Brain injuries are among the most severe and life-altering injuries a person can experience. Those suffering the effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) often face significant challenges, from extensive medical treatment to long-term care and rehabilitation.
Navigating the legal aspects of a brain injury requires the experience of a brain injury attorney, such as those from Atnip& Associates, PLLC. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation with a brain injury lawyer serving Grand Rapids, Michigan, to discuss your case and legal options.
What Are Traumatic Brain Injuries?
A traumatic brain injury is when a blow to the head disrupts normal brain function by causing the brain to strike the inside of the skull. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, leading to lasting physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents– Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are among the leading causes of TBIs. The force of a collision can cause the brain to shift violently within the skull, leading to bruising, bleeding, or swelling within the brain tissue. When traveling at highway speeds, such as on I-96, a crash can easily lead to severe and permanent impairment.
- Slip and Fall Accidents– Falls are a significant cause of TBIs, especially among children and older adults. Slip and fall accidents, falling from height, or tripping on uneven surfaces can all result in severe brain injury.
- Sports Injuries– Contact sports like hockey and football, as well as activities like cycling and skiing, can lead to TBIs if you suffer a heavy impact. Even with protective gear, athletes are at risk of concussions and other brain injuries.
- Assaults and Violent Crimes– Physical assaults, including strikes to the head and gunshot injuries, can cause TBIs. Unfortunately, domestic violence is one of the leading contributors to these injuries.
Identifying the Symptoms of Brain Injuries
Recognizing the symptoms of a brain injury is critical to getting the necessary medical care and preventing the injury from worsening. Symptoms can vary widely depending on suchfactors as the severity of the injury and the area of the brain affected. Common symptoms include:
- Physical symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, and light/noise sensitivity
- Cognitive symptoms, such as impaired concentration, memory problems, confusion, and slowed thinking
- Emotional symptoms, such as mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety, and personality changes
- Sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling asleep, sleeping much more or much less than usual, and insomnia
In cases of severe TBIs, symptoms may also include seizures, slurred speech, and loss of coordination. Seek immediate medical treatment if you notice any of these symptoms.
Delayed Onset Symptoms of Brain Injuries
One of the most challenging things about brain injuries is identifying symptoms that may not appear immediately after the injury. Some symptoms can take days or weeks to appear, making it difficult to connect them to the original injury.
Delayed onset symptoms are common in cases of mild TBIs, such as concussions. Because of the potential for these delayed symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical treatment and monitor your condition closely after a head injury.
What Compensation Is Available to Brain Injury Victims?
Victims of brain injuries in Grand Rapids, Michigan, can seek various forms of compensation depending on the circumstances of their injury. Compensation can cover losses including:
- Medical Expenses– Your medical expenses include the cost of emergency care, hospitalizations, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any other ongoing and future medical treatments.
- Lost Wages– If your injury prevents you from working altogether or at your pre-injury capacity, you can seek compensation for lost income, future earning potential, and lost employment benefits.
- Pain and Suffering– Non-economic damages, such as those for pain and suffering, compensate you for your intangible losses. Your attorney can assist you in determining the value of your physical pain and emotional distress.
- Home Modifications– In severe cases, you may need to modify your home or vehicle to accommodate your disabilities, such as installing ramps, lifts, or other specialized equipment.
- Loss of Consortium–If your injuries turned your spouse into your caretaker, they can seek compensation for the adverse effects of the injury on your marriage, also called loss of consortium.
- Funeral and Burial Expenses– If your loved one suffered from a brain injury and died as a result, you can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation from the at-fault party for funeral and burial expenses.
Do I Need a Brain Injury Attorney?
Navigating a brain injury claim can be complex, involving extensive medical evidence, expert testimony, and a deep understanding of personal injury law. A brain injury attorney can assist you by:
- Investigating Your Case–Your lawyer will identify the party liable for your injuries and the value of your damages.
- Gathering Supporting Evidence–Your Michigan brain injury attorney will gather the evidence necessary to supportyour claim, including medical records, eyewitness statements, incident scene photographs, financial statements, and expert witness testimony.
- Filing Your Claim– They will file your claim within Michigan’s three-yearstatute of limitations for personal injury claims.
- Negotiating a Settlement–Your attorney will negotiate to achieve a fair settlement with the other party’s insurance provider and help you identify and avoid lowball offers.
- Representing You at Trial– If the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney will represent you at trial and seek the maximum compensation available.
Brain Injury Lawyers Serving Grand Rapids, Michigan
If you suffered a brain injury in Grand Rapids, Michigan, it’s essential to seek legal counsel as soon as possible so your attorney can begin building your case. The attorneys of Atnip& Associates, PLLC, understand the devastating impact a brain injury can have on your life and are committed to seeking the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Directions to Our Rochester Office
Use the following driving directions to reach our law office from anywhere in the State of Michigan.
- Take I-75 S toward Rochester
- Take exit 81 for University Dr
- Turn left on N Squirrel Rd
- Turn right onto Walton Blvd
- Turn right on Water St.
- The destination will be on the left
- Take I-75 N toward Rochester
- Take exit 79 for University Dr
- Turn left on N Squirrel Rd
- Turn right onto Walton Blvd
- Turn right on Water St
- The destination will be on the left
- Take M-59 W toward Rochester
- Take exit 46 to Rochester Rd
- Turn right on S. Rochester Rd
- Turn right on 4th St
- Turn right on Water St
- The destination will be on the left
- Take M-59 E toward Rochester
- Take exit 46 to Rochester Rd
- Turn left on S. Rochester Rd
- Turn right on 4th St
- Turn right on Water St
- The destination will be on the left
