A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of neurological condition that causes victims to suffer damaging effects and symptoms that may inhibit their ability to live a normal, functioning life. However, if an accident victim suffers a TBI as a result of another’s negligence, he or she may be entitled to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation.
If you or someone you love acquired a TBI during an accident, it may be in your best interest to contact a Macon brain injury lawyer to discuss filing a claim against the at-fault party. He or she will help you understand your rights and whether you may be owed compensation for your losses and suffering.
To learn more about filing a claim for a TBI, contact Roden Law’s personal injury lawyers in Macon. We will provide you with a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your claim and determine if you have a case against the at-fault party.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries
A TBI is often caused by a sudden blow to the head. Some of the most common causes of brain injuries include:
- Falls
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Trucking accidents
- Acts of violence
- Workplace accidents
- Sports injuries
Types of Brain Injuries
The symptoms of a TBI can vary widely, and may include physical and cognitive impairments. Depending on the symptoms they suffer, an accident may be diagnosed with several types of TBIs, including:
Mild TBI
Mild traumatic brain injuries are considered the least serious form of traumatic brain injuries. However, they can still result in serious symptoms, including:
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Feelings of being dazed, confused or disoriented
- Headache
- Loss of balance
- Speech problems
- Feelings of fatigue or drowsiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Mood changes
- Depression or anxiety
Moderate TBI
Moderate traumatic brain injuries can include the same symptoms as mild traumatic brain injuries. However, they may be more pronounced, such as:
- Loss of consciousness ranging from a few minutes to several hours
- Intense nausea and vomiting
- Chronic headaches
- Dilation of the pupils
- Slurred speech
Severe TBI
A severe traumatic brain injury is the most serious form of brain injury. Its symptoms include those of mild and moderate traumatic brain injury, as well as such serious symptoms as:
- Convulsions or seizures
- Clear fluids draining from the ears or nose
- Difficulty waking up or a coma
- Confusion
- Changes in behavior
- Increased aggression or agitation
- Loss of coordination
Compensation for a Brain Injury
Compensation for a traumatic brain injury is intended to provide the funds necessary to compensate the victim for the actual damages he or she suffered, as well as for his or her pain and suffering. Damages for which the victim may be able to receive compensation include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
In Georgia, compensation for personal injury claims are often resolved using the law of comparative fault. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, you may still be entitled to recover compensation after an accident as long as you were not more than 50 percent at fault for the accident.
However, the amount of compensation you can recover after an accident will be reduced by the degree of fault you are responsible for. This means if you have filed a claim for $100,000 and are found to be 20 percent at fault for your TBI, the new maximum amount of compensation you may receive is $80,000.
Contact Roden Law Today
In Georgia, you only have two years from the date of your injury to bring a claim against the at-fault party, according to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33.
For this reason, you should not hesitate to contact an experienced attorney to discuss your brain injury claim. At Roden Law, we have the knowledge and skills you need to pursue the maximum amount of compensation you deserve.
We will provide you with a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your claim and help you understand which legal options may be available to you after your accident. We offer all of our services on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront legal fees. Our attorneys only get paid if you recover compensation for your claim.