Traumatic brain injuries can result from a variety of factors and are extremely common in motor vehicle accidents. Traumatic brain injuries can vary in severity, from mild concussions to permanent brain damage. If you have been in a motor vehicle accident and are experiencing the effects of traumatic brain injury, seeking the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney can help you preserve your rights.
What is Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injuries occur when a person’s brain is subjected to external forces or penetrations such as:
- A violent blow due to an auto accident
- A gunshot
- An explosion
- Shrapnel from outside objects
These impacts or penetrations can result in mild to severe symptoms, including:
- Concussion
- Headaches
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Anxiety
- Mood changes
Traumatic brain injuries can have life-long effects, including loss of strength and coordination in the extremities, permanent memory loss, hearing and vision loss, personality changes and depression. In some cases, traumatic brain injuries can lead to permanent brain damage and death.
Legal Options After Traumatic Brain Injury
If you have been involved in an auto accident and are suffering from the effects of traumatic brain injury, you have the right to receive compensation for injuries you suffer due to someone else’s negligence.
Whether you are the driver or passenger injured in an automobile accident, you may receive monetary compensation for:
- Past, current and future medical bills resulting from the injury
- Lifelong care (if necessary)
- Pain and suffering
- Lost past, current and future wages or profits
- Loss of consortium or companionship
In extreme cases, where the other person’s behavior was so egregious as to warrant punishment, you may be entitled to punitive damages. In Texas, punitive damages, also known as “exemplary damages” are capped at either $200,000; or twice the amount of economic (compensatory) damages, plus an amount equal to noneconomic damages awarded by a jury, not to exceed $750,000, whichever is greater.
If you are suffering from traumatic brain injury as a result of an automobile accident, you need an experienced traumatic brain injury attorney on your side. Don’t go it alone. Call our office today at 1-800-35-TEXAS for a free consultation.