Head injuries are among the most serious types of injuries that people may suffer. These injuries may happen when people are engaging in recreational activities, when they are involved in accidents and when they are the victims of assaults. When people suffer head injuries because of the negligence of other people or entities, they may benefit by consulting with an experienced San Jose head injury lawyer. An attorney who has experience in handling head injury cases may be able to secure compensation for his or her clients.
Head injury statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 153 Americans die each day from injuries that include traumatic brain injuries. In 2013, the CDC found that there were 2.8 million visits to the emergency departments of hospitals across the U.S. for the treatment of TBIs. Each year, a large number of head and brain jury claims are filed in California and across the U.S.
Common causes of head injuries in San Jose
The most common causes of head injuries include the following:
• Slips, trips and falls
• Assaults
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Participation in sports
Common types of head injuries in San Jose
Head injuries can range in severity from simple concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries. Some of the most common types of head injuries include the following:
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Hematomas in the brain
• Subarachnoid and intracerebral hemorrhages
• Edema
• Skull fractures
• Diffuse axonal injuries
Head injury outcomes
The prognosis for people who suffer from head injuries will depend on the severity of their injury. Some people may recover from mild head injuries over a period of months. People who suffer from severe head injuries may be permanently disabled and require care for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, some people who receive head injuries may die from them.
What steps should you take when filing a head injury lawsuit?
The first steps that people should take when they suspect that they or their loved ones have suffered head injuries are to seek immediate medical attention. Prompt medical care can help to prevent further damage in many cases. For example, if a person has suffered a brain hemorrhage, getting medical help to relieve the pressure may prevent him or her from suffering permanent brain damage. After getting the care that you or your loved one requires, it is important for you to talk to an attorney about what happened. A lawyer may evaluate the facts and give you his or her honest assessment about whether or not you might have valid grounds to file a complaint. Your lawyer may then value your claim so that you have an idea of what it might be worth.
Lawyers often start out a head injury case by sending demand letters to the insurance companies. The companies may agree to the demand, make a counteroffer or dispute liability. If an agreement cannot be reached, the next step will be to file a formal civil complaint to commence the lawsuit. With your lawyer’s help, you can have an advocate working for you while you focus your attention on your rehabilitation and recovery.
When should you contact a San Jose head injury lawyer?
It is important for you to contact an experienced head injury attorney in San Jose as soon as you can. Insurance companies commonly contact injury victims soon after their accidents. They may ask you to provide a recorded statement or to sign a medical authorization form. It is important for you to consult with a lawyer before you agree to give statements or to sign anything that the company sends to you.
Head injury claims are tort cases that have two-year statutes of limitations from the date of the injuries. This means that you must file your case within that time period or risk being barred from ever seeking damages for your losses. In practice, it is best to get legal help much earlier so that your lawyer has the time to build a strong case on your behalf.
Contact an experienced San Jose head injury lawyer today
Head injuries may be life-altering and may permanently reduce your ability to enjoy your life. Contact our experienced law firm today to learn about how we might be able to help you.
Assault Injury | Birth Injury | Brain Injury | Burn Injury | Catastrophic Injury | Child Injury | Day Care Injury | Electrical Injury | Head Injury | Spinal Cord Injury | Sports Injury | Whiplash Injury