Compensation for Brain Injuries in Indiana: How Victims Can Seek Legal Remedy

Suffering a brain injury is a traumatic event that can have life-altering consequences. Whether incurred through medical malpractice, or due to another’s negligence, the impact of such an injury resonates not just through the individual affected, but also through their immediate circle of family and broader community.

For those in Indiana who find themselves facing this challenge, understanding the legal recourse available to them can be an invaluable step toward regaining control and securing their future. Today, dive into this blog post to learn more about the personal injury compensation process for brain injury victims in Indiana.

Call 317-881-2700 to Get in Touch With Skilled TBI Lawyers Near Indianapolis Indiana
Call 317-881-2700 to Get in Touch With Skilled TBI Lawyers Near Indianapolis Indiana

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries

Brain injuries come in varied forms, each with its own spectrum of effects. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) result from sudden trauma, such as an auto collision, construction injury, fall or medical malpractice, causing damage ranging from mild concussions to severe and lasting cognitive impairment. The classification may include open or closed head injuries. Open head injuries result from a fractured skull or a foreign object penetrating the brain, they often lead to extensive damage in localized areas.

Closed head injuries occur when the head experiences a blunt force with no penetration, they may cause damage spread out across the brain and can be hard to diagnose initially.  You can also sustain a closed head injury even without anything impacting the head, as the brain can strike the skull through force in, for example, an auto collision whose forces push and pull the brain into the front and rear of the skull.

The Extensive Impact of Severe Head Injuries

The consequences of a brain injury can transgress the physical and extend into the cognitive, emotional, and even behavioral domains. Victims may experience:

Cognitive Impairment: Challenges with memory, reasoning, or attention span.

Motor Skill Deficits: Physical coordination and dexterity may be significantly affected.

Personality and Behavioral Changes: The injury can alter one’s emotional regulation and personality traits.

Social Challenges: Patients may find it hard to maintain personal relationships and struggle with social cues and norms.

Financial Burden: The costs associated with treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care can be substantial and impose a heavy financial toll on the individual and their family.

Seeking Brain Injury Compensation in Indiana

Indiana’s legal system provides avenues for seeking compensation when a brain injury is caused by another’s negligence. Personal injury laws in the state are designed to protect individuals’ rights, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their injuries and damages. Victims of brain injuries may be eligible for compensation if their injury can be attributed to the following:

Accidents: Including car accidents, slips and falls, workplace accidents, and recreational mishaps.

Medical Malpractice: When a healthcare provider’s negligence leads to injury.

► Assaults and Battery: Intentional acts causing injury may be subject to legal action for compensation.

Time Limit for Filing a TBI Claim

It’s important to note that Indiana, like other states, imposes a time limit on filing personal injury claims. The statute of limitations for such claims is typically two years from the date of the injury, but can be as little as six months, so swift action is crucial to protecting one’s right to compensation.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Traumatic Brain Injury

In the immediate aftermath of a brain injury, several steps can help support both the medical treatment needed and the future legal case:

Seek Medical Attention
Prompt medical care can save lives and mitigate the severity of the injury. Contact 911 at the scene of the accident, or as soon as you suspect that you have an injury. Precisely follow all doctors’ orders, as you might have more than one medical professional over-seeing your treatment.

Hire an Accident Attorney
Your brain injury attorney will do most things for you with regard to your case. Down below, we will further discuss the critical role of an Indianapolis TBI lawyer and their importance to your personal injury claim.

Gather Evidence
If possible, collecting information and evidence related to the incident, such as photos, witness statements, and medical records, can be valuable for a potential claim.  Again, your attorney will help but, for example, if there is a witness to an auto collision you should get their contact information quickly so they can be contacted by your attorney.  In addition, photographs taken by anyone at the scene of the collision are always important.

Notify Relevant Parties
Informing responsible parties or property owners in writing about the incident can ensure a record is established.  If you slip and fall somewhere and are injured, call an ambulance, get photos of what caused you to fall, fill out an incident report, try to obtain witness and employee contact data and more. All of this information is evidence and valuable to help your attorney in proving liability in your case.  

