There’s no way to know immediately how brain damage from an accident can affect your life. Even a so-called mild brain injury can have significant effects on reasoning, memory, emotions, and more. Further, many effects of a traumatic brain injury are permanent, and the medical costs for treating head trauma can quickly drain families’ finances.
If you have suffered a head injury in Louisiana, Attorney Omar Thibeaux and the team at The Thibeaux Firm can help. We understand the severe effects of a traumatic brain injury and can help you seek fair compensation from the party that caused the accident. Trust us to handle all the legal work in your case while you rest and recover.
People in Lafayette and throughout Louisiana know Attorney Thibeaux as “The 25% Attorney” because he charges only a 25% flat fee when he wins compensation for his clients. This is much less than the 33 to 40 percent that other injury lawyers demand for their services, so more money stays in your pocket.
Call or email the understanding, hardworking lawyers of The Thibeaux Firm today for a free consultation with a Lafayette brain injury attorney.
What a Lafayette Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney Can Do for You
Having an experienced, caring lawyer on your side can make a big difference in the outcome of a brain injury case. For one thing, a Lafayette brain injury lawyer can investigate the accident that caused your brain injury and gather essential evidence to support your claim. This means gathering medical records, police reports, witness statements, and more. We will also work with experts to reveal the full extent of your injury. This helps us build a strong case to show how your brain injury has impacted your life.
Next, we will handle all the legal paperwork and deadlines. Attorney Thibeaux and our team will take care of everything so you can focus on healing. We will also deal with the insurance companies on your behalf. We aim to get you a full and fair settlement covering all your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
Finally, if the insurer won’t offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court. We will stand by your side and fight for your rights. Attorney Thibeaux has in-depth experience with brain injury cases and know how to present your case effectively to a judge and jury.
What Compensation Can I Pursue for a Traumatic Brain Injury?
You may be entitled to compensation for a traumatic brain injury if someone else caused it. The money from a brain injury claim can cover the costs associated with your injury and provide some compensation for the intangible losses you suffered.
First, you can seek compensation for medical expenses. This includes money for your hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments like physical therapy. TBIs often require long-term care, and we can help you fight for a settlement that covers all your medical needs, present and future.
If your injury has caused you to miss work or has affected your ability to earn a living, you can claim compensation for the income you’ve lost as a result of your injury. This includes not only current lost wages but also future earnings if your injury permanently affects your ability to work.
Additionally, you could recover compensation for your pain and suffering. A TBI can cause physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. We will work to see that you receive compensation for these intangible losses, which are often just as impactful as your financial losses.
Lastly, you can seek compensation for any property damage related to the incident that caused your injury. For example, if you were in a car accident, you can seek compensation for the damage to your vehicle.
Our goal is to help you secure the maximum brain injury compensation possible. We understand the challenges you face and will fight to get you the financial support you need.
How Long Do I Have to File a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawsuit in Louisiana?
In most cases, Louisiana law gives you one year from the date of an accident to file a brain injury lawsuit. Working with a brain injury law firm means they can file a lawsuit on your behalf while you focus on your medical treatment.
What Are the Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can vary widely in severity and impact. Understanding the different types of brain injuries can help you recognize the potential effects and causes of these injuries.
One common type of TBI is a concussion. A concussion happens when a blow to the head or a sudden jolt causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth inside the skull. This can lead to headaches, dizziness, and confusion, but most people recover with rest.
Another type of brain injury is a contusion, which is a bruise on the brain. Contusions usually occur when the head hits something hard, causing bleeding and swelling. This can result in symptoms like weakness, difficulty with coordination, and memory problems.
A more severe type of TBI is a diffuse axonal injury. This injury occurs when the brain shakes or twists inside the skull, often in car accidents or falls. It can cause widespread damage to brain cells, leading to long-term impairments in movement, speech, and cognitive function.
