Brain injuries are unlike most other injuries. They can change how you think, feel, and live your life. Some people recover quickly. Others deal with long-term struggles that affect their memory, mood, or ability to work. If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury because of someone else’s negligence, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you fight for the money you deserve.
At Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, we know how overwhelming life can get after a brain injury. That’s why our personal injury attorneys provide trusted legal representation for hardworking clients in Bristol and across Connecticut. With over 55 years of combined experience in personal injury cases, our team is ready to help you determine what went wrong and hold the responsible party(s) accountable.
Want to see how we’ve helped others in your shoes? Take a look at our past results when handling personal injury cases and testimonials from injury victims we have helped. When you are ready to talk, contact us for a consultation to learn more about our experienced team and review your legal rights and options with one of our dedicated attorneys.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a forceful impact on the head disrupts the brain’s normal functioning. It can also happen if your head gets shaken violently or if something pierces the skull, such as in a motor vehicle accident. The injury can cause physical pain and damage brain cells. It demands immediate medical attention and, in cases involving severe TBIs, it may require long-term treatment and result in significant medical bills.
TBIs may not be obvious at first. Some people walk away from an accident feeling fine, only to start feeling confused, dizzy, or tired later. That’s why it’s important to take any head injury seriously. These symptoms could be signs of serious head trauma.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Brain Injuries in Bristol?
People in Bristol suffer brain injuries for many reasons. Top causes of a TBI include:
- Bicycle crashes
- Pedestrian accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Car accidents
- Slip and falls
- Violence, such as assaults or gunshot wounds
- Sports injuries
- Construction accidents.
In many of these situations, another person’s reckless actions result in brain injuries. That could open the door for a victim to file a personal injury lawsuit.
What Are the Different Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries?
There are several kinds of traumatic brain injuries, ranging from mild to severe. A concussion is the most common type. Although it is often considered a mild injury, it can cause serious symptoms that impact a victim’s life significantly. More severe injuries include:
- Closed head injury
- Penetrating brain injury
- Contusions
- Coup-contrecoup
- Diffuse axonal injuries
- Hematoma.
Every brain injury is unique, and recovery looks different for each person. Our Bristol personal injury lawyers can help you seek compensation for the full extent of your losses, including anticipated future expenses. When you work with our law firm, we will be focused on your case, while you focus on your health and well-being.
What Are Some Symptoms of a Brain Injury?
Brain injuries can affect your thinking, emotions, and physical health. Some signs show up right away, while others take time. Common symptoms include:
- Headaches or migraines
- Trouble focusing
- Memory problems
- Dizziness
- Loss of motor coordination
- Speech impairment (aphasia)
- Sensory changes
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Blurred vision
- Sleeping more or less than usual.
The most catastrophic injuries cause loss of consciousness, coma, a persistent vegetive state, or wrongful death. The cost of ongoing treatment and caregiving for TBI victims can reach into the millions throughout a lifetime. Pursuing compensation with help from a Bristol brain injury attorney is one step toward lessening these hardships moving forward.
Can Brain Injuries Be Treated?
Some brain injuries can improve with rest, medicine, therapy, and time. But others may require long-term care. Treatments can include:
- Surgery
- Speech, occupational, and physical therapy
- Cognitive therapy to help with memory and concentration
- Counseling for emotional and mental health support
Since brain injuries can affect so many parts of your life, recovery often involves a team of medical professionals and round-the-clock caregiving. A successful traumatic brain injury case can provide the means for you to afford top-quality treatment as you heal.
Who Could Be Held Liable for a Bristol Brain Injury Accident?
Determining liability for a brain injury means identifying how the accident happened and who is responsible. Depending on the situation, negligent parties could include:
- A careless driver
- A property owner who failed to fix a dangerous condition on their premises
- A school or sports organization that didn’t follow safety rules
- A product manufacturer if faulty equipment or product defects caused the TBI
- State, local, or municipal governments
A personal injury lawyer from Jainchill & Beckert, LLC can investigate your case and gather evidence to prove liability in your brain injury case.
What Types of Compensation Could Be Sought for a Bristol Brain Injury?
Filing a brain injury claim can help you pursue money for:
- Medical expenses, hospital stays, and future treatments
- Lost wages from missed work
- Reduced earning ability if you can’t return to your job
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost quality of life
You may also need help with long-term care, therapy, or home modifications as you recover. A Bristol brain injury attorney will evaluate the full impact of your injury and demand fair compensation.
What Happens If I Am Partly Responsible for the Accident?
Connecticut law allows accident victims to obtain compensation even if they are partly responsible for what happened to them — up to a certain point. If the insurance company or court finds someone else more at fault than you, you could still recover money. However, the amount you receive will be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility. A brain injury lawyer will work to build a robust case so that the at-fault party doesn’t push an unfair portion of the blame on you.
Does Connecticut Have a Statute of Limitations for a Brain Injury Lawsuit?
Yes. In Connecticut, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584 generally gives victims up to two years from the date of an injury to take legal action. Missing this deadline may result in the court blocking your case. However, certain exceptions apply that could shorten or lengthen this time limit. Consult a knowledgeable TBI lawyer as soon as possible to learn the deadline for your personal injury claim.
Contact a Bristol Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney
At Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, we stand up for the rights of the wrongfully injured. If you’re coping with the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury, let us ease your burdens. We can handle the insurance companies and do the heavy lifting while you adjust to daily life. Contact us today for a free consultation with a brain injury lawyer in Bristol.