The human brain is a mystery. Though the organ is known to control many important functions in the body and is responsible for perception, memory, cognition, and behavior, its full capabilities are still being discovered. Ironically, though, the brain’s is a vulnerable organ which is easily damaged and has unpredictable abilities to heal itself. This makes all brain injuries – no matter how seemingly insignificant, a reason for major worry.
Close to 2.8 million people in the United States receive brain injuries annually, which results in over $60 billion of damages each year and are responsible for 30 percent of deaths from injury. Brain injuries are caused through any number of situations. Some are obvious like a serious blow to the head, but others can be more subtle. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) can result in motor vehicle accidents, sports collisions, jolts, and minor falls as well and fail to present symptoms for days or even weeks. If the brain injury was caused by someone’s negligence, you should contact the skilled Hemet Brain Injury Attorneys at Walton law to learn if you may be able to recover for your injuries.
Hemet Brain Injury Accidents
Hemet has a warm, dry, sunny climate as well as extensive hiking and biking trails, and a large system of public parks with extensive areas for sports and recreation. Two busy California freeways also run through the town – California State Routes 74 and 79. It’s no wonder in the town of over 84,000 has an ample area for locals and tourists alike to get to and take advantage of the great outdoors. These outdoor activities, the travel to get to and from them, and daily life in Hemet can result in accidents and brain injuries.
Brain Injury Causes
Even though TBIs most usually occur from falls, but many other situations result in the same consequence such as:
- Motor vehicle accidents;
- Sports collisions;
- Violent crimes;
- Workplace accidents; and
- Daily mishaps.
No one can predict the severity of brain injuries, but they can potentially cause severe or even fatal damage. They also can cause unexpected, long-term emotional and financial consequences for victims and their families. The subtle nature of TBIs can result in even more severe consequences because victims that don’t realize they are injured, don’t seek treatment, and continue living normally can actually make their condition worse.
Are Their Signs I Sustained a Brain Injury?
The only current method to diagnose brain injuries such as TBIs is through an evaluation by medical professionals. This potential severity means it’s important to seek medical care right after sustaining any accident or blow involving your head. Common symptoms victims of Hemet brain injuries may include:
- Dizziness;
- Insomnia or sleeping too much;
- Behavioral changes;
- Nausea or vomiting;
- Headaches;
- Behavioral changes; and
- Seizures.
If I Suffered a Brain Injury, How Do I Recover?
Brain injury victims commonly pursue recovery in the courts by arguing their injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence. If you can prove negligence, the person responsible will be liable for damages you can prove in court if they can’t establish a valid legal defense for their actions. Negligence is proved by showing:
- Defendant has a valid legal duty to the victim;
- The legal duty was breached by defendant’s actions or omissions; and
- Defendant’s breach caused actual harm to the victim.
What is My Hemet Brain Injury Case Worth?
Once you prove negligence, you may recover compensatory damages that you prove to a judge or jury to make you whole for your harms. These damages may be awarded to compensate for provable, concrete harms such as:
- Hospital bills;
- Lost wages and lost earning potential;
- Property damages; and
- Funeral or burial expenses.
Compensatory damages may also be given for less provable, abstract harms that reflect emotional and psychological harms including:
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Scarring or disfigurement; and
- Loss of consortium.
Compensatory damages are particularly critical for brain injury victims, because the unpredictable and long-lasting nature of many such injuries can impact their ability to ever return to work as well as bring about exponential medical expenses.
Some brain injury victims may also be eligible to receive an award of punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish particularly bad behavior by a defendant and also deter repetition of the same or similar behavior by everyone going forward. To receive punitive damages, a high threshold of proof must be satisfied because these awards can be exponentially higher than compensatory damage awards. If a victim can prove the defendant acted with malice, oppression, or fraud, a judge or jury has discretion in deciding whether to award punitive damages as well as the amount of any award. Because it is difficult to satisfy this burden of proof, it’s advisable to rely on the help of a skilled Hemet Brain Injury Attorney like the ones at Walton Law.
If I Was in an Accident, What Should I Do?
Though it may seem daunting, there are a few important steps you can take after being injured to protect your health and help the strength of any claims for recovery you may file in the future.
Seek Medical Treatment
If you were involved in an accident, seek medical treatment as soon as possible to be evaluated and treated for any injuries you suffered. Protecting your health is critical – seek evaluation even if you believe you weren’t hurt; TBIs can delay for days or even weeks before they present symptoms. Follow all orders and treatment plans from medical professionals, take all medication as prescribed, and schedule and keep all follow-up appointments.
Get Evidence
If it’s possible, photograph the accident, the scene, and your injuries. If witnesses exist, get their contact information. If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident or violent crime, notify law enforcement and cooperate; then get a copy of your police report from your local police department. If you were hurt at work, get copies of any reports generated by your employer regarding your accident. Keep copies of all medical records related to your injuries and any expenses you incur. These can greatly help strengthen your case with any claim you pursue.
Speak to a Hemet Brain Injury Attorney
If you had an accident involving your head, contact the skilled Hemet Brain Injury Attorneys at Walton Law as soon as possible. Our attorneys have years of experience giving our clients dedicated, personalized representation and recovering millions in damages for our victims’ injuries. Let the knowledgeable attorneys at Walton Law evaluate your unique situation, help you understand your options, and work tirelessly to obtain the best possible outcome from your bad situation. 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 pay nothing until we recover for you. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on getting your life back on track.