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Head and brain injuries can be difficult to detect in the absence of obvious physical trauma or other related symptoms. Frequently, a brain injury victim will only begin to experience significant problems months after the accident.
If you or a loved one has experienced a head or brain injury, you need an attorney with the experience to assess the extent of your injuries and the prospect for ongoing medical expenses and other physical, mental, emotional or economic damages.
Experienced Legal Help for Head and Brain Injury Victims
The attorneys of the Pennsylvania personal injury law firm of Drake, Hileman & Davis are ready to handle both traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases and cases involving head injuries that do not result in visible wounds (“closed head injuries”). We work with treating doctors and other medical experts to assess, quantify and prove:
- Cognitive issues
- Post-concussive disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorders
- Headaches/head pain
- Sensitivity to light
- Long-term nausea
Accurately Evaluating Head Injury Claims and Pursuing Damages That Anticipate Long-Term Needs
A crucial aspect of all head and brain injury claims is a realistic assessment of the amount of compensation a client should receive for the harm suffered. We are experienced in all of the steps necessary to value a claim, including:
- Determining who is liable
- Assessing damages for past, present and future medical expenses and lost wages
- Proving that your losses were caused by another’s negligence
- Determining who will pay and how much compensation is available from various sources
- Determining where your case should be brought to maximize your recovery
For more information about our firm and your legal options, contact one of our knowledgeable attorneys today.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are serious injuries that can have long-term—and, in some cases, permanent—consequences. These injuries result from accidents that cause damage to the brain inside of the skull, whether the brain crashes into the inside of the skull or the forces of the accident tear the axons in the brain. As the National Institutes of Health (NIH) explain:
“A traumatic brain injury (TBI) refers to a brain injury that is caused by an outside force. TBI can be caused by a forceful bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, or from an object entering the brain.”
As the NIH also explains, “Some injuries are considered primary, meaning the damage is immediate. Others can be secondary, meaning they can occur gradually over the course of hours, days, or weeks after injury.” This makes it critical to seek medical attention (and consult with a concussion attorney) if you have any concerns about a potential TBI after an accident. Even if you don’t experience symptoms right away, you could still potentially have a serious brain injury that requires prompt treatment to mitigate the risk of long-term—or permanent—consequences.
While some accident victims may not experience symptoms for hours, days or even weeks, others will notice signs of their TBI right away. Common immediate signs and symptoms of traumatic brain injuries include:
- Changes in sleep patterns, fatigue or difficulty staying awake
- Confusion or feeling disoriented
- Dilated pupils
- Irritability, frustration, mood changes or difficulty concentrating
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or sound (or ringing in the ears)
- Severe headaches
- Vision impairments (blurred vision or double vision)
After an accident, all of these are signs that immediate medical intervention may be necessary. When in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of caution. If you have a personal injury claim for your accident, a concussion attorney will be able to help you seek just compensation for your medical bills and other accident-related losses.
While traumatic brain injuries can vary widely in terms of their severity and potential long-term effects, all TBIs require adequate treatment, rest and recovery. At Drake, Hileman & Davis, we can help you seek the financial compensation you will need to move on with your life. We represent individuals and families in cases involving all types of traumatic brain injuries, and we have a long track record of achieving successful results for our clients.
What Is a Concussion?
Among the various types of traumatic brain injuries, concussion injuries are by far the most common. As the Mayo Clinic explains, “A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that affects brain function. . . . Concussions usually are caused by an impact to the head or body that is associated with a change in brain function.” However, while concussions may be classified as a “mild” form of TBI, recent medical research has demonstrated that rest and recovery are essential for mitigating the risk of a secondary injury and/or long-term effects.
Similar to other types of traumatic brain injuries, concussion injuries can result from vehicle collisions, sports collisions, falls and other types of accidents and traumatic events. While severe headaches are the most common symptom, many (but not all) concussion patients will experience ringing in the ears, nausea, fatigue, blurred vision, and other TBI symptoms as well.
When Can You File a Claim for a Concussion or Another TBI?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a concussion or any other type of TBI after a traumatic accident, it will be worth talking to a concussion attorney about filing a personal injury claim. Not only can the out-of-pocket costs associated with TBI (i.e., medical bills and lost earnings) add up quickly, but TBI can potentially cause long-term pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-financial losses as well.
If you have a personal injury claim, these are all losses that an experienced concussion attorney can fight to recover on your behalf. At Drake, Hileman & Davis, we provide no out-of-pocket legal representation for claims involving:
- Car, pickup truck and SUV accidents
- Commercial truck accidents (i.e., 18-wheeler and dump truck accidents)
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Elevator, escalator and other premises-related accidents
- Dog attacks and other animal attacks
- Product-related accidents
When you contact us, we will arrange for you to speak with one of our experienced attorneys in confidence as soon as possible. This consultation is completely free, and we are more than happy to provide you with the information you need in order to decide whether to take legal action.
Why It’s Important to Have an Experienced TBI or Concussion Attorney on Your Side
If you have a personal injury claim for a concussion or another type of traumatic brain injury, there are several reasons why you will want an experienced attorney on your side. When you hire an attorney at Drake, Hileman & Davis, we will:
Help You Make Smart Decisions While Avoiding Costly Mistakes
When you need to seek financial compensation for the financial and non-financial costs of a concussion injury or another TBI, informed decision-making is critical. Your attorney can help you make smart decisions while also helping you avoid costly mistakes that could jeopardize your claim.
Make Sure You File the Right Claim (or Claims)
Determining what claim (or claims) you should file after a traumatic accident requires a prompt and thorough investigation. Your attorney can get to work right away gathering the evidence needed to assess your legal rights and determine whose insurance company (or insurance companies) can be held accountable.
Make Sure You Seek the Full Compensation You Deserve
Due to the substantial financial and non-financial costs associated with all types of traumatic brain injuries, it is critical to make sure you are seeking the full compensation you deserve. Your concussion attorney at Drake, Hileman & Davis will rely on his or her extensive experience to seek the maximum compensation available under the circumstances of your case.
Contact Us Today
If you are looking for a personal injury attorney to discuss a brain injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, the lawyers of Drake, Hileman & Davis are ready to discuss your legal options. We can meet you at our office or in your home. We maintain five offices for your convenience, located in Bethlehem Doylestown, Allentown, Easton, and Stroudsburg. To contact our firm, call 888-777-7098. We can be reached 24 hours a day. We also provide translation services for our Spanish-speaking clients.