If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), you know that the effects can be devastating and long-lasting. In addition to the physical and emotional toll, a TBI can also have a significant financial impact on your life.
If the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you may be entitled to compensation. In order to receive the compensation you deserve, you’ll need to gather proof of the injury and its effects. Setareh Law can help you with this process, along with working with you every step of the way to help support you.
How to Gather Proof After Suffering a TBI
Gathering proof after suffering a TBI can be difficult, especially if you don’t know where to start. The following sources can help you build your case and help get you the best outcome:
1. Medical Records and Imaging Studies
Your medical records will document the date of the injury, the symptoms you experienced, the treatments you received, and the prognosis for your recovery. Your medical records can also provide information about the long-term effects of the injury, such as cognitive or physical impairments.
Also, imaging studies, such as CT scans and MRIs, can provide clear evidence of a TBI. These studies can show the extent of the damage to your brain, as well as any bleeding or swelling that may have occurred.
2. Expert Witness Testimony
An expert witness is a medical professional who has specialized knowledge about TBIs. This person can testify about the injury and its effects, as well as the standard of care that should have been provided in your case.
3. Eyewitness Accounts
If there were witnesses to the event that caused your TBI, their accounts can provide valuable evidence. Eyewitnesses can testify about what they saw and heard, as well as the actions of the person who caused the injury.
4. Accident Reports
If the injury occurred in a car accident, for example, there will likely be a police report. This report can provide important details about the accident, such as the location, the time, and the conditions. It can also provide information about any citations that were issued.
5. Take Photos & Videos
If you have visible injuries, such as bruises or cuts, take photos of them. It’s also a good idea to take photos and videos of any other physical effects of the injury, such as a wheelchair or crutches. Photographic documentation can provide clear evidence of the injury and its effects.
6. Collect Documentation from Your Employer
If the injury has affected your ability to work, your employer can provide valuable documentation. This can include things like a letter from your doctor stating that you need time off work, pay stubs showing a decrease in income, or documentation of any accommodations your employer has made for you.
7. Get a Second Opinion
If you have any doubts about the diagnosis or treatment you received, consider getting a second opinion from another medical professional. This can provide additional evidence to support your case.
Once you have gathered all of the relevant evidence, it’s important to present it in a clear and organized manner. A lawyer from Setareh Law can help you do this. We can help you maximize your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Know What You’re Looking for Before You Start
If you are a plaintiff in a TBI case, you may have many questions about gathering evidence. To avoid delaying your case and finding yourself in a stressful rabbit hole, you’ll want to discuss some key points of your plan with your personal injury lawyer. They can help you with the following:
Deciphering Which Evidence Is the Most Important
Every TBI case is different, so it’s important to discuss the specific evidence that will be most relevant in your case. Your attorney can provide guidance on what types of evidence will be most persuasive and how to gather it.
How to Know if Medical Records Are Accurate
Your medical records are an important piece of evidence in a TBI case, so it’s important to make sure they are complete and accurate. Your attorney can provide guidance on how to request and review your records, as well as how to correct any errors or omissions.
Tracking Down Expert Witnesses
Expert witnesses can provide valuable testimony in a TBI case. Your attorney can help you identify potential expert witnesses and coordinate with them to ensure that their testimony is helpful to your case.
Keeping Everything Organized
Gathering and organizing evidence can be overwhelming, especially if you are dealing with the physical and emotional effects of a TBI. Your attorney can provide guidance on how to collect and organize the evidence in your case, as well as how to present it in a clear and persuasive manner.
Speak With a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer at Setareh Law
While it is true that you will need to put in some leg work to track down evidence in a TBI case, an experienced lawyer at Setareh Law can provide invaluable guidance. We can help you determine what evidence is most important and how to gather it, as well as review the evidence for accuracy. Our lawyers also speak Spanish to ensure that we can communicate effectively with a wide range of clients who may need help.
You don’t have to do this alone. Contact us online or call us at (310) 659-1826 for a free consultation to schedule an appointment to discuss your case.