Michigan Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers

What Are Symptoms Of Traumatic Brain Injuries?

It is important that you are able to recognize the signs of a TBI so that you can help your loved one receive prompt medical care if he or she suffers such an injury. The severity of symptoms typically correlates with the severity of injury, but regardless of how serious your symptoms are, or those of your loved one, it is critical that you seek medical attention right away.

Some of the common symptoms of traumatic brain injuries include and are not limited to:

• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Inability to remember things that happened recently
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Nausea, with or without vomiting
• Dizziness and loss of balance
• Blurred vision
• Inability to smell
• Sensitivity to sounds or ringing in ears
• Aversion to light
• Changes in behavior, mood, or personality
• Convulsions or seizures
• Dilated pupils (one or both)
• Persistent or worsening headache
• Slurred speech
• Inability to walk or loss of coordination
• Numbness of extremities
• Coma

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Traumatic Brain Injury Claim?

Potential damages may include:

• Medical expenses: TBI treatment often involves significant medical costs, which includes hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation. A claim could cover current and anticipated future medical costs that are related to the injury. This can include ongoing physical therapy, neurological care, and specialized equipment, such as wheelchairs or adaptive devices.
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity: Many TBI victims are unable to work during their recovery, leading to lost income. In severe cases, a TBI may impact a person’s ability to return to work altogether or limit the types of work they can perform. Compensation for lost wages and loss of earning capability can help bridge the financial gap caused by time away from work or permanent employment limitations.
• Pain and suffering: TBIs often lead to significant physical pain and emotional distress. Pain and suffering damages account for the physical discomfort, chronic pain, and emotional toll resulting from a brain injury. Victims of TBIs may experience depression, anxiety, and a diminished quality of life, which deserve to be recognized in a claim.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: TBI survivors may experience limitations that prevent them from engaging in activities they once enjoyed. This aspect of a claim seeks compensation for the emotional impact of no longer being able to participate in hobbies, recreational activities, or social events due to the injury.
• Disability and disfigurement: In severe TBI cases, victims may face permanent disabilities or visible disfigurement. Compensation in these instances reflects the life-altering consequences of a traumatic brain injury and helps address the long-term adjustments required for a disabled lifestyle.
• Emotional distress and mental anguish: Beyond the physical effects of a TBI, many survivors face emotional and psychological struggles. These can include PTSD, mood swings, cognitive difficulties, and a spectrum of other mental health challenges. Damages for emotional distress can help cover therapy and counseling services and recognize the psychological burden of living with a TBI.
• Costs of home modifications and long-term care: Home modifications may be necessary for those with severe or permanent brain injuries to accommodate new physical limitations. These modifications can include wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, and other accessibility features. Additionally, long-term care costs—such as in-home nursing or assisted living facilities—can be included in a claim to support the ongoing needs of TBI survivors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do I Have To File A Traumatic Brain Injury Claim In Michigan?

Michigan law sets time limits for filing personal injury lawsuits, and those limits can affect traumatic brain injury claims as well. The specific deadline that applies to you can depend on factors such as how the injury occurred and whether government entity is involved. Because these rules are strict and can change, it is important to talk with a brain injury lawyer as soon as you can so your options are preserved.

What Should I Bring To An Initial Meeting About A Brain Injury Case?

You can get more out of a first meeting if you bring any medical records you have, hospital discharge papers, insurance information, and photographs of the scene or injuries. Police reports, incident reports, or names of witnesses are also helpful if you have them. If you do not have all of this information yet, a conversation can still be useful, and additional records can often be gathered later.

Will a Brain Injury Case Have To Go To Court?

Some traumatic brain injury claims are resolved through settlement discussions with insurance companies, while others are filed as lawsuits in courts such as the Ingham County or Oakland County Circuit Court. Whether a case goes to trial can depend on the strength of the evidence, the amount of compensation at stake, and how willing the other side is to negotiate. You can discuss possible paths and what to expect in your particular situation before deciding how to move forward.