ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
Whether caused by an auto accident, motorcycle accident, or defective drug, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in impairments that affect motor skills, personality, thinking ability, and more. These impairments can cause victims to lose their abilities to work, make decisions, or even live independently.
TYPES OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES
TBIs are classified into three levels of severity:
- Mild TBI: Mild TBIs—also known as concussions—may cause brief unconsciousness, confusion, and memory problems. Most people recover from the effects of concussions within hours or days.
- Moderate TBI: Moderate TBIs can cause unconsciousness that lasts for a few minutes to a few hours. Confusion may last several days or weeks, and physical or cognitive impairments are often permanent.
- Severe TBI: Severe TBIs cause extensive damage to the brain, which can lead to prolonged periods of unconsciousness that last for months, years, or even indefinitely. Common conditions caused by severe TBIs include vegetative state, coma, and even death.
Moderate and severe TBIs require high-quality medical care and treatment. Our Missouri and Southern Illinois traumatic brain injury lawyers will work with your loved one to make sure he or she gets the required medical attention for the injury while also preparing the case for trial.
The Long-Term Consequences of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) can have profound effects on a person’s life — often lasting far beyond the initial period of recovery. The long-term consequences can have a devastating impact on a victim’s finances and quality of life. Some of these ongoing consequences include:
Economic Consequences:
- Loss of employment or reduced ability to earn a living
- Ongoing medical expenses
- Costs for home modifications and assistive devices
- Need for long-term personal care
Quality of Life Impacts:
- Cognitive impairments like memory loss and challenges with concentration and decision-making
- Physical disabilities, including motor function and coordination issues
- Emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues that include depression, anxiety, and other neurological and mental health disorders
- Difficulties in being social or maintaining personal relationships
- Loss of independence in daily activities
These long-term consequences harm the individual, their family, and everyone who loves them.
Seeking Damages in a TBI Case
The severe and life-altering nature of a TBI can mean that victims and their families can seek the following types of compensation in an injury claim:
- Medical Expenses: This includes past, current, and future medical costs for ongoing treatment, therapy, and any complications.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Compensation for income already lost due to the injury and reduced future earning potential if the TBI impact prevents the victim from working.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages to compensate for physical and emotional pain caused by the injury.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the victim’s reduced ability to participate in and enjoy daily activities, hobbies, time with family, and other personal relationships.
- Cost of Care: Expenses related to in-home care, assistive devices, or necessary home modifications.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact on the victim’s relationship with their spouse or partner.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious negligence that go to trial, victims and their families may be awarded additional compensation by jury verdict to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior.
Your brain injury attorney will work to quantify these damages, often collaborating with various experts to accurately project the long-term financial impact of the TBI.
How a TBI Lawyer Can Help with Your Case
A skilled TBI lawyer plays a critical role in helping victims through the complex legal process. Here’s what you can expect from our TBI lawyers here at Cofman Townsley:
- Case Evaluation: Thoroughly assessing the circumstances of your injury and determining the strength of your case.
- Evidence Gathering: Collecting and preserving crucial evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements.
- Collaboration with Experts: Working with medical professionals, rehabilitation specialists, and other experts to better understand the long-term implications of your injury.
- Negotiation: Skillfully negotiating with insurance companies and opposing counsel to secure a settlement that will fully cover your current and future needs.
- Litigation Preparation/Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to fight on your behalf in court.
- Emotional Support: Providing compassionate support, protecting you from the stress of an often-overwhelming legal process.
- Financial Protection: Working on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Having one of our experienced TBI lawyers on your side lets you concentrate on your health and well-being. You can count on us to fight for the maximum compensation for your current and future needs.
WHY GET COFMAN TOWNSLEY?
The legal team at Cofman Townsley is dedicated to helping families across Missouri and Southern Illinois who are going through hard times. We give all clients equal attention and the respect they deserve—no matter their case type.
It’s our goal to take the stress of the injury off your shoulders while you focus on being there for your loved one. Dial (314) 499-1190 or fill out a free contact form.