Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects either a single or several parts of the brain. It occurs when the brain suffers severe trauma which leads to temporary and permanent effects. The Center for Disease Control reports that over 1.4 million Americans suffer from traumatic brain injury.
Car accidents are a common cause of TBI Augusta, GA. That is because it is easy for one to hit their head hard on the car. As a result, it is one of the most common causes of TBI in the country. This type of injury is quite severe and may lead to irreparable damages to a person. It may cost one so much money to get the necessary treatment after the accident. As a result, one may have to seek compensation to help cover the damages.
Traumatic brain injuries are very serious so if you or a relative sustained injury, you might benefit greatly. You may opt to seek compensation directly from the insurance company or choose to file a lawsuit. Whichever option you pick, it is better if you have the help of a great lawyer. Not only will he explain what your options are, but he can also advise on the best course of action.
How Does a Traumatic Brain Injury Happen?
When someone hits his head hard against either the dashboard, seat or even steering wheel, he may get a TBI. The impact usually causes the tissues of the brain to shift in the skull causing a bruise. In some cases, one may end up bleeding and fracturing of the scalp which can turn fatal if not treated. There are many types of traumatic brain injuries. Each one differs from the other depending on which part of the brain it impacts. Some of the common symptoms for TBI include:
- Loss of focus.
- Confusion.
- Blurred vision with extreme headaches.
- Dizziness and fatigue.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Seizures.
- Loss of sensitivity and sense of smell.
To get the complete medical attention for TBI, one needs access to a lot of money. You have to buy a lot of drugs and in some cases go into surgery. Paying for this on your own is too much that is why you should consult a lawyer to assist you.
Should You Settle or Go to Court with a Car Accident Lawyer in Augusta, GA?
Settling requires you to reach an out of court agreement with the insurance company of the at-fault person. It is an excellent option if you don’t have the time or resources to file a lawsuit and endure trial. You can carry out negotiations on your own, but the best option is to have an Augusta, GA Lawyer. He ensures that the offers made to you are decent and can adequately negotiate on your behalf. With experienced counsel by your side, you may end up with an excellent offer for your traumatic brain injury.
On the other hand, by filing an Augusta, GA lawsuit, you stand to gain even more. Your lawyer will present your facts and evidence which may allow you to get more damages awarded. The court will make a complete consideration of all your losses and even future ones. If the at-fault party was genuinely negligent, you might end up getting punitive damages.
Types of Damages Awarded for TBI
Economic
These are awarded to cover all the money-related losses that you have suffered. These include medical bills, doctor’s fees, and lost wages. The court considers all that you have spent and that you will continue spending till you are better.
Non-economic
These are losses that cannot be quantified but happened due to traumatic brain injury following an accident. They include such things as pain and suffering, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), loss of companionship among others. In case your loved one died, you will get compensation.
Punitive Damages
The court uses punitive damages to punish the guilty party if they were downright negligent. They may be asked to pay your counsel’s legal fees as well as other monies. Punitive damages can be very high depending on the level of negligence shown.
Since traumatic brain injuries in Augusta, GA are very serious, you may end up collecting millions in damages. It may not undo the ordeal that you underwent, but it helps get you the best medical attention. However, to achieve this, you need an experienced attorney on your team. At Ted A. Greve & Associates we are dedicated to getting you justice for what happened to you. We will ensure that everything is ready for either negotiations or court proceedings. If you or a loved one has suffered at traumatic brain injury as the result of a car accident, call a dedicated Augusta auto accident attorney at Ted A. Greve & Associates today! Once done, we guarantee that you will be happy with the results.