The congested streets and high-speed highways contribute to various types of car accidents in Chicago, ranging from minor fender-benders to serious collisions. Among the car accident injuries sustained, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are particularly alarming due to their potential to cause lasting cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments. Understanding these injuries, their causes, and their legal implications is crucial, especially with the guidance of an experienced car accident attorney in Chicago, like Roger D. Rudich.
Traumatic Brain Injuries From Chicago Car Accidents
A car accident in Chicago can lead to a TBI in several ways. High-impact collisions can cause the head to strike objects like the steering wheel or windows, or the sudden deceleration can cause the brain to move violently within the skull. This movement can lead to bruising, bleeding, and tearing of nerve fibers, resulting in a TBI.
A traumatic brain injury is a disruption in the normal function of the brain caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or penetrating head injury.
The severity of TBIs can range from mild (a brief change in mental status or consciousness) to severe (an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury). Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, memory problems, mood changes, and difficulties with concentration. Severe TBIs can lead to more profound consequences such as long-term cognitive impairment, physical disabilities, and emotional and behavioral changes.
Legal Compensation for TBI
In cases of traumatic brain injuries resulting from car accidents in Illinois, particularly in Chicago, the compensation covers a wide range of damages.
- Medical Expenses: This includes all medical costs incurred due to the injury — from immediate emergency care to long-term treatments like surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation. Given the nature of TBIs, these costs can be substantial and ongoing.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Victims often miss work due to their injuries. Compensation can cover not only lost wages but also the loss of future earning capacity if the TBI affects the victim’s ability to work in the long term.
- Pain and Suffering: This non-economic damage compensates for the physical and emotional distress caused by the injury. In TBI cases, the impact on the victim’s quality of life can be profound, justifying significant compensation.
- Long-Term Care Costs: TBIs can result in the need for prolonged or even lifelong care, including in-home care services, physical therapy, and specialized medical equipment.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Compensation might also include costs for modifying a home or vehicle to accommodate the disability resulting from the TBI.
Legal compensation for traumatic brain injuries ensures that all aspects, from medical expenses to lifestyle adjustments, are considered to adequately support and compensate those impacted by such life-altering injuries.
Process of Filing a TBI Claim After a Car Accident in Chicago
Filing a traumatic brain injury claim following a car accident in Chicago is a detailed and critical process. It involves several key steps, including:
- Documentation: This is a critical step. It is important to compile all medical records, police reports, eyewitness statements, and any other evidence that can substantiate the claim.
- Legal Consultation: Consulting a car accident attorney is essential. They can provide valuable insight into the legal process and help determine the full extent of compensation you may be entitled to.
- Claim Filing: Your attorney will assist you in filing a claim. This involves preparing and submitting all necessary documentation.
- Negotiation: Skilled car accident attorneys will handle the negotiation process with the insurance company. Their goal is to secure a settlement that fully compensates for the damages suffered. They will leverage their knowledge to argue the case effectively, emphasizing the severity of the TBI and its impacts.
- Litigation: If negotiations do not result in a fair settlement, the case may proceed to court. Here, your attorney will present the case before a judge or jury, who will then determine the compensation amount.
Ultimately, the journey through this legal process, with the aid of experienced Chicago car accident attorneys, can lead to rightful compensation and justice for the victim.
A Car Accident Attorney in Chicago for TBI Claims
With the help of experienced Chicago car accident attorneys, victims can navigate the legal system to secure the compensation they need and deserve. Roger D. Rudich, Ltd. specializes in car crash injuries in Chicago and has extensive experience in handling traumatic brain injury cases. His years of experience ensure that every aspect of the injury and its impact on the victim’s life is considered when seeking compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.