Keep Detailed Records
Document all costs and impacts of the injury, from medical bills to lost wages and beyond.  Make sure you send all medical bills you receive to your attorney.  If you have to hire someone to help take care of you, keep receipts.

The Role of Legal Representation

In navigating the complexities of the legal process, enlisting the aid of a knowledgeable and experienced brain injury attorney in Indianapolis is a game-changer. A legal professional specializing in head and TBI injury cases will:

Assess the Viability of Your Claim: An attorney can determine if your case has legal merit and what compensation you may be entitled to.

Negotiate with Insurance Providers: Legal representation can effectively deal with insurance companies to secure fair settlements.

Obtain All Evidence Needed to Prove Your Case:  A brain accident attorney will seek out the evidence (i.e. photos, videos, testimony, documents, etc.) needed to help prove your case to the defendant’s insurance company and if no settlement is reached, to a jury for a verdict.

Leverage Litigation If Necessary: If an out-of-court settlement is not possible, an attorney will represent your interests in court.

Conclusion

When facing the daunting prospect of life with a brain injury, the path to recovery is not only about medical treatments and rehabilitation—it’s also about securing the financial means to support that recovery and your family. Indiana’s legal system offers a means for brain injury victims to seek just compensation, but it’s a process that is best undertaken with the support of legal experts.

For residents of Indiana coping with brain injuries, the message is clear: you are not alone, and there is recourse available. By staying informed, seeking professional legal representation, and taking decisive action, victims of brain injuries can assert their rights and move forward with confidence toward a more stable and secure future.

If you or a loved one is a recent head or brain injury victim, do not hesitate to seek the counsel of a qualified and experienced professional. Contact Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case consultation with a seasoned brain injury attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. The support and expertise we offer can significantly impact the outcome of your case and your ability to rebuild your life. Unable to travel? No problem – we can hold meetings over the phone or via video conference. We can also make trips to your place of in-patient medical care or your home.

Related Posts:

How to Cope After a Head Injury: 10 Tips for Recovery
3 Primary Types of Cerebral Contusion in TBI Victims
How to Obtain Justice After a Loved One Suffers a Wrongful Brain Injury

How to Cope After a Head Injury: 10 Tips for Recovery

Head injuries can be life-changing events, both for the person who has sustained the injury and their loved ones. If you or someone you care about is going through recovery from a head injury, it’s important to know that there are resources available to help cope with this difficult situation. From understanding your legal rights to connecting with support groups and getting access to specialized medical care, these 10 tips will provide guidance on how best to navigate the road of recovery after a head or brain injury.

Each tip provides ideas on how to manage physical symptoms as well as psychological issues that may arise following a head injury. A head injury lawyer can also help protect your rights if negligence was involved in causing your injury. Continue below to learn these tips and more.

Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With a Head Injury Attorney in Indianapolis Indiana
Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With a Head Injury Attorney in Indianapolis Indiana

Not All Head Injury Recovery Paths are Alike

Recovering from head or brain injuries can be an unpredictable and draining experience for victims, as no two journeys are alike. While the phases of head injury recovery generally include acute, sub-acute, and long-term recovery periods, the exact chronology for an individual may not perfectly align with those steps. The path to healing after head trauma is often littered with unique challenges, from setbacks large and small, to periods of stasis that demand patience and perseverance. It is ultimately important to recognize that head injury recovery demands flexibility and compassion for victims – no two roads to recovery are the same.

10 Tips for Head Injury Victims in Recovery

1. Connect with a head injury attorney: Knowing what legal options are available to you after a brain injury can help provide important financial security and emotional peace of mind during recovery. A qualified lawyer experienced in head and brain injuries can discuss the details of an accident, determine liability, and fight for full and fair compensation.

2. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is an effective way to reduce stress, regulate emotions and improve focus. When managing a brain or head injury, it is important to practice mindfulness regularly and create a space that encourages relaxation and self-care.

3. Create a support system: Surround yourself with positive people who understand your situation and provide understanding, kindness, patience, and encouragement as you move through your recovery journey.

