If you’ve suffered a brain injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, seeking just compensation is key to your recovery. Contact Walton Telken Injury Attorneys to request a consultation with a St. Louis brain injury lawyer who can handle your claim from beginning to end.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Brain injuries break down into two primary categories.
Closed head brain injuries
Closed head brain injuries are those injuries in which the brain is injured by impact to the body, neck, or head – or by the violent shaking back and forth of the head, such as in relation to concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). While the head itself is not penetrated, the damage to the brain can be profound and life-threatening.
Penetrating brain injuries
Penetrating brain injuries involve something entering the brain through the head and skull. These injuries are most common in violent traffic accidents and falls from heights. When the skull is penetrated, the level of risk is amplified.
Symptoms of a TBI
The symptoms of a TBI can be elusive and don’t necessarily present immediately after the accident in question. As such, seeking medical attention after an accident involving any significant impact is the prudent course of action.
Doctors look for TBI symptoms that affect any of the accident victim’s:
- Memory
- Concentration
- Ability to problem-solve
- Learning ability
The following are physical, sensory, and cognitive or behavioral symptoms of mild TBIs, which are – nevertheless – very serious injuries:
- The onset of a headache
- Any nausea or vomiting
- Speech difficulties
- Any dizziness or diminished balance
- The onset of fatigue or drowsiness
- Sleep disturbances
- Blurred vision
- A ringing in the ears
- Increased sensitivity to light or sound
- A brief loss of consciousness
- Shifts in mood
- Increased anxiety or depression
If you’ve taken a jolt to the head, seek immediate medical attention and consult with a St. Louis TBI lawyer as soon as you’re able to do so.
How Are Brain Injuries Treated?
Those who suffer mild brain injuries generally require medical attention to rule out a more serious injury, rest that limits physical and cognitive activity, and monitoring.
Care for moderate brain injuries and beyond can include ensuring:
- The accident victim is receiving adequate oxygen
- The injured has an adequate blood supply and maintains their blood pressure
- Further damage to the individual’s head or neck is prevented
For those with more serious injuries still, the issue of any additional damage needs to be addressed, and additional emergency room or intensive care treatments may be required – with a focus on mitigating any secondary health concerns related to bleeding, inflammation, or a reduction in oxygen to the brain. Ultimately, every brain injury is a serious injury.
What Affects a Brain Injury Settlement in Missouri?
Every brain injury claim is based on the unique situation at-hand, and an array of variables can affect how each is settled.
Compensation in brain injury claims is grouped into the following categories:
- Medical expenses, including ongoing care
- Lost income, including losses related to career growth
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
The severity of your injury will play a primary role in how your claim is settled, but factors like the following can also affect its outcome:
- Your age can directly affect the value placed on your lost income – for example, if you are just building a successful career, a brain injury can have a far more significant financial effect than if you’ve been retired for many years.
- The State of Missouri doesn’t put damage caps on damages related to physical, financial, and emotional losses unless medical malpractice is involved.
- The amount of insurance coverage the at-fault party carries – in addition to any other coverage that may apply – will directly affect your settlement.
A critical component of your brain injury attorney’s role is carefully assessing and representing your complete losses – in pursuit of your claim’s most favorable resolution.
How We Can Help
The St. Louis brain injury lawyers at Walton Telken Injury Attorneys recognize how seriously a brain injury can affect your future and will work tirelessly to protect your rights by:
- Building your strongest brain injury claim
- Fiercely advocating for a fair settlement
- Skillfully guiding you through the claims process
- Preparing to knowledgeably defend your rights in court – in the face of any less than forthright practices on the part of the insurance company
An Experienced St. Louis Brain Injury Lawyer Can Help
The St. Louis brain injury lawyers at Walton Telken Injury Attorneys are committed to employing the legal skill, experience, and resources necessary to help brain injury victims and their families move forward financially. Your claim is important to your future. Please don’t put off reaching out and contacting or calling us at 844-259-7182 for more information about what we can do to help you today.
Brain Injury Case FAQs
How long do I have to file a brain injury claim?
In Missouri, you have five years from the date of the injury-causing accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party’s insurance provider.
Why won’t the insurance provider cover my losses fairly from the start?
The insurance company is in business to make money and will do what it can to make this happen, including keeping settlements as low as possible.
Can I proceed without a brain injury attorney?
Not having a skilled attorney in your corner can seriously limit your ability to recover the compensation you deserve under the law.
