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A traumatic brain injury is a long-term often permanent head injury that occurs when something blows or penetrates the skull. When someone endures a TBI they may be left grappling with significant physical, cognitive, and financial damages. The negligent party responsible for the catastrophic injury may be held liable for damages. A Bluffton traumatic brain injury lawyer could help you hold the reckless party accountable for their actions and fight to help you obtain a favorable outcome. A knowledgeable catastrophic injury attorney could explain what damages may be available and counsel you regarding your best legal options to seek monetary recovery.
What are the Different Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries?
There are several different forms of traumatic brain injuries which may inflict a variety of long-term symptoms and complications.
A closed-head traumatic brain injury stems from rapid force trauma that harms the brain, but fails to penetrate the skull. People with closed-head injuries frequently suffer from concussions, and it is not uncommon for victims to deal with ongoing post-concussion syndrome. An open-head injury occurs when something actually pierces the skull, leading to complications such as damage to the brain tissues, infection, and internal bleeding.
A hypoxic brain injury happens when the brain is deprived of oxygen for five minutes or more, which may inflict emotional, mental, and physical damage. Two other types of traumatic brain injuries are focal and axonal injuries. Focal brain injuries involve injury to a specific region of the brain, while axonal injuries may affect numerous parts of the brain.
TBI Symptoms
Some common symptoms include vision impairment, confusion, difficulty speaking, persistent headaches, and extreme exhaustion. Weakness in the extremities, digestive upset, unconsciousness, and convulsions may also be signs that a traumatic brain injury has occurred.
Causes of a Severe Head Injury
The following types of accidents may inflict traumatic brain injuries if the impact to the head is great enough:
- Trip and fall accidents
- Occupational hazards
- Motor vehicle collisions
- Recreational activities
Types of Available Damages
A Bluffton attorney could pursue a number of damages on behalf of a traumatic brain injury victim, including economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Recoverable economic damages may include the following:
- Time missed from work
- Hospital bills
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Medication costs
- In-home care expenses
- Home modifications to accommodate the victim’s disability
Non-economic damages do not have a specific monetary value attached, and may include compensation for future lost earnings, emotional anguish, mental distress, pain and suffering, and disfigurement. Under exceptional circumstances, the court may also deem it appropriate to award punitive damages to punish a defendant whose actions were particularly egregious.
What is the Time Limit for Filing a Lawsuit?
Every state establishes set time limits in which personal injury lawsuits must be filed. South Carolina Code of Laws §15-3-530 provides injured parties three years to file a civil lawsuit seeking compensatory damages.
The statutory window generally commences on the date of the accident. Lawsuits filed after the three-year period has ended may be barred from compensation. A traumatic brain injury attorney in Bluffton could help a victim understand the deadline applicable to their case, including any rare exceptions which may apply, and ensure all filing requirements are met.
A Bluffton Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney Could Review Your Case
A traumatic brain injury is often permanent and could cause a lifetime of complications. The costs of a TBI could detrimental to the injured party and their family. Fortunately, a skilled attorney could help you get the compensation you need for your future. A Bluffton traumatic brain injury lawyer could collect evidence, determine the responsible party and hold them accountable in court. With an experienced attorney, you may be eligible to recover compensation that covers the full value of your injuries. Call Schiller & Hamilton today to learn about what may be possible in your case.