Any damage to the brain can have a devastating effect on your physical and mental well-being. Victims often suffer severe complications, such seizures, slurred speech, loss of coordination, and many other life changing symptoms. 

Unsurprisingly, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are among some of the most expensive conditions to treat. Even a minor TBI can lead to thousands of dollars in medical bills. Thankfully, if you were hurt in an accident caused by another party, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for the losses you’ve incurred. 

Let’s look at a few factors that could influence the potential value of your case: 

The Severity of Your Injuries 

While there’s no such thing as a minor brain injury, victims do suffer varying degrees of damage to this vital organ. In many instances, this damage may not be permanent with some patients recovering within a few weeks.  

However, others may be straddled with health complications for the rest of their lives, leaving them unable to earn a living, engage in physical activity, or even live independently. As such, the severity of your brain injury will have a major influence on the potential recovery in your case as you will not only incur greater medical expenses, but might also suffer a range of other losses. 

The Amount of Income Lost 

If you were unable to work for any length of time because of the brain injury, you may be able to seek compensation for lost wages. Additionally, if your condition is likely to prevent you from returning to your job in the future, you may also be able to include lost future earnings and any associated benefits in your claim.  

The Ways in Which Your Injuries Have Affected Your Lifestyle 

A serious brain injury can cause you considerable pain, emotional distress, and make it difficult for you to enjoy your life. While no amount of money can erase the trauma you’ve endured, you may be able to seek compensation for the psychological impact of your condition.  

As there are no invoices for these intangible losses, you may need to provide many different types of evidence to build a case for non-economic damages. Such proof might include psychiatric reports, expert witness deposition, personal injury journal entries, and testimony from loved ones. 

The Nature of the Defendant’s Misconduct 

If the at-fault party behaved particularly recklessly or acted with fraud, malice, or oppression, you may be able to seek compensation in the form of punitive damages. This category of damages exists to punish certain types of behavior in an effort to discourage others from committing similar acts. However, punitive damages are rarely awarded, and it’s up to a judge and/or jury to decide whether you will receive these funds.  

The Steps You Took during Your Recovery 

Once you’ve received a diagnosis, your healthcare providers will usually give you instructions to help facilitate the recovery process. Even if you disagree with your doctor, it’s important that you follow their orders closely. Deviating from your treatment plan could result in reductions to your financial award as opposing parties will argue that your own negligence may have caused your recovery to stall and/or your condition to deteriorate.  

Discuss Your Case with a California Brain Injury Attorney 

Did you suffer a serious head injury in an accident caused by someone else? Turn to the legal team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss your options for seeking compensation.  

We can assess your situation, review the available evidence, and consult with expert witnesses if necessary to help determine what damages might be available to you and your family. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS or head over to our contact page HERE to request a free consultation with a California brain injury attorney.