Chicago Brain Injury Attorney

Traumatic brain injuries are caused by a jolt, bump, or blow to the head or a penetrating head injury which disrupts normal brain activity. A person does not need to lose consciousness to sustain a brain injury.

No one ever expects an accident that results in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Yet each day, unsuspecting individuals suffer these catastrophic injuries due to the carelessness or negligence of another. As a leading cause of death and disability in the United States today, traumatic brain injuries are suffered by over 2.8 million Americans each year, with an estimated 13.5 million people living with a disability due to a traumatic brain injury. If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to the negligence or the intentional acts of another person, you need an attorney that knows how to get you maximum compensation. Call Paul Padda Law today at (312) 702-7000 or contact us for a free and confidential consultation.

Chicago’s Trusted Brain Injury Attorneys: Advocating for Victims

Brain injuries are often very serious and can have a prolonged and permanent impact on the person who was hurt. A concussion can lead to permanent impairment, resulting in brain surgery, extensive medical expenses, and lost time from work. In the worst scenario, a traumatic brain injury may require multiple surgeries, cognitive impairment, the inability of the victim to return to work and lead a normal life, and the need for long term care.

If you have sustained a brain injury in an accident, you should not have to deal with it alone. Let the traumatic brain injury advocates at Paul Padda Law help. Our Chicago personal injury lawyers help victims of accidents by recovering compensation that allows them the peace of mind to move forward in their lives. When it comes to any catastrophic and life altering accident, it is important to get the help you need as soon as possible. At Paul Padda Law, our experienced team of traumatic brain injury lawyers is committed to helping victims who are injured get the compensation they deserve after a catastrophic brain injury.

Paul Padda Law has represented many individuals who have suffered mild to severe traumatic brain injury. If the accident that led to the brain injury occurred because of another’s negligence and recklessness, the victim may be entitled to full compensation for medical expenses, the loss of workplace compensation, and pain and suffering.

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries are caused by a jolt, bump, or blow to the head or a penetrating head injury which disrupts normal brain activity. A person does not need to lose consciousness to sustain a brain injury. Brain injuries can range in severity from mild to severe, with many severe brain injuries resulting in cognitive impairment and long-term disabilities.

Types of Brain Injuries

Brain injuries can occur in different ways and with varying degrees of severity:

• Concussions: Mild traumatic brain injuries that can still have serious long-term effects
• Contusions: Bruising of brain tissue from direct impact
• Coup Contrecoup Injuries: Damage occurring at the site of impact and on the opposite side of the brain
• Diffuse Axonal Injuries: Tearing of nerve tissue throughout the brain from rotational forces
• Penetrating Brain Injuries: Direct trauma to the brain from objects entering the skull
• Hypoxic and Anoxic Brain Injuries: Damage caused by lack of oxygen to the brain

Hypoxic and Anoxic Brain Injuries

Severe brain injury can be caused by a lack of oxygen, or hypoxia, where the body does not have enough oxygen supply to perform its basic functions. In severe cases, called anoxia, oxygen deprivation to brain cells is so severe that it leads to permanent brain damage. There are several common causes of this type of brain injury, including:

• Birth injuries that can lead to cerebral palsy
• Medication errors
• Anesthesia errors
• Aneurysms
• Heart attacks
• Blood clots that can be complicated by misdiagnosis or error by a medical provider
• Drowning or near drowning
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Choking or strangulation

Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Brain injuries can be caused by many different types of accidents, but some are more commonly seen by Chicago traumatic brain injury attorneys. These injuries are commonly caused by the following:

Falls

Falls or slip and fall accidents are the most common causes of brain injuries in older adults and young children. Falls can occur in various settings including:

• Private residences
• Commercial properties
• Construction sites
• Workplaces
• Public facilities

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Any collisions involving vehicles, whether they are cars, motorcycles, trucks, or even bicycles, can result in traumatic brain injuries. Traffic collisions, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents, often leave drivers and passengers with traumatic brain injuries due to the often abrupt and impactful crashes that can take place. Additionally, when airbags are triggered, their power can also cause an occupant’s head to experience another level of trauma.

Crime and Violence

Domestic violence, gunshot wounds, assaults, and child abuse account for many TBI injuries in Chicago.

Sports Injuries

Any sports that involve high impact contact result in many traumatic brain injuries, particularly in young adult men. Sports injuries resulting in traumatic brain injury often occur in high school to college aged adolescents, as well as professional athletes engaging in contact sports such as football and hockey, or games that involve balls that are hard and moving quickly, such as baseball and lacrosse. Repeated concussions are often a large issue, especially amongst football players who have experienced head trauma during their playing careers.

