Traumatic brain injuries are often devastating and life-altering events. If you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury and someone else was to blame for it, you may be entitled to compensation for the harm you’ve experienced. Our experienced TBI lawyers in Wilmington, NC, can explain your legal rights and options, help you understand the claims process, and advocate for you throughout your case.
Contact the law firm of Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, for a free case review and to learn more about your options for pursuing compensation.
How Our Attorneys Help TBI Victims in Wilmington, NC
TBIs can leave victims with severe physical and mental limitations that can last a lifetime. The financial costs associated with brain injuries can be overwhelming. At Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, we understand how individuals and families struggle after a traumatic brain injury. Our attorneys are ready to take the time to learn about your unique situation, determine if you have a viable case, and answer any questions you have. We are dedicated to achieving justice for individuals injured by another party’s negligence, and we are ready to fight vigorously for the compensation you are entitled to recover.
How Are Brain Injuries Caused in Wilmington, NC?
Traumatic brain injuries are a significant cause of death and disability in Wilmington and throughout North Carolina and the country. The CDC reports that over 64,000 TBI-related deaths occurred in one recent year alone. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, over 3,000 deaths occurred in North Carolina due to traumatic brain injuries in that same year.
In Wilmington, some of the most common causes of TBIs are:
- Auto accidents
- Slip and falls
- Sports injuries
- Workplace injuries
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
- Acts of violence
Regardless of how a traumatic brain injury occurs, it can have life-changing consequences that require specialized care and long-term treatment.
Liability for a Traumatic Brain Injury
To prove liability in a brain injury case, the injured party must show that the defendant failed to act with reasonable care and thereby caused their injuries. For example, if a driver runs a red light and causes an accident resulting in a TBI, they could be liable for the consequences.
The burden of proof in brain injury cases is on the injured party, meaning they must prove that the other party is legally responsible for their injury.
- Information from police reports
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Security and traffic camera footage
- Expert testimony
An experienced Wilmington personal injury attorney can help you compile this evidence and build a strong case that proves why the responsible party should be held liable.
Symptoms of a TBI
Depending on the severity, TBIs can leave victims with a wide range of physical, emotional, and cognitive difficulties. If you believe that you or someone you love has suffered a TBI, it is vital to recognize the symptoms, which often include:
- Persistent headaches
- Dizziness
- Difficulty with coordination and balance
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Speech and language problems
- Seizures
- Mood swings
- Confusion
Life After a Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild to severe and can cause lasting effects on a person’s physical and mental health. Although it is possible for someone who suffered a TBI to rehabilitate and improve, these types of injuries often leave victims with long-term complications, including difficulties with daily tasks, changes in mood and behavior, and physical impairments.
Treatment often involves:
- Surgery
- Medication
- Psychological counseling
- Physical and occupational therapy
Common long-term health effects of TBIs include:
- Memory loss
- Cognitive impairments
- Mental health problems
- Sleep disorders
Some individuals living with a TBI require assistance from friends, family members, or home care providers to carry out essential daily activities.
What Kinds of Compensation Can I Receive for a TBI in Wilmington?
If you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to the negligence of another party, you may be wondering what kind of compensation you could be eligible to receive. A brain injury insurance claim or lawsuit may provide financial compensation for various types of losses, such as:
- Medical expenses– Including both past and future medical costs related to the injury, including hospitalization, surgery, and ongoing care
- Lost wages – Both missed income from time off work and diminished earning capacity in the future
- Pain and suffering – Such as physical pain, mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
You could also claim punitive damages through a lawsuit. This money, though rarely awarded, is meant to punish the defendant for their incredibly reckless behavior rather than compensate you for a particular loss.
Statute of Limitations on Wilmington TBI Claims
North Carolina has a three-year statute of limitations for filing a brain injury lawsuit. Failing to file suit within three years of when you suffered the injury may cause you to give up the opportunity to seek compensation for your losses. While most TBI lawsuits end in a settlement rather than a lawsuit, the statute of limitations affects insurance negotiations as well, as your ability to take an insurer to court is your primary leverage in a claim.
Contact the Skilled Wilmington TBI Attorneys at Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC
You may be able to recover financial compensation if you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury for which someone else is to blame. Our knowledgeable and experienced Wilmington brain injury lawyers can help you pursue maximum compensation for your losses.
At Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, our Wilmington TBI attorneys are committed to helping individuals and families seek justice for the losses they have endured. Our lawyers are experienced in TBI-related cases and have successfully recovered many favorable settlements and verdicts for injured clients.
We understand that brain injury cases can be complex and confusing, so we work closely with our clients to protect their rights and advocate for their needs. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We look forward to meeting you, learning about your concerns, and finding out how we can help.
