Injuries to the head, skull, the brain and it’s surrounding areas are known as catastrophic injuries as your life will never be the same after the accident. Brain injuries can result in tremendous consequences to your health, quality of life, and future ability to provide for yourself and your family. When a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by someone else’s negligence, victims may be entitled to several types of compensation.
Sadly, claims for these damages can take time to negotiate, litigate, and resolve because of their many complexities, especially without help. The Philadelphia brain injury lawyers of Baratta Law, LLC feel no case is too complicated to deserve justice for people who have suffered traumatic brain injuries that weren’t their fault. Our attorneys are standing by to discuss your potential claim today.
Signs and Symptoms You May Have Suffered a Brain Injury
When our brains are jolted or experience traumatic blows, the body’s response can vary from one individual to the next. Though some symptoms may not present until days or weeks after an accident, others may appear and require medical assistance immediately. Swelling of brain tissue can cause bleeding issues to emerge well after the initial injury, for example.
Brain injuries, whether in the first moments or weeks later, commonly result in the following symptoms:
- Sudden change in cognition
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Short- or long-term paralysis
- Sensory difficulties or loss of sensation
- Development of a psychological disorder or other condition
- Internal bleeding problems
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, and fatigue
Understanding the seriousness of TBIs and seeking immediate medical attention can make the difference between claims for personal injuries and lawsuits for wrongful deaths. Once you’ve gotten the medical care you need, you can seek compensation for your injuries with the assistance of an attorney from Baratta Law, LLC backed by years of knowledge and experience in these practice areas.
The Primary Causes of Philadelphia Brain Injuries
Traumatic injuries that damage neurons and other brain tissue can result from different types of events, intentional actions, or the negligence of others. The Pennsylvania Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board determined in 2020 that 85 percent of TBIs were preventable. For example, car accidents caused by alcohol are one of the leading causes of serious injuries to the brain.
Other causes or contributing factors to brain injuries can include:
- Other vehicle crashes like trucking, bicycle, or motorcycle accidents
- Sports-related accidents
- Intentional acts of violence
- Dog bites
- Slip-and-fall and other premises liabilities
- Workplace accidents
- Construction accidents
- Medical errors or medical malpractice
Being injured in these ways can be scary. Victims shouldn’t have to bear the financial burdens of an already emotional experience. The representation of a skilled brain injury lawyer can help relieve the pressure and guide you on the path to compensation for your losses.
The Best Steps to Take Following a Diagnosis of Traumatic Brain Injury
When you or a loved one has suffered a concussion or other brain injury, you may find yourself with questions about what to do next. Medical bills stack up quickly, but it’s important to receive proper neurological care for these serious injuries to avoid future repercussions to your quality of life.
Your primary care doctor or an emergency department physician may refer you to specialists for further assessment, diagnostic tests, and ongoing treatments or surgeries if needed. These doctors can provide a more comprehensive diagnosis of your specific injury–the areas of your brain that have been injured, the damage sustained, and the type of prognosis you can expect.
Once your medical needs are being met, the expenses of rehabilitation from your injuries have likely affected your budget. Your lawyer can begin to determine if your injuries resulted from the negligence of another person and if you’re entitled to compensation.
A free consultation with a team of lawyers well versed in brain injury cases is your first step toward understanding your rights to compensation under Pennsylvania laws. The office of Baratta Law, LLC is always prepared to advocate for every possible dollar in recoveries for their clients, providing exceptional service and peace of mind for Philadelphia families along the way.
How an Attorney Can Maximize Your Rights to Brain Injury Compensation
The effectiveness of the lawyer you choose to represent you can make or break the outcome of your traumatic brain injury case. It’s important to have the support and advice of a legal team concerned with your best interests when negligent parties and insurance companies push back against paying victims the settlements they deserve.
A skilled brain injury attorney can communicate and negotiate with other parties on your behalf. Those with experience will never be taken by surprise if litigation in Pennsylvania or other courts becomes necessary. A judge or jury can render verdicts in complicated cases when efforts are failing due to a defendant’s unwillingness to negotiate in good faith.
Our lawyers and staff are committed to the thorough collection and submission of evidence to support their client’s claims for damages. This can include medical records, witness statements, photographs, and other documentation that supports your version of events and clearly establishes that another person’s negligence resulted in your injuries.
The guidance of a lawyer can increase the settlements and verdicts awarded to survivors of traumatic brain injuries by ensuring the timely filing of documents, compensation for every loss incurred, and solid evidence of the defendant’s liability. At Baratta Law, LLC, we consider it our responsibility to help families navigate the legal process so they can focus on restoring their quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions by Our Philadelphia Brain Injury Clients
A consultation with our experienced attorneys is the best place for the many questions that arise specific to each situation. In the meantime, here are some of the ones most commonly asked in our office:
How much time do I have to file a claim for brain injury damages?
Victims of TBIs are required to file claims for damages within a two-year time period known as the statute of limitations. This deadline applies to most types of personal injury cases in the Commonwealth, such as car accidents. You may lose the ability to recover compensation after it expires, so it’s important to secure legal representation and file a claim right away.
What types of compensation can I be awarded?
If you’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for several types of compensation. Economic damages cover quantifiable damages like medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic or intangible damages, such as pain and suffering, can also be awarded to victims of serious brain injuries in settlements or court verdicts.
What if I can’t pay for an attorney right now?
Like other personal injury claims, our lawyers take brain injury cases on a contingency basis. This means that clients never pay our office a dime unless we recover a win for them. Contingency fees are agreed upon, typically as fixed portions of your final settlement, at the beginning of your case. Your attorney will clearly communicate how these fees work and will never charge you if they don’t win.
Speak to a Philadelphia Brain Injury Lawyer and Start the Journey to Compensation
A traumatic brain injury can take a significant toll on both your physical and mental health, as well as your financial situation. You may feel confused about where to turn for information or guidance through a complicated legal process. As you handle all the struggles associated with recovery, you need a legal team who will handle your case with knowledge, compassion, and experience.
When a brain injury lawyer at Baratta Law, LLC represents you, their experience and support will allow you to focus on your recovery. Call our office today at 215-914-8132 or fill out the contact form below to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Get started on the path to compensation today.