Workplace Accidents

Construction sites  as well as building negligence can leave both site workers and pedestrians in compromising positions. Several examples exist of cases where a traumatic brain injury occurred due to a lack of sufficient safety measures on the workplace site, and where pieces of a building were not secured, resulting in injury to a pedestrian. Common workplace causes include:

• Falls from heights
• Falling objects striking the head
• Equipment accidents
• Scaffolding collapses
• Exposure to toxic substances

Medical Malpractice

Birth injuries, surgical errors, anesthesia mistakes, and misdiagnosis can all lead to traumatic brain injuries.

Combat Related Activity

Active-duty military personnel account for many TBI injuries.

If you have been injured in an accident resulting in a brain injury, contacting an experienced brain injury lawyer in Chicago should be one of your first steps to recovery.

Symptoms and Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries

If you or a family member has been involved in an accident resulting in head trauma, it is vital to seek medical attention immediately. Brain injuries are not always easy to detect or diagnose. However, a good neurologist can detect the symptoms and help you or a loved one get the medical care needed.

Common symptoms of traumatic brain injuries include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion or disorientation
• Memory problems
• Headaches
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in the ears
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes or mood swings
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Slurred speech
• Seizures

Depending on the severity of a traumatic brain injury, it can affect all aspects of a person’s life and relationships. A brain injury is a catastrophic injury that must be taken seriously. Any serious brain injury can have physical and emotional consequences, not only for the injured party but also for the family. In fact, the effects of a brain injury are often likened to dealing with a chronic disease. This can lead to years of medical and emotional interventions at significant cost for the victim and their family.

Long term effects can include:

• Cognitive impairment
• Physical disabilities
• Communication difficulties
• Behavioral changes
• Emotional disturbances
• Personality changes
• Loss of independence
• Need for long term care
• Inability to return to work

This is when it is crucial to get guidance from a Chicago traumatic brain injury lawyer to understand your legal right to receive compensation for these costs.

Your Brain Injury Claim

Paul Padda Law approaches a brain injury action as a way to provide monetary compensation and hold a culpable party financially accountable and responsible for the economic, physical, and emotional injuries  that have occurred.

Our law firm has a team of attorneys and staff with years of experience in brain injury litigation. Each client and each situation is different, and your claim is treated with great care and respect as the team investigates what happened and determines the best path to get justice for you.

At Paul Padda Law, our brain injury attorneys research the most up to date laws and hire trained and experienced medical experts to work as expert witnesses and consultants on your case. We will evaluate your injury claim and research the relevant statute of limitations applicable to your case. Whether it is to review medical bills, standard of care, or  other instances of medical negligence by hospitals, physicians, and healthcare providers, we work to locate and utilize the best medical experts and expert witnesses who are experienced in Illinois law.

We know exactly what to do to litigate your brain injury case. We will obtain all necessary medical records, interview witnesses, and prepare thoroughly and meticulously for your case. Ultimately, our goal is to secure the maximum compensation possible, allowing you to move forward with your life.

Compensation Available in Brain Injury Cases

Victims of traumatic brain injuries may be entitled to recover various types of compensation, including:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses (emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation)
• Future medical costs for ongoing treatment and long-term care
• Lost wages and income during recovery
• Loss of earning capacity if injuries prevent returning to work
• Cognitive therapy and rehabilitation
• Assistive devices and adaptive equipment
• Home modifications for disabilities
• In home care and nursing assistance
• Life care planning costs

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of cognitive abilities
• Loss of independence
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Loss of consortium
• Mental anguish

Wrongful Death Damages

When fatal brain injuries occur, surviving family members may recover:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Medical expenses incurred before death

Illinois Statute of Limitations for Brain Injury Cases

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including traumatic brain injury cases, is two years from the date of the accident. This means you must file your lawsuit within two years, or you may permanently lose your right to seek compensation.

However, there are some exceptions, such as:

• Medical malpractice cases involving brain injuries may have different deadlines
• Cases involving minors may have extended timeframes
• The discovery rule may apply when injuries are not immediately apparent

It is crucial to consult with an experienced brain injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident to protect your rights and ensure all deadlines are met.

Free Consultation on Your Case by Chicago Based Brain Injury Lawyers

The brain injury attorneys at Paul Padda Law have a proven track record of success in these types of cases. Our results speak for themselves. Our team knows how the system works, how insurance companies and hospitals operate, and what judges, juries, or mediators need to see to understand your claim.

Please contact our office at (312) 702-7000 or click here for a free case evaluation. There is never a fee until you are compensated for your injuries at the end of the case. Schedule Your Free Consultation. Call us at (312) 702-7000.