The average human brain can weigh anywhere from 2.9 to 3.1 pounds, with the average thickness of the skull protecting that brain being around 7 millimeters thick. That doesn’t seem like a lot of protection for such a vital organ. Unfortunately, it only takes one severe jolt to cause injury to the brain.
Suffering from a brain injury can change your life dramatically and forever. Whether it is the result of a car accident, a fall, or a workplace injury, the effects can be devastating. Brain injuries often lead to long-term medical complications, financial hardship, and emotional distress.
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury that was caused by someone else’s negligence, a Columbia brain injury lawyer can help you seek the compensation you deserve. Reach out to The Solomon Law Group, LLC, to learn more.
What Are Brain Injuries?
Brain injuries can range in severity from a mild concussion to a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can result in permanent impairment. TBIs happen when a sudden impact or force to the head disrupts normal brain function. Often, the symptoms of a brain injury may not be immediately noticeable, making early medical attention critical.
A mild brain injury may cause dizziness, headaches, confusion, or temporary memory loss. More severe cases can result in loss of consciousness, seizures, cognitive impairments, or even personality changes.
Some victims require extensive rehabilitation, while others may never fully recover.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries
Brain injuries can happen in various situations, many of which involve negligence or reckless behavior.
Car accidents are among the leading causes, with high-speed crashes or rollovers increasing the likelihood of head trauma. Motorcycle accidents are particularly dangerous because riders lack the same level of protection as drivers inside a vehicle.
Falls are another major contributor, especially among older adults and workers in hazardous job environments. Slip and fall accidents in grocery stores, shopping centers, or public buildings can lead to head injuries, particularly when property owners fail to maintain safe conditions.
Workplace accidents pose a significant risk, particularly in construction, manufacturing, and industrial settings.
Sports injuries and recreational activities can lead to concussions and other head injuries, especially in high-contact sports like football, soccer, or boxing. In cases of violent assaults, gunshot wounds or blunt force trauma can lead to severe and irreversible injuries.
Legal Options for Brain Injury Victims
If you suffer a brain injury because of someone else’s negligence, you have the legal right to pursue financial compensation by filing a personal injury claim.
This legal process holds responsible parties accountable and helps injured individuals recover financially. To build a strong case, it is crucial to establish that another party acted carelessly or recklessly, directly leading to the injury.
A Columbia brain injury lawyer will investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather critical evidence, and work with medical experts to show the full impact of your injury. This can include medical records, accident reports, expert testimony, and witness statements.
South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence rule means that you (the victim) can still recover damages if you were partially at fault, as long as your fault does not exceed 50%. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your degree of fault.
This rule makes it essential to have an experienced attorney who can argue against claims that may try to place undue blame on you.
The Impact of a Brain Injury on Your Life
Brain injuries can have widespread effects on a victim’s life, impacting physical, cognitive, emotional, and financial well-being.
Some of the most significant effects can include:
- Cognitive Difficulties – Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and impaired problem-solving skills can make daily tasks and work responsibilities challenging.
- Physical Impairments – Motor skill problems, coordination issues, chronic headaches, and dizziness can limit mobility and independence.
- Speech and Communication Issues – Some victims struggle with speaking, understanding language, or processing information.
- Emotional and Behavioral Changes – Mood swings, depression, anxiety, and personality shifts can strain relationships and affect mental and emotional well-being.
- Financial Hardship – Medical expenses, therapy costs, and lost income because of the inability to return to work can lead to long-term financial stress.
- Loss of Independence – Severe brain injuries may require assistance with daily activities, caregiving support, or physical modifications to living spaces.
- Strained Relationships – Family members of victims often end up taking on their caregiving roles, which can lead to emotional stress and altered family dynamics.
- Reduced Quality of Life – Enjoyment of hobbies, social activities, and personal goals may be significantly diminished.
Compensation Available for Brain Injury Victims
A successful brain injury claim can help you get much-needed compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to tangible financial losses, like medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and future loss of earnings. These damages ensure you get the care you need without bearing the financial burden alone.
Non-economic damages address the emotional and psychological effects of a brain injury. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and even losses in your enjoyment of life can be considered in these claims.
A brain injury can also impact personal relationships, leading to claims for loss of companionship or loss of consortium.
Steps To Take After a Brain Injury
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a head or brain injury, you must take the right steps to protect your health and legal rights.
Here are the most important actions to take:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Brain injuries can worsen over time, even if your symptoms seem minor. A medical evaluation not only ensures proper treatment but documents your injury as well.
- Follow All Medical Advice – Adhering to your doctor’s treatment plan, including rest, therapy, and follow-up appointments, is crucial for recovery.
- Document Symptoms and Challenges – Keeping a journal of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms can help track recovery and support a legal claim.
- Gather Evidence from the Accident Scene – When possible, take photos or video, collect eyewitness statements, and be sure to get a copy of the official accident report.
- Keep Records of Medical Expenses and Lost Wages – Documentation of medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and any lost income will be critical for compensation.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies Without Legal Advice – Insurance adjusters often try to minimize claims and payouts. Always talk to an attorney before providing any statements to protect your interests.
- Contact a Brain Injury Lawyer – A skilled attorney can assess your case, gather key evidence, and fight for the compensation you need for your medical and financial stability.
Taking these steps quickly can often make a big difference in securing the support and resources needed for your long-term recovery. Reaching out to a brain injury lawyer as soon as possible also helps ensure that all of your rights are protected.
A brain injury attorney can guide you and your family on the next steps to take, deal with insurance companies for you, and build a strong case to get you maximum compensation.
Why You Need a Columbia Brain Injury Lawyer
A skilled brain injury lawyer plays a crucial role in securing fair compensation for victims. From the initial consultation to the final settlement or trial, an attorney handles every aspect of the legal process.
This includes gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, taking the case to court.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by downplaying the severity of an injury or disputing liability. A lawyer can counter these tactics and advocate for a fair settlement. They work with medical professionals, economists, and life care planners to ensure that every aspect of the injury’s impact is considered.
Additionally, a lawyer helps navigate legal deadlines and procedural requirements. South Carolina has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, generally requiring victims to file a lawsuit within three years of the accident. Missing this deadline could mean losing the right to seek compensation.
A knowledgeable attorney ensures that all legal steps are taken on time.
At the Solomon Law Group, LLC, we understand that recovering from a brain injury is a long and challenging process. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming, but legal support can help ease some of the burdens.
Our brain injury lawyers will fight for the compensation you need to cover your medical costs, lost wages, and future care, allowing you and your family to focus on healing and rebuilding your lives.
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, taking legal action may be the best path toward securing a stable future. Our knowledgeable attorneys can guide you through the process, ensuring your rights are protected at every step.
Contact us today for a free consultation with our Columbia brain injury lawyer.
