Whether through a vehicle accident, medical mistake, or another form of negligence, brain injuries have a way of impacting the lives of you and your loved ones. Many people have their lives transformed instantly, going from living completely independently to requiring the assistance of someone to care for them.
Unfortunately, this can leave you with substantial medical bills, lost income, and expenses related to your new way of life. However, you have the right to take legal action.
If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you have the right to pursue compensation. This can provide a financial lifeline when you’re struggling in the incident’s aftermath. At Thomas Law Offices, we’re here to help you get the compensation you need to move forward.
Reach out to our Chicago brain injury lawyer to discover your legal options.
Traumatic Brain Injuries in Chicago
A traumatic brain injury happens when a sudden impact, jolt, or penetrating injury disrupts normal brain function. Some TBIs are mild, such as concussions, and recovery may only take a few weeks or months to heal. However, others can cause lasting disabilities that change a person’s life.
While some symptoms may be inconspicuous, you will not want to ignore these warning signs:
- Persistent headaches or dizziness
- Memory problems or confusion
- Sudden mood changes or irritability
- Difficulty speaking or understanding others
- Loss of coordination or balance
- Seizures or loss of consciousness
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms after an accident, seek medical attention immediately. After that, contact our Chicago brain injury lawyer to explore your legal options.
How Negligence Leads to Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury doesn’t just happen. This is often the result of someone else’s reckless or careless actions. Whether a distracted driver, a negligent property owner, or an employer who failed to provide a safe work environment, negligence plays a major role in many brain injury cases.
Some of these common causes include:
Car and Truck Accidents
A moment of inattention behind the wheel of a large truck or motor vehicle can have life-altering consequences. Many TBIs occur due to:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Failing to yield or running red lights
Even when you wear a seatbelt, the sheer force of impact can cause your brain to collide with your skull. This can lead to a concussion, contusion, or more severe damage.
Along with that, motorcyclists are at greater risk of brain injuries since their bikes offer no protection in the event of a crash. If a negligent driver caused your injury, they should be held accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Falls are one of the leading causes of brain injuries, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. Often, slip and fall accidents are preventable. Property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions. When they fail to do so, serious injuries can happen due to:
- Wet or slippery floors
- Uneven sidewalks or flooring
- Poor lighting in stairwells or walkways
- Lack of warning signs for hazards
If a property owner knew about a hazard and didn’t fix it or failed to warn you about it, they could be held liable for your injuries, requiring you to take action with a premises liability claim.
Slips can also happen in nursing homes when staff members fail to properly monitor residents.
Workplace Accidents
Certain jobs, like construction and manufacturing, have a higher risk of head injuries. However, that does not mean workers should have to accept unsafe conditions. Many workplace TBIs result from:
- Lack of proper safety gear, such as helmets or harnesses
- Falling objects from scaffolding or shelves
- Defective machinery or equipment failures
- Unsafe work environments with ignored safety violations
If an employer, contractor, or equipment manufacturer’s negligence caused your injury, you may have more than a workers’ compensation claim. You may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit as well.
Sports Injuries
Athletes of all ages are at risk for concussions and serious brain injuries, but these risks increase when:
- Coaches ignore concussion protocols
- Teams fail to provide proper protective gear
- Players return to the game too soon after a head injury
Repeated concussions can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to long-term cognitive and emotional problems. If an athletic program, coach, or trainer puts you in danger, they should be held accountable.
Medical Malpractice
Medical professionals are expected to provide a standard level of care. Unfortunately, when they fail, the consequences can be devastating. Brain injuries can occur due to:
- Surgical errors that cause oxygen deprivation
- Failure to diagnose or misdiagnose a head injury
- Anesthesia errors leading to brain damage
You may have a medical malpractice claim if a doctor, hospital, or medical provider’s negligence caused or worsened your injury.
If someone else’s negligence caused your TBI, you have the right to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care.
At Thomas Law Offices, we believe in fighting for justice. Our traumatic brain injury lawyer in Chicago can answer any of your questions.
Life After a Traumatic Brain Injury
According to the International Brain Injury Association, 80,000 Americans have a TBI-related disability.
Living with a traumatic brain injury is more than just healing from the initial impact. For many, they have to adjust to a new way of life.
Many survivors face daily challenges that affect their ability to work, maintain relationships, and handle everyday tasks. These challenges aren’t just physical. They also take a toll on mental and emotional well-being.
Many survivors deal with long-term challenges, such as:
- Cognitive struggles, such as memory loss and difficulty concentrating
- Emotional changes, including anxiety, depression, and mood swings
- Physical limitations, which could involve chronic pain or loss of motor skills
- Communication difficulties, such as speech and comprehension issues
The road to recovery can be long, but you can rebuild your life with the right legal support.
Seeking Compensation for Brain Damage
If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you have the right to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care
- Lost wages: Income lost and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering: The emotional toll of living with a severe brain injury
- Future care costs: Home modifications, therapy, and assistive devices
How much is your case worth? Let’s discuss it with our Chicago traumatic brain injury lawyer in a free consultation.
Why Hiring a Chicago Brain Injury Lawyer Matters
After being injured, you need to focus on your recovery and family. The last thought on your mind is a lengthy legal pursuit. But we are here for you. Here are a few reasons why you need to have a skilled and knowledgeable legal team on your side:
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Insurers try to minimize payouts. They often offer settlements that barely scratch the surface of your medical expenses. We make sure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Handling the Legal Process
A brain injury claim is more than filling out paperwork. These cases require medical experts, accident reconstruction, and skilled negotiation. You need to focus on recovery while we handle the heavy legal lifting.
Fighting for Maximum Compensation
Brain injuries can lead to ongoing medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress. We’ll work to secure compensation for your medical care, future rehabilitation, and the toll this injury has taken on your life.
Working with a traumatic brain injury lawyer can help you make this process as smooth as possible. Find out how we can assist with filing an insurance claim. Whether you’re the injured person or you’re helping a loved one deal with their injuries, we’re available to help with a claim.
Thomas Law Offices Is Ready to Fight for You
If you or a loved one is facing the challenges of a traumatic brain injury, you don’t have to go through this alone. At Thomas Law Offices, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Call us today for a free consultation, or fill out our online contact form to get started. Our Chicago brain injury lawyer is ready to fight for you.
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