Questions to Ask Your Houston TBI Attorney
According to the CDC, there were 64,000 traumatic brain injury-related deaths in the United States in 2020 alone.
Thankfully, most traumatic brain injuries (TBI) don’t lead to death. But they can cause ongoing pain and, in some cases, disability. They can seriously disrupt your ability to do the things you love and affect your earning power.
If you’ve acquired a TBI, you may be eligible for compensation. A Houston TBI attorney specializes in this type of case, and they understand its impact on people’s lives and fight hard to get them the compensation they need to live their best lives.
Let’s explore some key questions you should ask your Houston TBI attorney before deciding if you’ve found the right one.
What Qualifies as a Traumatic Brain Injury?
The term ‘traumatic brain injury’ sure sounds dramatic and life-changing. But there’s a severity scale, ranging from a mild concussion to a severe injury that causes unconsciousness.
Mild TBI or concussion often happens after a bump on the head or a trauma such as a car crash. You may lose consciousness, but for less than 30 minutes. You may have an altered mental state and/or post-traumatic amnesia for up to 24 hours.
A moderate TBI can include unconsciousness that lasts from 30 minutes to 24 hours. Alteration of consciousness may last for more than 24 hours. Post-traumatic amnesia may last between 1-7 days.
A severe TBI includes loss of consciousness that lasts more than 24 hours—post-traumatic amnesia, and an altered mental state last for more than seven days.
The initial injury may be the catalyst for secondary brain injuries. As the body attempts to heal the damage to the brain, it can start to swell. Because there is limited space for the brain to swell within the skull, this can lead to further complications.
If you have suffered a brain injury and have new symptoms, you must get them checked out. It may take days or even weeks for symptoms related to the damage to develop.
The benefit of talking to a Houston TBI attorney is that they understand the complex nature of brain injuries. They know that they can progress from mild symptoms at first to something more devastating in the long run.
Why Should I Talk to a Houston TBI Attorney?
OK, it’s true that if you slip and fall in your backyard, there may be little that a Houston TBI attorney can do for you. After all, you’re unlikely to sue yourself. But if your injury was caused by a third party’s actions or negligence, you could have a claim.
Accidents at Work
Employers have a duty of care to their employees, and they need to provide a safe working environment and give you the equipment and training you need to work safely day in, and day out. If you get into an accident at work and suffer a TBI, you may be able to claim compensation.
For example, in a warehouse, a TBI could occur from a fall from ladders. You could be struck by falling merchandise and fall due to inadequate lighting or a floor surface that was not properly marked after cleaning.
Sports Accidents
In 2020, 6.8% of kids under 17 had symptoms of a brain injury or concussion at some point. Boys are more prone to them than girls, and they are especially common in certain contact sports.
Coaches are responsible for guarding children’s safety, and they need to ensure they’re wearing protective helmets and that other kids are playing fairly. Regular concussions or a more severe TBI could lead to long-term consequences for a child’s developing brain.
Senior Care Facilities
When our loved ones enter a senior care home, we expect them to be well cared for. But falls can happen for various reasons and not always just as a consequence of aging. You might have a case if the fall was due to neglect or inappropriate medication.
Car Accidents
Many people suffer whiplash and concussion in car accidents. These injuries are often mild, but in some cases, they can be more serious. One of the challenges is that symptoms don’t always appear immediately.
One study found that patients reported delays of 10 hours for headaches to begin and 11 hours for neck pain. Some symptoms may only become apparent in the days after the initial accident.
Physical Assaults
At this point in 2022, Houston leads the country for homicides. Felony arrests are up in the city. While efforts to reduce gun and violent crime are ongoing, the risk of violence remains.
If you suffer a TBI due to a physical assault, you may have a case against the perpetrator. Your Houston TBI attorney will advise you whether this is the best route for you to pursue.
What an Attorney for TBI Will Do
A TBI attorney will look at the circumstances of your accident carefully. They will advise you whether they think your case has merit and is likely to be successful if they take it on.
Of course, no attorney can guarantee a successful outcome in any case. The best injury attorney for you is someone with extensive experience in this kind of case, and you can rely on their professional judgment.
How Will You Build My Case?
The best personal injury attorney will take a thorough approach to gather evidence for your case. TBI cases can be tricky, and it’s hard to prove that your brain injury definitely came from the accident and that the third party is thus liable for damages.
Your lawyer also needs to show that the brain injury has had a detrimental impact on your life.
This is why it pays to choose a personal injury lawyer specializing in brain injuries. They will get expert medical reports to show the impact of your injury. They also understand the legal process, file documents, and even represent you in court if the case cannot be settled.
Choose an Effective Communicator
The best attorney for you is the one who’ll keep you posted throughout the case. In reality, lawsuits can take time, even with constant hustling from attorneys. But they’ll keep you updated and answer any questions you have along the way.
Has your traumatic brain injury caused long-term cognitive problems? If so, it’s essential to choose an attorney who’ll take the time to break down complex legal information into a form you can understand. You need to feel comfortable with your lawyer because you’ll be going on a long journey together!
What Can I Hope to Achieve From a Lawsuit?
A traumatic brain injury can hugely impact several aspects of your life. This could include:
- Ability to work
- Debts/expenses due to medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of normal family relationships
A Houston TBI attorney is there to help you get the compensation you deserve. They can help you get compensation for the income you’ve already lost. If your suffering is ongoing, they may also be able to secure payment for the impact on your earning potential.
They can also claim compensation for the medical costs you have incurred already and your future medical expenses relating to your injury.
The pain and suffering that you have endured is a vital part of your compensation claim. Your attorney will also take into account the loss of consortium. If your injury makes normal family relationships (such as affection and sexual intimacy) difficult, you may be due compensation.
How Much Will It Cost?
The best attorney for you is one that won’t charge you a penny upfront. Most personal injury attorneys work on a no-win, no-fee basis. If the case doesn’t go your way, there’ll be nothing to pay.
That said, it’s still essential to find out how much of a fee they will charge. This may be a percentage of the final settlement. If you’re not happy with the level of the fee and don’t want to proceed, walk away before signing the contract.
The best personal injury attorney will take the time to discuss the contract with you. They want you to be happy with your settlement and experience with them. Feel free to ask any questions at any point.
If you feel pressured to sign, take it as a warning and run for the hills!
Morgan Legal Group: The Houston TBI Attorney for You
At Morgan Legal Group, our TBI lawyers understand the pain and suffering a brain injury can cause.
We take an empathetic approach to our work. We’ll provide the right Houston TBI attorney who will fight your corner and try to get the best compensation settlement possible for you.
Don’t delay in seeking advice from a TBI attorney. Schedule a free consultation today to find out if you have a good chance of success.