Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): What is it and why make a claim?

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) are unfortunately common and are caused by head trauma in a number of different ways in the following ways:

• Road Traffic Accidents.
• Accidents at work.
• Accidents in a public place.
• Medical Negligence.
• Assault.

There are different grades of brain injury, however whether minor or significant, the effects are equally devastating on those who suffer them.

Why make a claim – a brief overview

If another person or organisation is fully or partly responsible for the incident which causes your injury, you may be able to make a claim which will, in turn, open up access to vital medical expert opinion, private rehabilitation treatment and compensation for injuries and subsequent financial losses (such as no longer being able to work or requiring care/amendments to living spaces).

The impact of brain injuries

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to truly understand the scope and effect that a brain injury has on a persons’ life. Unlike other more mechanical injuries, such as a broken arm, there is often not a clear treatment plan or even full understanding of the brain injury provided by medical professionals until years after the incident occurs. Indeed, often it is only in the most severe incidents that a proper diagnosis of a brain injury is recorded from the outset.

People suffering from a brain injury often suffer a profound impact on their:

• Work life.
• Social skills.
• Motor skills.
• Decision making ability.

All of which have a massive impact on their financial wellbeing, their ability to manage their home life and often puts a physical and emotional strain on the friends and family who are supporting them.

Treatment

The treatment which can be offered depends entirely on the type of brain injury and the extent of the affect it has had on the patient. One of the greatest benefits of making an injury claim, especially if there is a brain injury, is that we are able to arrange and provide access to the best private medical experts and treatment to create a path towards rehabilitation and management of brain injury symptoms without cost to you*.

* Where liability has been admitted or you have a valid ATE or BTE insurance policy in place.

How an injury claim supports the friends and family of those who have suffered brain injuries

If you are caring for someone who  has suffered a brain injury, there is no doubt that your world was turned upside down, especially if it was a significant or severe injury. We support the loved ones of brain injury victims with access to advanced compensation payments for accessibility amendments to housing and support with professional care requirements.

Capacity

If the brain injury is severe it may be that the person claiming now lacks the mental capacity to run their own claim, in this instance, we may be able to pursue the claim for the afflicted person by asking a trusted member of their family or a friend to become a ‘litigation friend’ and essentially act on behalf (and in the best interest) of the loved one with the brain injury.

How we can help

Depending on the severity and impact of the brain injury certain support systems will likely need to be put in place to enable a person to adjust to their injury both in their home life and at work.

This can include:

• Additional care and support
• Reduced working hours and/or changing of employment
• Requirement for future treatment (both physical and psychological)
• Amendments and accessibility for their home

Compensation for a brain injury can never truly be proportionate to the levels trauma and stress caused. However, it can help with ensuring a level of financial security while the client focuses on their recovery and allow for fast tracked private treatment to assist in managing their pain.

Each brain injury is different from the next and requires bespoke care on behalf of medical professionals to seek the treatment which works for them. The approach of the personal injury solicitors at Thatcher + Hallam is much the same, ensuring that each client who suffers a traumatic brain injury is consulted thoroughly on their complex symptoms and that the highest possible level of care, compassion and compensation for their specific claim.

How do I make a claim?

At Thatcher + Hallam we ensure that you have the professional help you need to facilitate your recovery.

Contact us on 01761 414646 and ask to be forwarded to the personal injury team regarding your brain injury or alternatively offer a free legal surgery – click here.

You can either fill in our brief online form with your details and we will ensure we get back to you.