Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) vary in severity, but some involve permanent, devastating losses. When another person, business, or entity is at fault for your suffering, an Indianapolis brain injury lawyer at Camden & Meridew, P.C. can help you identify and gather relevant facts and information, determine the compensation to which you are entitled, and work to secure a settlement or verdict that helps you recover financially, while you focus on your physical, mental, and emotional recovery.
An Indianapolis Brain Injury Lawyer Explains Indiana TBI Claim Basics
In Indiana, civil cases for personal injuries including traumatic brain injury cases are governed by Indiana Code Title 34, which outlines the law and procedures for civil claims in the state. Various sections of the code may apply to your Indiana TBI claim, depending on the specifics of your injury and the circumstances surrounding it.
An experienced Indianapolis brain injury lawyer can help individuals and families in Indianapolis and throughout Indiana understand how the laws apply to different TBI cases and determine the best path for recovering compensation for traumatic brain injury claims of all kinds.
Traumatic Brain Injury Overview
Traumatic brain injuries are caused by impacts to the head that result in the brain crushing against the skull or the penetration of an object into the brain. Some traumatic brain injuries result in mild concussions that the injured person can heal from relatively quickly, while other, more serious forms of TBI can have life-altering effects.
Common causes of traumatic brain injuries include motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, work-related injuries, military injuries, gunshot wounds, trip and fall incidents, domestic violence or abuse, and assault. Brain injuries can also be caused by bleeding in the brain or a lack of oxygen to the brain.
Symptoms of a TBI can range from mild to very serious, and major brain injuries also sometimes result in death. The symptoms and complications a person may experience after a traumatic brain injury may include the following:
- Confusion and memory problems;
- Blurred vision;
- Dizziness, with or without fainting;
- Mood or behavior changes;
- Fatigue;
- Speech abnormalities;
- Headaches;
- Sensitivity to light or odors;
- Changes in sleeping patterns;
- Restlessness or agitation; and
- Nausea, with or without vomiting.
Infants may cry inconsolably and/or refuse to eat or drink, so these are important signs to watch for if your baby may have sustained a brain injury. Additionally, there are long-term complications that may develop from a single or repeated injuries to the brain, including Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bleeding in the brain, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Indiana TBI Claim: What Your Indianapolis Brain Injury Lawyer Can Do
If you are suffering from any of the symptoms or conditions above as the result of an injury that was someone else’s fault, an attorney with experience in personal injury cases and, specifically, with Indiana traumatic brain injury cases, can provide legal counsel and representation and handle the following areas of your Indiana TBI claim:
- Investigation and gathering of evidence and records to support your claim;
- Establishing fault and evaluating contributory fault in your case under Indiana law;
- Consultation with respected experts and witnesses who can testify on your behalf;
- Consideration, explanation, and counsel regarding potential settlement options;
- Representation and advocacy for your claim in mediation, at trial, and for any appeals, if needed.
Traumatic Brain Injury Compensation in Indiana
Indiana Code allows for compensatory and punitive damages in personal injury claims. Compensatory or actual damages are intended to cover the losses sustained as a result of the injury, including medical and health care expenses, short and long-term lost wages, property damage, and losses related to pain and suffering or quality of life. Punitive damages are intended to further punish the individual or entity at fault for the injury or injuries when a judge or jury determines that this is warranted. Punitive damages in Indiana may not exceed three times the compensatory damages awarded or $50,000, whichever is higher.
Contact an Indianapolis Brain Injury Lawyer at Camden & Meridew
Indiana traumatic brain injury cases are often complex and fraught with emotion due to the severe nature of these injuries. Victims and their families need compassionate and competent guidance throughout the legal process in an Indiana TBI claim.
David Allen at Camden & Meridew, P.C. is an Indianapolis brain injury lawyer with the skills and character clients need to get compensation for their injuries in the most efficient and effective way possible. Reach out to schedule a consultation by calling 317-770-0000 or completing this online contact form.