Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can have devastating, life-altering consequences for victims and their families. At North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers, we understand the profound impact these injuries can have on every aspect of a person’s life.
Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to fighting for the rights of TBI victims across North Carolina who have suffered due to car crashes, truck wrecks, and motorcycle accidents. We strive to secure the compensation our clients deserve to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and the long-term care often required after a serious brain injury.
Contact our law firm today for a free consultation.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury is a serious condition that disrupts normal brain function due to a sudden jolt, blow, or penetrating injury to the head. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe injuries resulting in permanent damage. The brain is a complex and delicate organ.
TBIs often occur when the brain collides with the inside of the skull during a sudden acceleration or deceleration, such as in a car accident. These injuries can lead to a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments that may be temporary or permanent.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Motor vehicle accidents are among the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries. In North Carolina, car accidents, truck collisions, and motorcycle crashes frequently lead to serious head injuries due to the forceful impact and sudden movements involved.
Falls are a significant source of TBIs, especially among older adults and young children. These can occur in various settings, from workplace accidents to slips in public spaces. Violence, including assaults and gunshot wounds, can also result in severe brain trauma.
Sports-related injuries, particularly in contact sports, are another frequent cause of brain injuries, especially among young athletes.
Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms
Recognizing the signs of a TBI is crucial for seeking prompt medical attention. Symptoms can vary and may appear immediately or develop over time.
Common symptoms of a traumatic brain injury include:
- Persistent or worsening headache
- Loss of consciousness, even if brief
- Confusion or disorientation
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
- Ringing in the ears
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Mood changes or irritability
- Slurred speech
- Seizures
- Weakness or numbness in extremities
- Sleep disturbances
- Unusual behavior or personality changes
It’s important to note that some symptoms may not appear immediately after an accident. If you experience any of these symptoms following a car, truck, or motorcycle accident, seek medical attention immediately.
How Are Traumatic Brain Injuries Treated?
Treating a traumatic brain injury (TBI) depends on how severe it is. Mild TBIs, like concussions, usually require rest and time to heal. Doctors may recommend avoiding activities that could make symptoms worse, like bright lights, loud noises, or physical exertion. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with headaches, and patients are advised to monitor their symptoms to ensure they don’t worsen.
For moderate to severe TBIs, medical treatment is more involved. Patients may need oxygen and medications to reduce brain swelling. In some cases, doctors perform surgery to remove blood clots, repair skull fractures, or relieve pressure inside the skull. Hospital care often includes monitoring brain function and vital signs to prevent complications.
Rehabilitation is an important part of recovery, especially for severe TBIs. This may include physical therapy to improve movement, speech therapy to help with communication, and occupational therapy to regain daily living skills. Some patients may need long-term care and support from specialists to manage memory, thinking, and emotional changes.
What Compensation Can TBI Victims Recover?
Victims of traumatic brain injuries caused by someone else’s negligence may be entitled to various forms of compensation. At North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers, we fight to secure the maximum compensation for clients.
Medical Bills
This covers all past, current, and future medical expenses for traumatic brain injury treatment. It includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, therapy, and any necessary long-term care or assistive devices. Since treatment is often extensive, medical bills can be substantial.
Lost Income and Loss of Earning Capacity
Traumatic brain injury victims may be unable to work for extended periods or may never return to their previous occupation. Compensation can cover lost wages during recovery and any reduction in future earning potential due to the injury. The long-term effects of a brain injury can significantly impact a person’s ability to work.
Caregiving Expenses
People with brain injuries may need help with daily tasks or in-home nursing care. A TBI claim can include the cost of hiring a caregiver or lost household income if family members leave their jobs or work fewer hours because of caregiving responsibilities.
Pain and Suffering
These damages compensate for the physical pain and emotional distress. Pain and suffering compensation may cover the impact of the injury on the victim’s quality of life, including any permanent disabilities or lifestyle changes. Pain and suffering damages can be substantial in traumatic brain injury cases.
Punitive Damages
In cases of severe negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded. These are intended to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.
North Carolina law generally limits punitive damages to three times the amount of compensatory damages or $250,000, whichever is higher. The cap on punitive damages doesn’t apply to drunk driving accidents.
What is the Average Traumatic Brain Injury Settlement in North Carolina?
Traumatic brain injury settlement amounts in North Carolina can vary widely depending on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the impact on the victim’s life, and the circumstances of the accident. TBI settlements in North Carolina usually range from $100,000 to over $1 million.
Mild TBI cases might settle for lower amounts, while severe cases resulting in permanent disability or significant life changes can result in much higher settlements.
What Affects TBI Settlement Amounts?
Factors that can influence the final TBI settlement include:
- Injury Severity: More severe TBI cases that result in long-term or permanent impairments typically lead to higher settlements.
- The impact on the victim’s life: This includes changes in the ability to work, enjoy hobbies, maintain relationships, and perform daily activities.
- The strength of the evidence: Clear evidence of the other party’s negligence and the connection between the accident and the brain injury can lead to higher settlements.
- The victim’s age and pre-injury earning capacity: Younger victims with higher earning potential may receive larger settlements to account for a lifetime of lost wages and opportunities.
- Insurance policy limits: The at-fault party’s insurance coverage can sometimes cap the available compensation, although additional sources may be pursued in some cases.
We work diligently to build a strong case that accurately reflects the full extent of victims’ injuries and losses.
How Can a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Help?
Navigating a TBI case can be complex and overwhelming, especially when dealing with the effects of a serious injury. An experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer can provide invaluable assistance throughout the legal process.
Gathering Evidence
A skilled personal injury attorney will thoroughly investigate the accident, collect police reports, obtain medical records, and secure expert testimony to build a strong case. This evidence is crucial in establishing liability and demonstrating the full extent of the injury and its impact on the victim’s life.
Negotiating a Settlement
Insurance companies try to minimize payouts. Experienced lawyers know how to negotiate with insurance adjusters. They will push back against lowball offers and fight for fair compensation.
A traumatic brain injury lawyer will also handle all communication with insurance companies and other parties, allowing the victim to focus on recovery.
Representation in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, a traumatic brain injury lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent the victim in court. They will handle all aspects of the litigation process, from filing the necessary paperwork to presenting the case before a judge or jury.
What Is the Deadline for a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawsuit in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, it’s crucial to be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a traumatic brain injury lawsuit. Generally, victims have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is strictly enforced, and failing to file within this timeframe can result in losing the right to seek compensation through the court system.
There are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, the time limit may be extended if the victim is a minor or deemed mentally incompetent.
You should contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Our legal team can help ensure your case is filed on time.
How Much Does a Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney Cost?
Our law firm represents clients on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we win compensation for you. Your lawyer receives a percentage of the final settlement or lawsuit payout.
Contact Our Law Firm for a Free Case Review
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident in North Carolina, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact us today for a free consultation. Our experienced team is ready to fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
At North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers, we have extensive experience handling traumatic brain injury cases. We understand the long-term impact TBIs can have on victims and their families. Our goal is to alleviate the burden on our clients, allowing them to focus on their recovery while we fight for their rights and fair compensation.
