Whenever a multimillion-dollar verdict in favor of a personal injury victim makes regional or national headlines, people tend to assume the victim will be able to afford a large home, extended vacations, and other luxuries of a wealthy lifestyle. But often, these plaintiffs are dealing with permanent disabilities that will cost millions of dollars in medical care and lost income over the course of their lifetime.People who suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), for example, may have to pay for surgeries, rehabilitation, and physical therapy. Some victims require ongoing care and can never return to work again, so you can imagine how a six- or even seven-figure settlement or verdict might … [Read more...]
Umbrella Coverage: A Potential Source of Recovery in Tort Claims
Recovering a fair settlement after a serious injury or wrongful death is a tricky process that may involve several insurance policies. Ideally, the person or entity that caused your injury or loss will have liability insurance that covers such scenarios, whether it was a car accident, slip and fall, product defect, etc.In addition to auto, home, and renter’s insurance, some defendants have umbrella coverage. This is extra liability insurance that will kick in if the policyholder is held responsible for serious injuries, property damage, and/or other losses that are not fully covered by their other policies.For example, if you were hurt in a car accident but the at-fault driver’s auto … [Read more...]
How Often Do Accidents Cause Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are more common than most people think. Doctors diagnose TBI in more than 2.5 million emergency room visits each year. Almost 50,000 people die in the U.S. each year because of TBI. How do all these brain injuries happen? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), personal injury accounts for 2/3 of all TBI-related injuries and death.Falls Are The Main Cause of TBIWithin the broad category of personal injury, falls are the number one cause of TBI. The CDC reports that falls cause 47% of all TBI-related hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and deaths in the U.S. For children younger than 15, falls account for 54% of TBI-related … [Read more...]
Free Report: Can Seatbelts and Airbags Prevent a Brain Injury?
Automobile, motorcycle and commercial truck accidents are among the leading causes of brain injuries in the United States. During a car accident, drivers and/or passengers can hit their heads on the steering wheel, windshield or doorframe. In a motorcycle collision, riders are frequently thrown from the bike and strike their heads against the hard pavement or other objects in the area. Any blow to the head causes the brain to move violently in the skull. This is the common cause of a brain injury.Brain injuries should be taken very seriously. Even mild brain injuries can result in permanent, life-altering medical conditions that victims and their families must cope with for the rest … [Read more...]
Free Report: What Is A Traumatic Brain Injury?
One of the most serious injuries an accident victim can sustain is a traumatic brain injury, or TBI. Traumatic brain injuries can be fatal or they can seriously impact the rest of a victim's life. TBI victims often require long costly medical care.If TBI occurs as the result of someone else’s actions, those responsible should provide full compensation. However, victims must know the full extent of their current and future economic and non-financial losses before settling their TBI claim. To understand the extent of their harm, victims need to know what a traumatic brain injury entails.Click here to read the whole report or download the PDF. … [Read more...]
Who is Legally Entitled to Make Medical Decisions for a Brain Injury Victim?
Brain injuries can result in a concussion and loss of consciousness. A brain injury victim may suffer permanent cognitive impairments and loss of function. As a result of the nature of brain injuries, victims who sustain this type of injury often lack the capacity to make medical decisions on their own behalf. When a victim can no longer understand the risks and benefits of medical treatment, or can no longer communicate his wishes about medical treatment, someone else will need to make decisions for him.Who Can Make Medical Decisions for a Brain Injury Victim? A brain injury victim can continue to make his or her own medical decisions provided the victim has "capacity" as defined … [Read more...]
What Happens When a Brain Injury Occurs On The Job?
A brain injury is one of the most invasive and life-changing injuries a person can experience. Brain injuries can cause loss of consciousness and an inability to maintain bodily functions. Brain death can result from both open and closed head wounds. Those who survive a brain injury can experience a decline in cognitive function, poor judgment, mood changes, personality changes, blindness, seizures, and a variety of other serious symptoms.What Happens When a Brain Injury Occurs On the Job?When a brain injury occurs, it is imperative to determine who is to blame and what benefits or compensation may be available for victims. When a brain injury occurs on the job, workers' compensation … [Read more...]
Can Someone Suffer From A Traumatic Brain Injury And Still Appear “Normal”?
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are devastating, and are most often the result of an automobile accident or a slip and fall accident. In fact, a traumatic brain injury can occur in any accident where there is trauma to the head. Often referred to as the silent epidemic or invisible injury, a traumatic brain injury sometimes exists even when there are no visible signs of injury. Physically the injured person appears normal, but the brain has suffered a traumatic injury.What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?The Mayfield Clinic defines a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as “sudden damage to the brain caused by a blow or jolt to the head.” Even though TBI is the leading cause of death for individuals … [Read more...]
Did a Traumatic Brain Injury Occur On The Job?
Did a Traumatic Brain Injury Occur On The Job? by Michael Waks A traumatic brain injury (TBI) may occur due to a slip and fall, a car accident, or any other personal injury accident that results in head trauma. In many instances, a traumatic brain injury occurs at work. When a TBI occurs at work, the victim may make a workers’ compensation claim.Learn more about traumatic brain injury (TBI) in this presentation. … [Read more...]
How Is A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Identified And Measured?
It is estimated that approximately 1.4 million people suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBI) each year in the United States. These injuries cause life-altering conditions for victims and their families. Traumatic brain injuries occur as a result of various types of accidents from vehicle accidents to slip and fall accidents. The severity of a TBI can range from a mild concussion to paralysis or even death.Traumatic brain injuries are typically divided into two categories: closed brain injuries and open brain injuries.Closed Brain InjuryA closed brain injury occurs from a blow to the head. In an automobile accident, for example, when a victim's head slams into the dashboard or door … [Read more...]