4. Reach out to TBI support groups: Traumatic brain injury support groups can be an invaluable resource for people struggling with the aftermath of a Minor Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Connecting with others who are in similar situations can help provide emotional support and understanding and reduce feelings of isolation.

5. Get specialized medical care: Depending on the severity and type of head injury, specialized medical care may be necessary. Medical professionals who work with individuals recovering from head or brain injuries often have specific techniques that they use to promote healing and improve quality of life.

6. Eat healthy foods: Eating a balanced diet is essential for helping you recover physically after a head injury. It also aids in proper brain function. Focus on incorporating whole grains, lean proteins and plenty of fruits and vegetables into your diet.

7. Get plenty of sleep: Restful, restorative sleep is important for helping the body heal after a head or brain injury. Try to get at least seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night in a dark, quiet environment if possible.

8. Exercise regularly: Exercise can help reduce stress, improve physical health, and promote faster healing from head or brain injuries. Start small with light stretches or a short walk and gradually increase the intensity as you regain strength.

9. Stay organized: Serious head injuries can cause confusion and disorientation that make it difficult to focus on daily activities or manage basic tasks like keeping track of appointments or organizing paperwork. Staying organized can help to reduce stress and minimize distractions.

10. Avoid overstimulation: Too much sensory input, like loud noises or bright lights, can be difficult to cope with when recovering from a head or brain injury. Try to limit exposure to noisy environments or bright lights whenever possible.

Reach Out for Help With Your Head Injury Recovery Journey

Recovering after a head injury can be a long and arduous process that requires immense amounts of patience and support. But by taking the necessary steps to access help from legal professionals, medical experts, brain injury support groups, as well as making sure you prioritize your physical and mental health needs, it is possible for head injury victims to make progress on the path to recovery. With proper guidance and care, hope is available for both individuals impacted by head injuries and their families.

Get Started on Your Financial Recovery – Talk to a Head Injury Attorney Today

If you or a loved one have suffered from a head or brain injury due to the negligence of another, it’s important to speak to an experienced head injury lawyer in Indianapolis as soon as possible. They can help you understand your legal rights and options for compensation. Reach out today to get the answers and peace of mind that you need during this difficult time.

Look no further for a free case evaluation with an esteemed personal injury law firm in Indiana. Contact Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to meet or speak with a skilled head injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent clients throughout the state, as well as Indiana residents injured in other states and those injured while visiting Indiana.

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3 Primary Types of Cerebral Contusion in TBI Victims

Cerebral contusions are most commonly seen in people who have suffered a head injury in a car accident, a fall, or a sports-related injury. However, any type of impact to the head that causes the brain to bounce around inside the skull can result in a contusion. Even if the head is not struck or does not strike anything, a brain injury can occur. The severity of the injury depends on the force of the impact and the part of the brain that is affected. There are three primary kinds of brain contusions: coup, contrecoup, and coup-contrecoup

In this blog, we will discuss these 3 cerebral contusions, plus offer advice on how to move forward after a loved one wrongly suffers a TBI in Indiana.

Brain Injury Attorneys Indianapolis Indiana
Brain Injury Attorneys Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Facts About Cerebral Contusions 

A cerebral contusion is a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blunt force impact to the head. The resulting brain damage can lead to a wide range of symptoms that can last for days, weeks, months, years or can be permanent. Symptoms of a cerebral contusion may include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, seizures, and sleepiness. In more severe cases, a contusion can lead to coma or even death. Treatment for a cerebral contusion typically includes a combination of rest, pain medication, and physical therapy. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the brain or to repair damaged blood vessels.

As mentioned, the most common types of cerebral contusions are coup contusions, contrecoup contusions, and coup-contrecoup contusions.

>Coup contusions occur when the force of the blow is transmitted directly to the brain, causing the contusion at the site of impact.

>Contrecoup contusions occur when the force of the blow is transmitted to the brain from the opposite side, causing a contusion on the side of the brain opposite the point of impact.