Penetrating injuries happen when an object, like a bullet or a sharp piece of metal, pierces the skull and enters the brain. These injuries are often life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Finally, a coup-contrecoup injury involves damage to both sides of the brain. This occurs when the impact causes the brain to hit one side of the skull and then bounce back to hit the opposite side. It can cause severe and lasting effects on various brain functions.
What Are Common Causes of Brain Injuries in Lafayette?
Understanding the common causes of brain injuries can help you identify who’s liable for your injury. Some causes of Lafayette brain injuries include:
- Car Accidents – Even with seatbelts and airbags, the impact of a collision can cause severe head injuries. Drivers and passengers can suffer brain injuries due to the sudden jolt or from hitting their heads inside the vehicle.
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Bus Accidents
- Boating Accidents
- Falls – Slip-and-fall accidents can occur anywhere, such as on wet floors, icy sidewalks, or uneven surfaces. These accidents can lead to serious brain injuries.
- Sports-Related Incidents – Contact sports like football, soccer, and hockey often lead to concussions and other head injuries. Even recreational activities like biking and skateboarding can be risky without proper safety gear.
- Workplace Accidents – Construction sites, factories, and other hazardous work environments pose risks of falling objects, slips, and falls.
- Violent Acts – Assaults or domestic violence can lead to brain injuries. These tragic events often result in severe head trauma, requiring immediate medical attention.
What Are Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Quick medical treatment is crucial for a traumatic brain injury. If you notice any potential brain injury symptoms, see a doctor right away, then talk to a brain injury lawyer in Lafayette.
According to the Mayo Clinic, some common signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury include:
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Speech difficulties
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Extreme fatigue or drowsiness
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping more than normal
- Sensory problems (blurred vision, ringing in the ears, altered taste, changes in smell)
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Memory or concentration difficulties
- Mood swings or mood changes
- Feelings of depression or anxiety
- Brief loss of consciousness
- Feeling dazed, confused, or disoriented
- Seizures or convulsions
- Enlarged pupils in one or both eyes
- Clear fluid draining from the nose or ears
- Difficulty waking up from sleep
- Weakness or numbness in the fingers and toes
- Loss of coordination
What Are the Long-Term Impacts of a Brain Injury?
Not only do traumatic brain injuries cause severe short-term symptoms, but they can also have significant long-term effects. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, those long-term effects may include:
- Cognitive Issues – Problems with memory, concentration, and decision-making can persist long after the initial injury.
- Emotional Changes – Individuals may experience mood swings, depression, or anxiety.
- Physical Challenges – Long-term physical effects can include chronic headaches, dizziness, and difficulties with coordination or balance.
- Speech and Communication Problems – Ongoing difficulties with speaking, understanding language, or finding the right words can make communication frustrating and impact social interactions.
- Sensory Problems – Some people may continue to experience blurred vision, ringing in the ears, or changes in their sense of taste or smell.
- Seizures – Some individuals may develop epilepsy or experience recurrent seizures, which require long-term medical management.
What Treatment Is There for a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Mild injuries usually get better with OTC pain relief and rest. Immediate medical care is crucial to stabilize the patient and prevent further damage. This can include surgery to address bleeding or swelling in the brain. Treatment for a severe traumatic brain injury often focuses on helping patients cope with and adjust to the long-term effects of the injury.
Once the patient’s condition is stable, ongoing rehabilitation is key. Physical therapy helps with regaining strength and coordination. Occupational therapy aids in relearning daily tasks and improving fine motor skills. Speech therapy addresses communication issues, and cognitive therapy focuses on memory and problem-solving skills.
In addition, counseling and support groups can help with emotional and psychological challenges. Medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms like pain, depression, or seizures. Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s specific needs, aiming to improve their quality of life and independence.
Contact a Lafayette Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Today
A traumatic brain injury can result in drastic, often permanent changes in your life, and you have the right to hold whoever caused your injury responsible for their wrongdoing. Call The Thibeaux Firm today or email us for a free consultation.