Brain injuries can occur as a result of any kind of traumatic event, from motor vehicle collisions, to bicycle accidents, to slips and falls, workplace or sports injuries.
The Lasting Effects of a TBI
Experiencing a traumatic brain injury is a serious and life-changing event. Brain injuries can result in various painful and permanent symptoms, including but not limited to post-traumatic headaches, memory disorders, and emotional and behavioral changes to an individual’s personality. These symptoms are not only serious, but can last an entire lifetime. Moreover, brain injuries do not impact the injured person alone and often represent a huge challenge for their family and friends.
Compensation for Traumatic Brain Injuries
If you or your loved one has suffered a brain injury, the next step may be to commence litigation against the at-fault party to secure the necessary compensation for the injured party’s care, treatment and rehabilitation, for the injured party’s pain and suffering, and for the injured party’s past and future loss of income. Family members may also have a claim for the loss of care and companionship that the injured party would have been able to provide if not for the brain injury. If successful in the litigation, the injured party and/or their family members may receive either a lump sum payment or structured settlements.
Structured settlements typically involve an initial payment, with the remaining settlement funds being set aside in an annuity, paid out tax-free periodically to the injured party over a longer period of time.
For brain injury cases, the latter type of settlement is quite common as it allows for the injured party to receive a consistent flow of money well into the future, thereby safeguarding against future care costs and other future expenses. Structured settlements also help an injured party and their family to manage their finances so that they may continue to receive the care and treatment that they deserve.
Tips to Prevent Traumatic Brain Injuries
Remember, traumatic brain injuries can be prevented. Always wear a helmet when playing contact sports and other recreational activities such as biking, horseback riding, skateboarding, snowboarding, and skiing. Always wear a seatbelt when traveling in a vehicle, whether as a driver or a passenger. Lastly, stay off of your cell phones when traveling on foot, especially while crossing the street or walking down a steep flight of stairs.
Please contact JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLP, Toronto Personal Injury Attorneys, for a free consultation if you or a loved one have experienced a traumatic brain injury.