>Coup-contrecoup contusions are a combination of coup and contrecoup contusions occur when the force of the blow is transmitted to the brain from both sides.

If you or someone you know has suffered a head injury, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. A CT scan or MRI can be used to diagnose a cerebral contusion. Not all brain injuries show up on a CT or MRI scan. Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the injury, but may include rest, pain medication, and physical therapy. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. With prompt treatment, most people with a cerebral contusion make a full recovery.

TBI Injury Claims and Lawsuits

When someone suffers a traumatic brain injury, it can be a life-altering event. If the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, the victim may be able to file a lawsuit to recover damages. There are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering filing a TBI lawsuit. First, you’ll need to prove that the other party was at fault. Second, you’ll need to show that your injuries were caused by the accident. And third, you’ll need to prove that your injuries have resulted in damages. If you can meet all of these requirements, then you may have a case for filing a TBI lawsuit. But it’s important to consult with an experienced Indianapolis Indiana personal injury attorney who is well-versed in brain injury cases to get started.

Would you like to learn your eligibility for pursuing legal action against a wrongful party that caused you or your loved one to suffer a brain injury? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with a seasoned brain injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana who knows how to obtain the maximum settlement or verdict for your claim. We represent victims all throughout the state and Indiana residents injured in other states.

Related Posts:

Common Damages Awarded for Traumatic Brain Injury Accidents
How to Get Help With Your Minor Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) Claim
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How to Obtain Justice After a Loved One Suffers a Wrongful Brain Injury

Brain injuries are serious on all levels. Whether a minor concussion or a catastrophic TBI, a victim of a brain injury can experience severe ramifications, including a lengthy and arduous recovery and rehabilitation process, and potentially even lifelong disabilities or challenges. Brain injury victims are also known to endure mental and emotional difficulties during and after recovery, which can persist throughout their lives. These consequences can be life-changing, and even last a lifetime.

Needless to say, if your loved one was wrongly injured in an accident that caused them to suffer a brain injury, they deserve absolute justice, and so does your family. The best way to obtain justice after a loved one suffers a wrongful brain injury is to bring about a civil lawsuit against the at-fault party for the pursuit of financial compensation, if the insurance company for the at-fault person or company will not fully and fairly settle the claim.

Continue reading to learn more about Indiana brain injury claims, including how to get started on yours. With the help of a trusted and skilled personal injury law firm in Indianapolis.

TBI Accident Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700
TBI Accident Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-881-2700

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI’s)

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a very serious and sometimes catastrophic injury. Although it is usually obvious when a person has suffered injury to the head, it is common for victims to not know or feel like they have a brain injury because such symptoms can appear days or weeks later and the injured person may not even notice the symptoms because their brain is not functioning normally and it is not until their loved ones tell them what they see going on before the symptoms can get addressed. One such phenomenon is brashly known as the “Talk-and-Die” syndrome, which happens when a person seems normal after an accident involving head trauma, even speaking and carrying on with their daily routines, but then dies a few days later from internal bleeding in the brain.

Common signs of brain trauma include unconsciousness, vomiting, dizziness, slurred speech, extreme fatigue, migraines/headaches, mental confusion, extreme mood changes, dilated pupils, bruising and difficulty walking. If you or a loved one ever experiences any type of concerning impact to the head or neck, it is important to seek immediate medical attention to ensure that the skull and brain were not damaged.

How to File a Brain Injury Claim in Indiana

If your loved one loses their mental capacity to manage their own legal and personal affairs due to their traumatic brain injury, you may petition for guardianship. Upon being granted guardianship by the court, you may pursue a brain injury claim against the at-fault party who caused your loved one’s catastrophic accident.  If the brain injury is not that severe, the injured person may bring the claim themselves.

Here in Indiana, the law permits immediate family members to bring about a brain injury claim on behalf of their injured loved one. Immediate family members are considered to be lawful spouses, children, and dependents. If your loved one has passed away due to their traumatic brain injury, you may bring about a wrongful death claim on their behalf.

