Columbia Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer

Columbia Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney

A traumatic brain injury can happen in many different types of accidents, including vehicle collisions, workplace accidents, and recreational injuries. While there are some minor traumatic brain injuries, many of these injuries lead to severe and long-term consequences. When these injuries are caused by another person’s negligence, an injured individual can work with a Columbia traumatic brain injury lawyer to file a civil claim and recover financial losses.

A traumatic brain injury can change your life. You may have limited mobility, be unable to think clearly, deal with headaches and fatigue, have slurred speech, or deal with personality changes. A dedicated attorney can help you assess the individual or entity that is responsible for your injury and hold them accountable. At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, our team has fought for client interests for nearly 30 years.

A personal injury claim can help you secure medical costs, both for immediate care and for any long-term medical needs related to your injury. This financial support is often crucial, but it isn’t easy to navigate a claim while injured. When you work with our firm, we provide you with support, resources, and experience. We limit your stress by handling your case and improving the chances of a successful claim.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a term that refers to damage to the brain due to a blow to the head or from a penetrating head injury. These injuries impact the function of the brain, either temporarily or permanently. Concussions are considered a mild type of TBI. Moderate and severe TBIs can cause permanent damage, impacting someone’s daily life and ability to live independently.

What Are Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries?

There are many accidents and incidents that could potentially cause TBIs. Not all of them will result in a valid injury claim, but some may. Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Slip and fall injuries can happen on public and private properties. Slip and falls were the cause of almost half of all TBIs, which led to hospitalization. When a property owner fails to address known hazards on their property, they might be liable if someone is injured.
• Motor vehicle accidents. Car accidents are a frequent cause of both internal and penetrating TBIs. The jolt of a crash frequently causes the brain to hit the inside of the skull. In 2023, Richland County had 12,450 traffic collisions, the third-highest number of traffic collisions of all counties in the state. If another driver or other party caused the accident, they might be liable for the damages, including the costs of your TBI.
• Violent crime. Battery, assault, robbery, and deadly weapons offenses frequently lead to injuries such as TBIs. When you are injured in a criminal offense, you can press criminal charges against that person as well as file a civil claim to recover your damages.
• Sports accidents. High-contact sports, such as football, rugby, and hockey, commonly lead to TBIs. Other recreational activities can also cause TBIs. Often, there is a level of assumed risk when you play a sport or engage in certain recreational activities, so there may not be a basis for a claim. However, there are cases where the maliciousness or negligence of another party is the cause of your injury, and this could lead to a claim.
• Workplace injuries. Many types of accidents in the workplace can lead to TBIs, particularly those involving heavy machinery, vehicles, and falling objects. In some cases, a third party is responsible, and you can file a civil claim.

If you are involved in an accident and were injured or think you suffered head trauma, it is crucial that you get medical treatment. Hospitals in Columbia include:

• Prisma Health Richland Hospital, located at 5 Richland Medical Park Drive
• MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Northeast, located at 120 Gateway Corporate Boulevard
• MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown, located at 2435 Forest Drive

Medical care is important, even if you think you are uninjured. TBIs commonly take time to show symptoms, so you need to have a medical professional check for this type of injury.

FAQs About Columbia, SC Traumatic Brain Injury Laws

What Is the Average Payout for a Traumatic Brain Injury?

The payout for a traumatic brain injury will depend on several factors unique to your situation, including how seriously you were injured, the type of claim you are able to file, and whether you work with an attorney. Your injury claim may have a lower payout if you are filing a workers’ compensation claim, but you also don’t have to prove fault. Working with an attorney will increase the chances of securing the highest settlement possible.

How Much Is a Settlement for a Traumatic Brain Injury?

The settlement for a traumatic brain injury in a civil case will rely on the specific damages you sustained. This includes your medical expenses, property damages, lost income, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and lost quality of life. There may be other damages considered. The more severe an injury is, the higher the financial costs are likely to be. Serious injuries will also be more likely to affect your daily life, leading to higher personal costs.

What Is the Life Expectancy of Someone With a TBI?

The life expectancy of someone with a traumatic brain injury depends on the severity of the injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the life expectancy of someone with a moderate to severe brain injury is nine years shorter due to the many long-term consequences of the injury. 57% of individuals who survived these injuries were moderately or severely disabled and were more likely to die from seizures, drug poisoning, and infection.

What Does a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Charge?

Most injury lawyers charge a contingency fee, so a traumatic brain injury lawyer would likely charge a set percentage of the final settlement or verdict. The exact percentage will vary, and there will likely be an increased fee if the case goes to trial. On a contingency fee basis, you do not pay upfront costs. You only owe attorney’s fees if you get a successful verdict. Always talk with your attorney about their fee structure and pricing.

Contact Skilled Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys Today

Some TBIs cause long-term issues like headaches, dizziness, nausea, or even more debilitating issues like preventing someone from moving or speaking. These injuries can substantially impact someone’s life. If someone was negligent, they need to be held responsible. Contact the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III today.