The brain is an incredibly complex, mysterious organ – though it controls most of the critical functions for human life and shapes personality, behavior, memory, and perception, much of the brain’s capabilities and inner workings are unknown to us. Despite being such an important part of the body, though, the brain is remarkably delicate, easily injured, and unpredictable in terms of its capacity to heal. organ which is easily damaged and has unpredictable abilities to heal itself. This makes brain injuries a cause for serious concern no matter now minor the injuries may seem.
Brain injuries are also much more common and costly than many people realize – almost 2.8 million people in the United States sustain brain injuries annually at a cost of over $60 billion each year and are responsible for 30 percent of deaths from injury. Traumatic brain injuries or TBIs can occur from obvious causes like a blow to the head, but other less apparent situations may still result in serious, life-changing injury or death. If you sustained a head injury, contact a Riverside brain injury attorney to see if you may be entitled to compensation.
Accidents in Riverside
Riverside has a pleasant climate year-round, which encourages residents and visitors alike to spend time outdoors and take advantage of the pleasant weather. However, getting to and from work and leisure activities on busy roads like the 15, 215, and 91 freeways in the area, 2,119 people were hurt or killed in Riverside traffic accidents in 2017 alone. Attractions like Mount Rubidoux Park, Whitewater Preserve, and Castle Park bring people out to recreate or be physically active, but also come with the risk of avoidable accidents and resulting brain injuries locally for an unsuspecting victim.
What Causes Brain Injuries?
Brain injuries most commonly occur as the result of a fall, but there are many other situations which can easily cause them. Some other circumstances that commonly bring about brain injuries include:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Sports collisions
How Will I Know I Have a Brain Injury?
Currently, a medical evaluation is the only recognized method to diagnose brain injuries like TBIs, so it’s important to seek medical help immediately after an incident involving your head. This is important with TBIs because they often present no symptoms right away and can be subtle when they do appear. Common symptoms may include dizziness, nausea and vomiting, sleep or behavior changes, headaches, and even seizures.
How Do I Recover Compensation for My Riverside Brain Injury?
The most common way Riverside brain injury victims recover is proving another’s negligence caused their injuries. Once negligence is established, the defendant is liable for all provable damages unless there is a valid legal defense. To prove negligence, you prove to a court that it’s more likely than not:
- The defendant had a legal duty of care to you
- They breached their duty by an action or a failure to act when they should have acted
- The breach caused you injury
What is My Riverside Brain Injury Case Worth?
After proving negligence, you must prove your damages in court. Compensatory damages are meant to make you whole for your injuries and may be awarded for quantifiable economic harms. These damages are particularly important for brain injury victims, because the unpredictable and enduring nature of these injuries means victims often incur astronomical medical expenses and may or may not be able to ever return to work (or have anywhere near their earning capacity prior to the injury). Victims may recover for injuries including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and lost future earning capacity
- Funeral expenses
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Disability, Scarring, or Disfigurement
Steps to Take After an Accident
Though it may seem overwhelming and the last thing you want to do right after an accident, being proactive and taking a few simple steps can greatly strengthen your claim for compensation and help you make the fullest possible physical and emotional recovery from your injuries.
Get Medical Attention
Seek medical attention as quickly as possible following any accident. You need to be evaluated by medical professionals even if you believe you were not injured and receive treated for any injuries you sustained. This is especially important with head injuries, because TBIs often delay in presenting symptoms and can prove fatal if left untreated. Comply with all your treatment provider’s recommendations and instructions, take medication as prescribed, and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments.
Collect Important Documents and Evidence Regarding Your Injuries and the Accident
If possible, photograph the accident scene and your injuries. Get contact information for any witnesses. Notify the police and give a detailed statement – you can get a copy of their report from the police department that responded to the accident and took your statement. Retain a copy of every medical record generate, receipt for expenses you incur from your injuries, and paystub to show lost wages.
Contact a Riverside Brain Injury Attorney
If an accident affected your head or brain, contact the highly qualified Riverside Brain Injury Attorneys at Walton Law, APC today. Our attorneys have spent years providing our clients with compassionate, dedicated, personalized representation and have emerged victorious by recovering millions in compensation for their injuries. Contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (866)-338-7079 or via through our Contact Page to set up your no-risk, no obligation initial case evaluation. You do not pay until we win your case. Let the experienced attorneys at Walton Law review the unique facts of your case, present you with your options, and work to secure the best possible result in your case. We will fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery.