Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Experienced representation for those suffering traumatic brain injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) cause life-altering harm that impacts a person’s ability to work, engage in hobbies, maintain relationships, and even communicate. When another person’s negligence causes a TBI, the law allows victims to seek compensation for the harm that was done to them. If you or your loved one sustained a TBI, you likely have mounting medical bills and other expenses, increasing the burden of an already difficult situation. At Prince Glover Hayes, we offer legal support to those who sustain these devastating injuries. Contact us for a free consultation to learn how we can help.
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How can we help
- Why choose Prince Glover Hayes for your traumatic brain injury case?
- Understanding traumatic brain injuries
- Common causes of TBIs in Alabama
- Treatment and recovery for TBI victims in Alabama
- Financial costs and support options in Alabama
- Frequently asked questions about traumatic brain injuries in Alabama
- Does Prince Glover Hayes have an office near me in Tuscaloosa?
Why choose Prince Glover Hayes for your traumatic brain injury case?
At Prince Glover Hayes, we have over 40 years of experience handling personal injury claims, including TBI cases. Our compassionate attorneys have earned a reputation in Alabama by achieving record-breaking settlements and verdicts. We’ve worked on catastrophic injury claims before, so we know how the physical, emotional, and financial consequences can impact victims and their families. If you need legal support, contact us for a free consultation with one of our Tuscaloosa traumatic brain injury attorneys.
Understanding traumatic brain injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are one of the more common catastrophic injuries. Every year, around two million people suffer some form of TBI. Many of these injuries are fatal, while others are life-altering. The consequences can vary depending on the severity and site of the injury. Some people make full recoveries, while many face daily challenges for the rest of their lives.
Types of traumatic brain injuries
The two main categories of TBIs are closed-brain injuries and penetrating-brain injuries. In a closed brain injury, the person does not experience a break to the skull. These can occur even in cases where a person’s head rapidly moves back and forth because the brain can collide with the inside of the skull. In penetrating injuries, the skull suffers a break, which is the case with something like a gunshot wound. Either of these types of injuries can be fatal.
Beyond those two broad categories, there are several types of TBIs. Here are some classifications:
- Concussions: Concussions are extremely common. This injury is essentially a mild TBI, which can result from a blow to the head. A person with a concussion may experience headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. While this is a milder injury, it can lead to post-concussion syndrome and lingering symptoms.
- Contusions: A contusion is a bruise on the brain, often occurring in conjunction with concussions. In severe cases, a contusion might require surgery.
- Brain hemorrhages: Uncontrolled bleeding around the brain can be deadly if the person doesn’t receive treatment.
- Intracranial hematomas: Blood collection in the brain can lead to symptoms like vomiting, headaches, and slurred speech.
- Coup-contrecoup injuries: This brain injury involves a person suffering two impacts – the initial one and a rebound. Car crashes can lead to these injuries.
- Diffuse axonal injuries: When the brain twists, it can lead to axonal tearing, which can cause severe symptoms.
- Penetrating brain injuries: These take place when an object enters the brain and can lead to seizures and epilepsy.
- Second impact syndrome: When a second impact to the head occurs shortly after the first, there is an increased danger of severe damage. Those who suffer this type of injury require prompt medical attention.
Common causes of TBIs in Alabama
Traumatic injuries to the head take place in various ways, but some types of accidents are far more common than others. Here are some of the likely causes of TBIs:
- Falls: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls cause nearly half of all hospitalizations for TBIs.
- Motor vehicle accidents: Crashes involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and ATVs are another common cause of these injuries.
- Workplace accidents: Construction, agriculture, and industrial workplaces present several risks to workers, including falls, being struck by objects, and more. These can lead to TBIs.
- Sports and recreation: Contact sports are a common cause of concussions and some more serious TBIs. Football, in particular, has been linked to serious TBIs, specifically chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
- Violence: Gunshot wounds are a common type of penetrating brain injury.
- Defective products: Faulty helmets, vehicles, or equipment can cause or fail to properly prevent injuries, including TBIs.
Treatment and recovery for victims of TBIs
Treatment for TBIs is costly and can last for years. Here are some of the steps involved in treating a TBI:
- Emergency care: Immediate care will involve attempts to stop swelling, assess the damage, and diagnose the injury.
- Surgery: Emergency surgery may help to remove blood clots, repair fractures, or reduce pressure on the brain.
- Rehabilitation: Brain injuries can impact a person’s ability to function, making it difficult to walk and speak. Rehabilitative efforts may help them regain some of these skills.
- Long-term care: Some injured will need assistive equipment and ongoing care throughout their lives.
Every stage of treatment for TBIs can lead to extremely high costs. The injured person might also lose their livelihood due to the injury.
Financial costs and support options for those with TBIs in Alabama
The medical bills, lost earnings, and other costs resulting from a TBI can be overwhelming for the victim and their family. In cases where another person’s negligence caused the injury, families can pursue compensation. A successful claim or lawsuit can result in funds to cover:
- Medical care
- Surgeries and hospital stays
- Medications and rehabilitation
- Mobility aids and adaptive technology
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The actual damages available will vary depending on the case. An Alabama traumatic brain injury lawyer may be able to help the victim calculate their actual losses, including estimates about medical care and other supports they will require throughout their lives.
Frequently asked questions about traumatic brain injuries in Tuscaloosa
Suffering a severe and life-altering injury leaves people wondering what their rights are and how they can help build their lives back. If you have experienced a TBI, you probably have some of these common questions.
How do I prove negligence in a TBI case?
Proving negligence requires showing that the at-fault party acted carelessly or recklessly and that their carelessness caused the injury. For example, if the TBI happened in a car crash, and the reason for the collision was that another driver was drunk and caused an accident, the injured person may have a strong negligence claim.
What is the statute of limitations for TBI claims in Tuscaloosa, Alabama?
Alabama law requires injury victims to file their claims within two years of the date of the injury. While two years might seem like a long time, your lawyer needs to investigate your claim and negotiate with insurers. You should speak to an Alabama brain injury attorney as soon as possible, as missing the deadline will prevent you from being able to file your claim.
How much does TBI treatment cost?
Treating a TBI can cost millions over the course of a lifetime. The high cost of care emphasizes the need to pursue all possible forms of compensation.
Does Prince Glover Hayes have an office near me in Tuscaloosa?
Our office is at 2311 University Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. If you cannot travel, we can schedule a meeting with you at your home or via a virtual consultation.
Contact Prince Glover Hayes today
Prince Glover Hayes understands that TBI cases are complicated, and we know how to build a compelling claim to recover damages. Our team provides compassionate representation to families dealing with these challenges. Prince Glover Hayes handles traumatic brain injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so you owe us nothing unless we recover for you. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Alabama brain injury lawyer.