Suffering a traumatic brain injury at the fault of another person’s negligence can comprehensively change the course of your life. It creates sudden, unexpected losses and an uncertain future. At The Shelly Leeke Law Firm, a Charleston traumatic brain injury lawyer is available to prioritize your future.
Our founder wrote The Guidebook for South Carolina Accident Victims, making it easier for you to understand what is at stake after suffering an injury. Talk to our Charleston personal injury lawyer today about your case.
Factors that Make it Critical to Hire a Charleston Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney
Millions of accident victims experience the life-altering impact of suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year and rely on continuous surgery, medical care, or rehab to have a sense of normalcy after being injured. The loss experienced and the costs incurred can be insurmountable.
That is where the Shelly Leeke Law Firm steps in. If you or a loved one has experienced a TBI from negligent conduct, such as medical malpractice or personal injury situations, our team can explore legal options that may result in a large settlement.
Our traumatic brain injury lawyer in Charleston has years of experience throughout South Carolina and remains dedicated to restoring justice for each client.
Find out if your injury qualifies as a TBI, how to respond to settlement offers, and more. We offer free consultations if you wish to gain an in-depth analysis of the value of your TBI claim.
What a Traumatic Brain Injury Is
Traumatic brain injury is the term used to describe a serious brain injury brought on by external head trauma. Some forms of brain injury, such as minor concussions, may only have transient effects, but others may cause catastrophic, life-altering conditions like seizures or paralysis.
Many different accidents can result in blunt-force head injuries. One of the most frequent causes we see is being struck by an object, followed by falls, workplace injuries, and car accidents.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that some physical symptoms of traumatic brain injury & concussion include hearing loss, dizziness, fatigue, impaired vision, problems with coordination, brain fog, and memory loss. Someone who is showing evidence of a traumatic brain injury may have a wide range of side effects, including:
- Impaired judgment
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Frequent mood shifts
- Disinterest
- Weakness
- Decreased motor skills
- Inability to regulate emotions
Estimating the Settlement Amount for a TBI Personal Injury Claim
When calculating the value of your personal injury settlement for a TBI, it is important to know how the awarded amount is determined. Our lawyer will discuss this in depth during the initial consultation session, but here is a general overview of the determining factors:
- Medical expenses, as well as any additional costs associated with the injury, such as around-the-clock care or accommodations made to your home
- Income loss, including lost pay, wage reductions brought on by injuries, and loss of future salary possibilities
- Pain and suffering, such as a diminished quality of life or the inability to participate in previous activities
- Mental suffering, like PTSD or anxiety
- Loss of consortium
There is no way to provide you with an accurate value for your brain injury case until you meet with our legal team to discuss the impact on your health, well-being, and quality of life. Have a conversation with us – you are not charged for doing so. Let our team calculate the true value of your case.
Factors that Contribute to the Value of Your Traumatic Brain Injury Claim
Insurance companies do not put the time and effort into understanding your brain injury or the lasting impact it will have on your future. Our lawyer will do so. Some of the factors we consider when estimating a value for your claim include the following:
- The severity of your injuries: Factors such as whether your injury will completely heal and what level of limitation you may have in the future are considerations.
- The length of your recovery time: The longer it takes to recover, the more compensation you may be owed to cover your losses. Every brain injury is a bit different.
- The impact on your health and lifespan: Some brain injuries impact your overall health, creating the need for ongoing health concerns.
- Impact on your quality of life: Beyond your health, your quality of life may be impacted by your lack of ability to engage with things you used to do, maintain relationships, or be your own person.
- The cause of the incident: In situations where blatant disregard for safety occurred or when a company failed to prevent the incident, you may be owed a higher level of compensation for your losses.
To determine these factors, expect our traumatic brain injury attorney in Charleston to speak to your friends and family, employer, medical providers, and medical experts to gain insight. We also document your losses through a comprehensive level of research based on the implications for others who have suffered similar injuries and losses.
Causation of Traumatic Brain Injuries
There are numerous situations where an injury could result in a concussion or cause a TBI. The signs and symptoms of any ailment might be mild to severe. Our team takes on instances resulting from:
- Workplace injuries
- Medical negligence
- Premises liability incidents
- Animal attacks
- Auto collisions
- Nursing home abuse
While seeking legal counsel, you won’t be able to repair the damage, but it will assist in carrying out treatment or other actions. By speaking with a Charleston lawyer about your TBI and how you received it, we can advise you on whether you qualify for compensation.
Responding to Settlement Offers
Insurance companies make offers quickly when they are at fault and can take advantage of TBI victims by lowering, delaying, or outright rejecting their compensation. By speaking to us first, a lawyer from our firm can make progress by intervening and advocating for fair recompense.
Before speaking to an insurance adjuster, it is important to know that they won’t offer a figure that even comes close to being reasonable until compelled to. Their primary responsibility is to use any measures required to maintain firm profitability. It is acceptable to let them know that you need some time to think over your alternatives or that you’d like to put off speaking with them.
Our lawyer will review any settlement comprehensively only after determining the evidence of your losses and calculating your long-term needs.
This enables us to build a strong claim that is backed by evidence that the insurance company will struggle to refute. Do not settle until we at least carefully examine the settlement offer to protect your rights.
Strategies and Deadlines for Your Traumatic Brain Injury Case
Traumatic brain injury can lead to a variety of issues that affect a person’s thinking, cognition, emotions, and behavior. To strategize and quantify your suffering for the compensation request, your injury must be classified as mild, moderate, or severe.
After an injury, it is advised to seek medical attention right away because the signs of a traumatic brain injury are not always visible. A TBI can only be recognized and treated by a doctor and may take time to see improvement.
When injured, recovery is prioritized over deadlines, such as the statute of limitations under South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 15, that allows accident victims a limited time period to file a personal injury claim.
After three years from the date of injury, you won’t be able to file a claim to collect compensation. A lawyer, however, can ensure that all claims and paperwork are filed on time.
Maximize Your TBI Settlement Award Today
Contact the Shelly Leeke Law Firm right away to begin a free consultation and get the services of a reputable legal team. Avoid putting your TBI claim at risk by defending yourself or relying on the irresponsible party to uphold the law.
Our experienced, compassionate, and trusted team will work to conduct their own investigation, refute claims that undercut your claim, and, if required, prepare your case for trial.
Hire a Charleston traumatic brain injury attorney to represent you and increase your chances of getting a favorable settlement.
