If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. A TBI is a serious condition that can have long-term effects on a person’s physical and mental health, as well as their ability to work and engage in everyday activities.
If you or a loved one suffered a TBI due to another person’s negligent actions, it’s important to seek legal help so you can get the compensation you may deserve for your damages. Our lawyers at Setareh Law can assist you to make sure you get the justice and compensation you may be entitled to.
What Is a TBI?
A TBI is a type of brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head or by an object penetrating the brain. TBIs can range from mild to severe, and the symptoms and effects of the injury can vary depending on the location and extent of the damage to the brain. Mild TBIs, also known as concussions, can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. Severe TBIs, on the other hand, can cause loss of consciousness, coma, and even death.
The treatment for a TBI will depend on the severity of the injury and the individual’s specific needs. In some cases, a person with a mild TBI may only need to avoid activities that could exacerbate their symptoms, such as playing sports or using a computer for extended periods of time. More severe TBIs, however, may require more intensive treatment, such as medication to control swelling or seizures, physical therapy to regain movement and strength, and speech therapy to improve communication skills.
The Importance of Seeking Legal Help for TBI Personal Injury Cases
In addition to seeking medical treatment, it is also important to seek legal help if you or a loved one has suffered a TBI. TBIs can be caused by a variety of factors, including car accidents, slips-and-falls, and sports-related injuries. In many cases, the injury is the result of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. If this is the case, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Seeking legal help can be especially important for people with TBIs because the long-term effects of the injury can be significant. A TBI can affect a person’s ability to earn a living, and it may also impact their overall quality of life. By pursuing a legal claim, you can ensure that you receive the financial support you need to cover the costs of your medical treatment and other expenses.
5 Tips For Starting the TBI Recovery Process
While suffering a TBI can drastically impact your daily life, recovery is still possible, and many individuals regain lost function and experience less severe symptoms over time. If you have suffered a TBI, there are several steps you can take to begin the recovery process, including the following:
Use Repetition to Activate Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity refers to your brain’s ability to repair itself. This phenomenon can help your brain create new neural pathways and regain lost functionality. One of the best ways to stimulate your brain’s neuroplasticity is through repetitive physical and cognitive exercises. For example, if you struggle with arm movement after your TBI, repetitive, simple arm exercises can help stimulate your brain and reinforce the importance of your arm movement.
Stick to a Brain-Boosting Diet
Following a TBI, the brain typically requires more nutrients and energy to heal properly. Foods that can help stimulate brain health include fish, eggs, leafy greens, and foods high in B-12 vitamins. Sticking to a nutritious diet can help improve your cognitive abilities while reducing stress and anxiety.
Stay Positive Through Plateaus
Shortly after you begin your recovery process, your brain may enter a heightened state of plasticity. In other words, you may see progress relatively quickly and consistently toward the start of the recovery process. However, your brain’s plasticity will normalize after three to six months, and you may see a plateau in your progress. When this occurs, try to remember that plateaus are a normal part of the recovery process and stick with your rehabilitation plan and exercises.
Continue Your Therapy at Home
While attending physical and occupational therapy is vital to your recovery process, continuing your rehabilitation at home is equally important. Practicing the skills and exercises you learn in therapy in your home can help reinforce the importance of these skills in your brain and avoid regression.
Get Plenty of Rest
Sleep and rest are essential for healing and restoring brain function. Unfortunately, many individuals with TBIs find getting enough rest after their injury challenging. If you are struggling with getting enough sleep, consider establishing a routine where you go to bed and wake up at the same time every day and limiting screen use before bedtime.
What Is the Process for Filing a Lawsuit for a TBI Injury?
The process for filing a lawsuit will vary depending on the state in which the lawsuit is filed and the specific details of the case. In general, however, the process will involve the following steps:
Investigation & Evidence Gathering
TBI personal injury cases are quite complex, so it is important to partner with an experienced lawyer who can investigate the case and gather evidence to support your claim. This may include witness statements, medical and accident reports, and other documents that demonstrate how the injury occurred and who is liable for the damages.
Draft, File, & Serve the Complaint
After the evidence has been gathered, your lawyer will draft and file a complaint with the court. This document outlines all of the facts of the case and states why you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. The complaint must then be served on the defendant so that they can respond.
Responding to Initial Defendant Motions
Once the complaint is served, the defendant may file a motion to dismiss or challenge the validity of your claim. Your lawyer will then have an opportunity to respond to this motion and present evidence that shows why your case should move forward.
Engaging in Discovery
The next step in the process is called discovery, during which both sides have an opportunity to gather evidence and question each other under oath. This process can help both parties better understand the facts of the case and build their arguments for or against liability.
Drafting Settlement Agreements & Preparing for Trial
Once discovery has been completed, the parties may then work to negotiate a settlement agreement. If they cannot come to an agreement, the case will proceed to trial and a judge or jury will decide who is liable for the injury and how much should be awarded in damages. The length of a lawsuit will vary depending on the complexity of the case and the efficiency of the court system.
The types of damages that a plaintiff can recover will depend on the specific circumstances of their case. Common types of damages in personal injury cases include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
The Appeals Process
If either party is unhappy with the outcome of a trial, they may file an appeal. During the appeals process, a higher court will review the decision and determine whether any mistakes were made in how the case was handled. It is important to understand that the appeals process can be quite lengthy, so it is best to seek legal help as soon as possible.
Seek the Compensation You Deserve with the Help of Setareh Law Today
With offices throughout California, Setareh Law’s experienced team of lawyers has the skills and knowledge to handle a variety of personal injury cases. From Beverly Hills to Santa Rosa, we are committed to helping our clients pursue the compensation they deserve.
We understand that the aftermath of an accident can be stressful for victims and their families, which is why we strive to provide compassionate legal counsel every step of the way. Contact us online today or call us at (310) 659-1826 to learn how we can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
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