Brain injuries are among the most serious of accident injuries. A brain injury can change a person’s life forever. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to another’s negligence, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and options for collecting compensation for the damages resulting from your injuries. The New Orleans brain injury lawyers at Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso can help.
Common Types of Brain Injuries
The most common type of brain injuries to occur during an accident are traumatic brain injuries or TBIs. A TBI occurs when there is trauma to the brain (such as a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or a penetrating injury to the head, such as from a gunshot) that results in impairment of normal brain function.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are two types of brain injuries:
- Concussions and Mild TBIs: Mild TBIs like concussions are typically caused by a blow to the head or violent shaking of the head. They are usually not life-threatening but can impact how a person thinks, feels, learns, acts, and sleeps.
- Moderate to Severe TBIs: Moderate to severe TBIs can be caused by a bump or blow to the head, or by a penetrating injury to the head. These types of TBIs are very serious and can result in death or lifelong health problems.
In addition, there are brain contusions, also known as cerebral contusions. Brain contusions are bruises that occur when a blood vessel is broken (usually as a result of head trauma) and blood leaks out and pools in the cortical area of the brain. Brain contusions can be mild, moderate, or severe.
The five-year outcomes for persons with TBIs:
- 22% die
- 30% become worse
- 22% remain the same
- 26% experience improvement
Understanding Brain Injuries
Serious brain injuries can have significant long-term effects on cognitive, physical, and emotional functioning, such as:
- Cognitive impairments, such as difficulty concentrating
- Amnesia and other memory problems
- Headaches or migraines
- Hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain)
- Mood swings or emotional instability
- Motor deficits, such as paralysis or weakness
- Nerve damage
- Changes in hearing, vision, taste, smell, and touch
- Seizures
- Speech and language difficulties
- Coma
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage
Common Causes of Brain Injuries
In New Orleans, car accidents are one of the primary causes of brain injuries. Other leading causes of brain injuries include:
- Falls
- Sports injuries
- Firearms accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Construction site accidents
- Maritime accidents
- Assaults
Partners for Family Health Louisiana reveals that about 1 in 6 hospitalizations in Louisiana are related to traumatic brain injuries. Of these hospitalizations, 28% are the result of traffic-related accidents. Lifetime care costs for a person who suffers a TBI can run up to $3 million (this figure includes inpatient and rehabilitative care).
What to Do If Your TBI Was Caused by Negligence
If the accident that caused your brain injury was the result of someone else’s negligence, Louisiana state law gives you the right to seek compensation for the damages stemming from your accident-related injuries. However, obtaining this compensation can be challenging, especially if you aren’t familiar with the state’s personal injury laws. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure you get the total compensation you deserve.
Depending on the circumstances in your brain injury case, you may be able to claim compensation for:
- Current and long-term medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of employment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The representation of an experienced New Orleans personal injury lawyer greatly improves your odds of obtaining the full compensation you are due for your brain injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a brain injury lawsuit?
Louisiana’s statutes of limitation laws only give a person one year from the date of their accident in which to file a personal injury claim.
How much does it cost to hire a brain injury lawyer?
Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso accepts cases on a contingency basis. This means there are no upfront costs for our representation; we collect our fee as a percentage of your final cash settlement.
What is the process of a personal injury lawsuit?
The process of pursuing a personal injury lawsuit involves:
– Investigating the details of the accident to determine who was at fault
– Determining the extent of a plaintiff’s injuries
– Assigning a dollar value to their damages
– Engaging with the at-fault party’s insurance company to negotiate a settlement
– Taking the case to trial if a settlement can’t be reached.
Reach Out to Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso Today!
The accident attorneys at Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso have been serving the people of Louisiana since the 1970s. Our New Orleans brain injury lawyers are here to assist you at every step of the legal process, from investigating your claim to negotiating on your behalf with the at-fault party’s insurance company. We have a proven track record of success in obtaining significant settlements and verdicts for our clients.
Your recovery and future well-being are our top priorities. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to negligence, don’t delay in seeking legal help. Call 800-521-1750 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation today. Our experienced New Orleans brain injury lawyers will listen to your story, answer all your legal questions, and provide professional advice on the best way to move forward with your case.