In order to file a brain injury claim in Indiana, it is critical that you retain professional legal counsel from a seasoned personal injury law firm that specializes in head and brain injury cases. With the help of an experienced brain injury lawyer, you may recover compensation for past, current, and future damages, such as hospital bills, medical expenses, loss of Social Security benefits, lost wages, loss of source of income, pain-and-suffering, mental anguish, loss of consortium, loss of companionship, reduced quality of life, and much more.

If you are ready to file a brain injury claim on behalf of your loved one, act fast. Under law, you only have 2 years from the date of the accident to do so and even less time if the at fault party is a governmental agency. Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with an experienced brain injury attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer free initial case evaluations, over the phone, via video, or in person at our office.  The sooner you call, the sooner we can start obtaining evidence critical to your case.

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Common Damages Awarded for Traumatic Brain Injury Accidents
What To Do After Sustaining a Serious Head Injury
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Common Damages Awarded for Traumatic Brain Injury Accidents

One of the most devastating and disastrous personal injuries a wrongly injured victim can suffer is a traumatic brain injury. Such injuries, also called TBI’s, are often life-threatening, but when they do not end up fatal, they can still leave a victim with long-term or permanent damage to the brain. Unfortunately, accidents that lead to severe brain damages are more prevalent than you can imagine. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2 and half million people fall victim to a serious brain injury every single year.

If you are your immediate loved one was wrongfully injured in an accident that cause a traumatic brain injury, you are owed compensation for all of your damages and losses. Continue reading to learn what those might be, and how to find the right representation for a TBI accident claim in Indiana.

Indianapolis IN Brain Injury Lawyer 317-881-2700
Indianapolis IN Brain Injury Lawyer 317-881-2700

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI’s)

A TBI is any type of serious injury to the brain. Often times, they are caused by a significant jolt or blunt force trauma. The most common causes for traumatic brain injuries are motor vehicle accidents, construction site accidents, slip and fall accidents, assault, pedestrian and cyclist accidents, and motorcycle accidents.

The resulting damages and effects of a traumatic brain injury vary on a wide spectrum. Such factors that influence the aftermath of a TBI include the type of injury, severity of injury, area of the brain injured, and much more. Some victims develop short-term symptoms, such as a mild concussion, while others live with symptoms and losses for the rest of their lives, such as motor skill issues.

Common short-term and immediate medical consequences of a TBI include migraines, headaches, dizziness, nausea, trouble focusing, blurred vision, and fatigue. Common long-term or life-long medical consequences often include permanent brain damage, loss of motor skills or control, behavioral changes or mood dysfunctions, and several other types of cognitive disorders.

Making a Traumatic Brain Injury Claim

Traumatic brain injuries do not just go away over time. The resulting damages from a TBI are usually life-long, and/or require extensive, on-going rehabilitation and treatment. For this reason, the law provides legal relief in the form of compensation for those who were injured by a negligent party and suffered serious brain damages as a result.

In order to learn your rights and eligibility for pursing legal action against the wrongful party who injured you or your loved one, you will need to find a skilled and experienced personal injury attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. They have the knowledge and resources to recover the full and fair settlement or social security disability verdict you deserve.

Common Damages Awarded to TBI Victims:

▷ Hospital and Medical Bills
▷ Pain and Suffering
▷ Mental and Emotional Anguish
▷ Diminished Quality of Life
▷ Income Loss
▷ Loss of Ability to Perform Same Work Duties
▷ Loss of Ability to Work, Drive, Etc.

Wrongful Death After Brain Injury

In the case that your loved one lost their life as a result of a serious head or brain injury, an accident lawyer can navigate a wrongful death lawsuit so that you can obtain compensation for losses such as household bills, medical expenses, funeral arrangement expenses, burial expenses, lost wages, lost benefits, loss of consortium, and much more.

Have you or a loved one recently suffered a TBI in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with a seasoned brain injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Schedule a free initial case evaluation, today. We serve clients all throughout the state.

You Should Also Read:

What are Future Damages in a Wrongful Death Case?
Facts About Traumatic Brain Injuries and Accident Claims
What To Do After Sustaining a Serious Head Injury

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