the average settlement for a traumatic brain injury case?
The average settlement for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) case varies significantly based on the severity of the injury, the impact on the victim’s life, and the circumstances of the accident.
Settlements can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, with mild cases typically settling on the lower end and severe cases that result in permanent disability or long-term care needs often receiving higher compensation.
Factors such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the victim’s overall quality of life post-injury all play a critical role in determining the settlement amount.
How to claim for brain injury?
To claim compensation for a brain injury, the victim (or their legal representative) must file a personal injury lawsuit or an insurance claim, depending on the circumstances of the injury.
The process involves proving that another party’s negligence or wrongful actions directly caused the brain injury. This can include gathering medical records, accident reports, witness testimony, and expert opinions. It’s essential to consult an attorney who specializes in brain injury cases to navigate the legal process and negotiate the best possible settlement.
How do you prove traumatic brain injury?
Proving a traumatic brain injury involves a combination of medical evidence, expert testimony, and documentation of the victim’s symptoms. Medical imaging, such as MRIs or CT scans, can show physical damage to the brain, while neuropsychological evaluations assess cognitive and behavioral changes caused by the injury.
Additionally, testimony from medical experts and family members can help demonstrate how the injury has impacted the victim’s daily life, mental capacity, and emotional well-being. Detailed documentation of symptoms over time is crucial for building a strong case.
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury and believe you are eligible for compensation, The Fitzpatrick Firm can help.
Our team of personal injury lawyers has worked with many clients to settle their traumatic brain injury cases. Call us today at (678) 607-5550 or fill out our form below to schedule a free consultation.