Though the human brain is known to control many major systems in the body as well as shape human behavior, much is still not known about this incredibly fragile organ or how injury affects it. Easily damaged and with unpredictable abilities to heal itself, any brain injury is cause for serious concern and can change a victim’s life in a split-second for the worse. 2.8 million people in the United States suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) each year at a cost of over $60 billion. These TBIs cause over 30 percent of injury-related deaths annually, and they occur from numerous different scenarios. Some may be obvious like a line drive to the head, but many TBIs occur from much less traumatic incidents like minor fender-benders, minor falls, and everyday bumps and bruises. If you or a loved one suffered a blow to the head due to someone’s negligence, you may have suffered catastrophic, life-altering injuries and should contact a skilled Moreno Valley brain injury attorney to see if you may be entitled to compensation.
Moreno Valley Brain Injury Accidents
Moreno Valley’s pleasant Southern California climate encourages residents and visitors alike to outdoor activities including hiking, biking, local kickball and softball leagues, and other recreational activities where the risk of collision exists. In addition, the growing area means many new construction sites are present to accommodate the city’s 209,000 residents and give ample opportunities for construction accidents as well as slip or trip and falls at offices, businesses, restaurants, and even new residences. Finally, the city is nestled between major freeways such as the 215, 10, and 60, which means commuters and visitors to the area alike are faced with the potential for motor vehicle accidents and resulting brain injuries.
What Causes Brain Injuries?
Because the brain is such an unknown, sensitive organ, any number of situations can result in an injury. The most common cause of TBIs and other brain injuries is falling, but other scenarios include:
- Motor vehicle accidents;
- Domestic violence and other violent crimes;
- Collisions during sports;
- Military injuries;
- Intentional self-harm;
- Objects falling on the head;
- Workplace accidents; and
- Daily mishaps.
Brain injuries can cause severe or fatal consequences for the victim, and not all injuries present the same way or carry the same effects so it’s important to get a medical evaluation as soon as possible.
How do I Know I Have a Brain Injury?
Currently, the only way to diagnose TBIs and other brain injuries involves a thorough evaluation and tests performed by medical professionals. The severity of these injuries, however, means it’s critical to seek medical attention as soon as you’ve been involved in an accident or suffered any blow to your head. Symptoms also often delay for several days before presenting, but when they appear may include:
- Sleep changes;
- Headaches;
- Dizziness or blurred vision;
- Nausea or vomiting;
- Behavioral or mood changes; and
- Seizures.
How do I win my Case?
If you, the wrongdoer, and your insurance companies can’t agree on a fair settlement to compensate you, the most common option to pursue recovery is filing a civil lawsuit alleging someone’s negligence caused your damages. If you can prove negligence, the negligent party is liable for provable damages unless they have a valid legal defense. Negligence is established by showing the party owed you a legal duty of care, breached it through an act or failure to act, and caused you harm. Causation can be difficult to prove, so working with an experienced Moreno Valley brain injury lawyer is a wise choice.
How Much can I Recover?
If you’re injured by negligence, you may be able to recover damages to compensate for your injuries. Compensatory damages are especially important for brain injury victims due to the long-lasting, often unpredictable nature of these injuries. Astronomical medical bills, lifelong impairment, and potential inability to work permanently mean victims’ financial futures can be at stake. Courts may award compensation for a variety of injuries, including:
- Medical bills;
- Lost wages and lost future earning potential;
- Property damage;
- Funeral expenses;
- Mental anguish;
- Pain and suffering; and
- Permanent scarring or disability.
In some cases, victims may be eligible for an additional award of damages specifically intended to punish the defendant’s exceptionally bad behavior and discourage them and others from engaging in the conduct in the future. These punitive damages are rarely awarded because they are entirely at the court’s discretion and victims must satisfy a very high burden of proof for eligibility.
What Should I do After an Accident?
After a traumatic event like an accident, the last thing you want to do may be take decisive action. However, it’s important you take a few simple steps to protect your rights, document your injuries, and collect information that may significantly aid any legal case you bring later.
Get Medical Treatment as Soon as Possible
After an accident, it’s critical you seek medical attention as quickly as possible. You need to be evaluated for possible injuries – even if you believe you weren’t hurt – and start receiving treatment immediately. Many brain injuries present no symptoms for several days after an accident, but lack of treatment is potentially fatal. An examination can help establish the cause and extent of your injuries as well as protect your health. Follow your treatment plan exactly, take medications as prescribed, and attend any follow-up appointments scheduled.
Gather Relevant Evidence
If possible, collect important evidence at the scene of the accident and afterwards.
- Photograph the scene and your injuries
- Obtain contact information from any eyewitnesses
- Notify law enforcement if you were involved in a car accident
- Notify your supervisor if the accident occurred at work
- Obtain completed copies of incident reports from work or a car accident report
- Keep all records related to your treatment, damages you’ve incurred, and any other injury-related expenses.
Speak to a Moreno Valley Brain Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one had an accident involving your head, contact the skilled Moreno Valley Brain Injury Attorneys at Walton Law today. Our experienced attorneys have spent years providing our clients with dedicated, aggressive representation and delivering results – we’ve recovered millions in compensation on behalf of our clients 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 today. The consultation is free, and you pay nothing until we win your case. Let us answer your questions, give you peace of mind, and fight for the best possible outcome from an unfortunate situation.