Chicago Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
One of the deadliest injuries you can sustain is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI is a generalized term for any severe blow or penetration to the head including serious concussions and brain damage. In 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed 2.5 million people experienced some type of traumatic brain injury in the United States.
Harm to the brain can result in nausea, headaches, memory loss, convulsions and other damaging symptoms. It can even lead to partial or complete paralysis if the motor control function of the brain is impaired. Most TBI sufferers require extensive medical care and rehabilitation to assimilate back into society.
If you have sustained a traumatic brain injury because of another’s negligence, then it’s imperative you get in contact with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Chicago Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
A traumatic brain injury can leave lifelong effects even with intensive treatments. If you’ve recently sustained a brain injury, it’s important you speak to an experienced lawyer immediately. The costs associated with TBI are tremendous and can put you and your family into thousands of dollars in debt.
Call Susan E. Loggans & Associatesfor a dedicated and skilled personal injury attorney. Our lawyers understand that juggling legal issues while recovering is overwhelming. We want to help you get the compensation you deserve through quality legal service. Contact us at (312) 201-8600 and set up a free consultation today.
Susan E. Loggans & Associates represents TBI victims throughout the greater Cook County area including Chicago, Des Plaines, Schaumburg and Arlington Heights.
Traumatic Brain Injury Statistics in the U.S.
You may be surprised, but traumatic brain injuries are more common than you think. There are millions of people who have experienced or are still struggling with TBI. The following are some statistics related to brain injuries collected by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, otherwise known as (AANS).
- Approximately 235,000 hospitalizations occur every year for TBI.
- Currently there are between 80,000 and 90,000 people suffering with TBI.
- An estimated 50,000 people die from a TBI-related injury or complication annually.
- Children under the age of 14 account for an estimated 2,5000 deaths.
- People who are 60 and older are at the highest risk f dying because of TBI.
- TBI patients collectively spend up to $48 – 56 billion annually in treatment costs.
- 60 percent of all traumatic brain injuries are caused by a motor vehicle accident.
What Are the Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Brian injuries normally occur because of external head trauma such as a blow to the head or an object piercing the skull. The majority of brain injuries stem from motor vehicle accidents. They can also happen from slip and falls, medical malpractice, premise liability accidents and product liability. However, you don’t need to be bleeding to sustain a traumatic brain injury. Some are diagnosed with TBI because of a severe concussion that wasn’t addressed after the accident.
Some common symptoms of traumatic brain injuries include, but are not limited to:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Loss of consciousness
- Dilated pupils
- Headaches
- Coma
- Paralysis
- Confusion
- Breathing issues
- Body tingling or numbness
- Changes in vision
- Speech issues such as slurred words
- Difficulty swallowing
- Slow pulse
- Droopy eyelids or facial features
- Dizziness and balance issues
- Inappropriate emotional responses
- Ringing in the ears or changes in hearing
- Loss of bladder or bowel control;
- Slow breathing rate
- Difficulty with cognitive thinking
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) coming through the ears or nose
Filing a Claim for a Traumatic Brain Injury in Illinois
Illinois bases personal injury cases on the grounds of negligence. The term ‘negligence’ is defined as someone acting carelessly, recklessly or failing to act at all in a serious situation. People who fail to act in a reasonable and prudent manner are liable for any damages caused by their failure of care.
Understanding the justifiable and substantial risk and taking actions to avoid it makes a person reasonable. Being grossly unaware or acting recklessly despite the risk would make a person negligent.
For example, if you sustained a traumatic brain injury because a car hit you at a cross walk, then it would be considered negligent. This is because the driver of the car should have been aware of the cross walk and the possibility of someone crossing it. Because the driver didn’t have the same level of care as a prudent person, they didn’t notice you and hit you at the crosswalk.
If your brain injury was a result of someone’s carelessness, then you’re entitled to file a claim for damages. As the plaintiff, you must file the claim and notify the person who injured you. This person is also referred to as the defendant.
If your claim is contested, you will then move on with the legal process. You must then collect evidence surrounding your injury and prove to the court that:
- The defendant was required to uphold a duty of care;
- They knowingly or intentionally breached this duty;
- You were injured because of their actions; and
- You suffered as a result of the injury
If you sway the court, then you will be granted a monetary award. The award will cover any and all damages related to your TBI. Damages refer to any losses you’ve sustained because of the injury including emotional ones such as pain and suffering.
The following are some damages that your settlement may cover.
- Medical expenses
- Vehicular repairs
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Rehabilitation costs
- Counseling
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
Chicago TBI Resources
Brain Injury Association of America
Visit the official website for the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAUSA), a non-profit dedicated to spreading awareness for brain injuries. Access their site to learn more about brain injuries, how to manage it and how to help.
TBI Statistics and Information
Visit the official website for the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn more about traumatic brain injuries. Access the site to learn more about the symptoms, treatment methods, long-term effects and data for TBI in the U.S.
Susan Loggans Law
Have you or someone important to you sustained a traumatic brain injury? You may be entitled to compensation depending on your circumstances. Learn more now by contacting the experienced personal injury attorneys at Susan E. Loggans & Associates. We can help you recover by holding the negligent party legally accountable.
Call us now at (312) 201-8600 or fill out our online contact form below to set up a free consultation. Our lawyers practice throughout the Chicago metroplex area including Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, and Evanston.