A slip and fall in a grocery store parking lot. A car accident on I-85. A workplace injury at a construction site. In an instant, a person's life can change forever due to a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The road ahead may be filled with doctor's visits, therapy appointments, and mounting medical bills, not to mention the emotional trauma and loss of enjoyment of life.
Those who’ve suffered a TBI in Greenville due to someone else’s negligence may consider reaching out to a Greenville brain injury lawyer at Derrick Law Firm to explore their legal options. With decades of combined experience, the brain injury lawyers at Derrick Law Firm understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial toll a traumatic brain injury takes on victims and their families.
Steps to Take After a Brain Injury Accident in Greenville
Following a serious accident, the most important thing is to seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel okay. Some symptoms of traumatic brain injury may not appear right away. Get thoroughly checked out by a doctor and follow their treatment plan. This protects your health and provides vital documentation of your injuries for a potential legal claim.
Once medical attention has been received, other key steps to consider include:
- Reporting the accident to relevant parties. Depending on where the accident occurred, you may need to report it to your employer, the business owner, or the police. Filing an official report creates a record of the incident that can support your case.
- Collecting evidence. If you are physically able to do so, gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene, including photos of your injuries, property damage, and the surrounding area. Get contact information for any eyewitnesses who can testify about what happened. Keep all medical records, bills, and documentation related to your brain injury.
- Keeping track of all injury-related expenses. Brain injuries often involve extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work. Keep detailed records of all expenses related to the accident, including hospital bills, medication costs, therapy fees, and lost wages. These damages may be recoverable in a brain injury claim.
- Being cautious about discussing the accident. Avoid discussing the details of your accident with others, especially insurance adjusters, who may try to use your statements against you. You have the right to consult a lawyer before giving a recorded statement or accepting a settlement offer.
- Contacting an experienced Greenville brain injury lawyer. Consider contacting a Greenville brain injury lawyer to see if they can assist with your case.
Common Mistakes Made After Suffering a Brain Injury
Be aware of mistakes you could make after an accident that could hurt your legal case. Being aware of these missteps could help you protect your right to fair compensation. Some common mistakes injury victims make include:
- Failing to get proper medical care and follow doctor's orders. Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial for a brain injury recovery and legal claim. Failing to get the necessary treatment or follow the doctor's recommendations can give the impression that the victim’s injuries are not severe. The insurance company may argue that the victim made the condition worse by not taking proper care.
- Giving a recorded statement to an insurance company. After an accident, the at-fault party's insurance company may contact the brain injury victim and ask for a recorded statement about what happened. They may seem friendly and concerned, but their goal is to find ways to minimize or deny the claim.
- Accepting an early lowball settlement offer. Insurance adjusters often try to settle brain injury claims quickly and cheaply. They may offer a lowball settlement before the full extent of a brain injury victim’s injuries and damages are known.
- Posting about the accident or injuries on social media. In today's digital age, insurance companies and defense attorneys routinely monitor social media accounts. Posting about the accident, discussing activities, or sharing photos may be used as evidence against you.
- Waiting too long to consult with a brain injury attorney. In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is three years from the accident date and there are execptions. Crucial evidence can disappear and witness memories can fade over time. Contacting a Greenville brain injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident may help ensure a victim’s rights are protected.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Greenville
Traumatic brain injuries occur when a bump, blow, jolt, or penetrating injury disrupts normal brain function. While accidents can happen anywhere, some of the most frequent causes of TBIs in Greenville include:
- Motor vehicle accidents. Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes are a leading cause of traumatic brain injury. Even a "minor" collision can generate enough force to cause a concussion or more severe TBI. Accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists may also cause brain injuries.
- Falls. Slips and falls and trips and falls are also top causes of brain injuries, especially among young children and older adults. Falls can occur due to wet floors, icy sidewalks, uneven pavement, cluttered walkways, poor lighting, and other hazardous property conditions.
- Sports and recreation-related accidents. Many popular sports and recreational activities involve a risk of head injury. Contact sports like football and boxing and high-impact sports like jet skiing and skateboarding may cause TBIs. Lack of proper safety gear and inadequate supervision can increase the danger.
- Struck-by or against events. This type of accident occurs when the head forcefully strikes or is struck by an object. Examples include falling merchandise from store shelves, tools or debris at construction sites, and physical assault.
When someone believes another party's negligent actions led to a traumatic brain injury, they may have the right to seek accountability and compensation through legal action.
Why You May Need a Greenville Brain Injury Lawyer
Traumatic brain injury cases can be complex. A lawyer with investigative skills, legal experience, and ability to work with health-care professionals may be able to help.
A Greenville brain injury lawyer fights for clients' rights by:
- Investigating to determine liability and gather compelling evidence
- Working with medical experts to demonstrate the extent of the TBI
- Calculating the full scope of damages, including future needs
- Handling communication and negotiation with insurers
- Preparing the case for trial if a fair settlement isn't reached
With experienced legal representation, TBI victims can focus on healing while their attorney pursues compensation on their behalf.
How to Choose the Right Brain Injury Attorney in Greenville
Not all personal injury firms have the knowledge and experience to handle traumatic brain injury claims successfully. When selecting a Greenville brain injury lawyer, qualities to look for include:
- Understanding of the medical issues involved
- Willingness to take cases to trial when necessary
- Works on a contingency fee basis, meaning no upfront legal costs
- Treats clients with compassion and respect
- Specific experience with brain injury cases
The brain injury attorneys at Derrick Law Firm have experience helping TBI clients throughout South Carolina.
Compensation Available in a Brain Injury Lawsuit
A traumatic brain injury can impact nearly every aspect of a person's life. Our Greenville brain injury lawyers evaluate the damages caused by traumatic brain injuries and seek fair compensation for clients, which may include:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium for spouses
Though compensation cannot undo the effects of a traumatic brain injury, it can help provide necessary financial resources for recovery.
