Understanding Brain Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Brain injuries are complicated and multifaceted medical conditions with a wide array of causes, symptoms, and treatments. They can happen as a result of various incidents, ranging from falls and vehicular accidents to sports injuries and assaults. In Houston, the nation’s fourth-largest city, the prevalence, and effect of brain injuries are substantial.
Symptoms of a brain injury can vary widely, depending on the severity of the injury and the area of the brain affected. These can be:
Physical symptoms, for example:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Sensory problems
Cognitive symptoms like:
- Memory loss
- Concentration difficulties
Emotional symptoms, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
Treatments for brain injuries can also vary widely, depending on the severity and type of injury. They can range from medication and physical therapy to surgery and long-term rehabilitative care. In some cases, complete treatment may be necessary to ensure the best possible recovery.
Why Do You Need a Brain Injury Lawyer?
Brain injuries tend to have life-altering consequences, and the legal aspects of these injuries can be just as complex and challenging. Navigating the legal system, handling the insurance companies, and figuring out the medical jargon can be too much for anyone, let alone someone dealing with a traumatic brain injury. This is where a Tate Law Offices brain injury lawyer can be invaluable.
- A brain injury attorney can help build a strong case by collecting evidence at the scene, interviewing witnesses, and working with medical professionals to comprehend the extent of the injury
- They can deal with insurance companies, seeing to it that recorded statements are properly handled and that settlements are fair and just
- They can help you seek all forms of compensation, including recovery for – doctor and hospital expenses, suffering and pain, emotional distress, lost wages, and other possible recoverable losses
- They guide you on which health insurance to use if you have multiple options
- They can also file a lawsuit if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached
- Following a brain injury, it is critical to follow the doctor’s orders, as this can greatly affect the case. A brain injury attorney can help in this regard, working with the medical team and the victim to make certain that treatment plans are followed, appointments are kept, and progress is documented
Collecting Evidence at the Scene: The First Steps
Collecting evidence at the scene of an accident is a crucial first step in building a strong case. This evidence can provide valuable information about the incident, helping to establish liability and the extent of the injuries. It can include:
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Any other information that might be relevant to the case
However, it’s important to remember that this process should not interfere with any ongoing investigations or jeopardize anyone’s safety. If possible, it’s recommended to take photographs from different angles, capturing the overall scene, as well as specific details. Witness statements can also be incredibly valuable, providing firsthand accounts of the incident.
It’s also pivotal to preserve any physical evidence related to the injury. This can include:
- Clothing
- Personal belongings
- Medical records
All these pieces of evidence can play a key part in establishing the facts of the case and the extent of the injuries.
Dealing with Insurance Companies: Recorded Statements and Settlements
Insurance companies play a notable role in the aftermath of a brain injury. They are often involved in determining the settlements, which can significantly impact the victim’s financial stability and ability to access necessary treatments. Nevertheless, having to deal with insurance companies can be an intricate and difficult task, requiring a thorough understanding of legal and insurance jargon.
One of the key aspects of interacting with insurance companies is handling recorded statements. These are often used by insurance companies to gather information about the incident and the injury, but they can also be used to minimize the payout by misinterpreting the victim’s words or taking statements out of context. Therefore, it’s vital to have a brain injury lawyer present during these interactions, to make sure that the victim’s rights are protected.
Settlement negotiations are another critical aspect of dealing with insurance companies. These talks determine the compensation that the victim will receive, which can cover medical bills, lost income, and other associated costs. A lawyer can help navigate these negotiations, ensuring that the settlement is fair and just.
Why You Should Strictly Follow Doctor’s Orders and How it Impacts Your Case?
Following a doctor’s orders after a brain injury is of utmost importance for several reasons.
- For starters, it aids in the recovery process, ensuring that the victim receives the necessary treatments and care
- Secondly, it provides pivotal evidence of the injury’s impact and the necessity of the treatments, which can affect the case quite a bit
Adherence to a treatment plan shows that the victim is taking their recovery seriously. This can influence the perception of the injury’s severity and the victim’s commitment to their recovery. It can also provide tangible proof of the injury’s impact through medical records and progress notes.
Furthermore, failure to follow the doctor’s orders can be detrimental to the case. It can be used by insurance companies to argue that the victim is not as injured as they claim or that they are not committed to their recovery. Hence, it’s imperative to follow doctor’s orders closely, attend all scheduled appointments, and document progress diligently.
How to Choose the Right Doctor for Your Brain Injury?
Choosing the right doctor for a brain injury is a decision that can make a major impact on the recovery process and the outcome of the legal case. The right doctor can provide high-quality care, guide the recovery process, and provide essential evidence for the case.
When choosing a doctor, it’s important to consider their qualifications, experience, and specialization.
- The doctor should be board-certified and have experience treating brain injuries
- They should also be up-to-date with the latest research and treatments in the field
- The doctor should be able to communicate effectively, explaining complicated medical information in a way that the victim and their loved ones can interpret easily
- They should also be compassionate and understanding, providing emotional support along with medical care
- Lastly, the doctor’s reputation and track record go a long way and it’s something not to be overlooked. This can be determined by speaking with previous patients, reading online reviews, and consulting with healthcare professionals in the field
How to Look Up Your Police Report and its Role in Your Case?
A police report can be the key element in a brain injury case, providing an official account of the incident. It can include details about what happened, such as:
- Date, time, and location
- Parties involved
- Witness statements
This information can be invaluable in establishing the facts of the case and determining liability.
To look up a police report, you can contact the law enforcement agency that responded to the incident. They usually have a process in place for requesting and receiving police reports. It’s important to note that there may be a fee associated with obtaining the report.
In addition to providing vital information about the incident, a police report can also lend credibility to the case. It’s an official document, prepared by a neutral party, which can provide a more objective account of the incident. Therefore, one should aim to obtain and review the police report as part of the legal process as soon as possible.
How to Choose the Best Injury Lawyer in Houston?
Choosing the right brain injury lawyer in Houston can significantly impact the outcome of the case. Hence, it’s crucial to take the time to research and pick the best attorney for your needs.
- One of the first things to consider is the lawyer’s experience and specialization. Brain injury cases are complicated and require a deep knowledge of the medical and legal aspects of the injury
- Next, take into account the lawyer’s reputation and reviews. Speak with previous clients, read online reviews, and consult with other professionals in the field. An attorney with a strong reputation and positive feedback is likely to provide high-quality representation
- Finally, consider the lawyer’s communication style and personality. You will be working closely with this individual, so it’s important to choose someone you feel comfortable with and who communicates effectively
By following the tips for choosing the best brain injury attorney in Houston, you can see to it that you have the best possible representation for your case. Tate Law Offices has over 30 years of experience, and we have dealt with plenty of cases like these. We also won over 3000 cases with over 99% success rate. With our lawyer by your side, you can navigate the legal landscape with confidence, focusing on your recovery while we handle the legal aspects of your case.
To receive a free consultation, use our contact form or call Tate Law Offices at (972) 499-4813.
Sources/More Information:
- Texas Division
- Brain Injury Association of America
- Traumatic Brain Injury Education
- Baylor Health Care System
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Mayo Clinic
- Traumatic Brain Injury in the United States: Fact Sheet
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
