Brain
injuries are caused by physical trauma, such as a bump, penetration, blow or
shake from major accidents. It can disrupt the brain’s normal functioning and
prevent an individual from performing regular work. Often, brain injuries lead
to long-term or permanent physical or mental impairment.
If you
or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence or
intentional conduct, you may be entitled to compensation. Brain injury victims
can file a lawsuit against the parties that are legally liable for the injury,
such as drivers, vehicle owners, premises owners, product manufacturers, contractors,
etc.
Legal Basis of Your Case
Understanding
the legal theory on which your case is based will dictate what you need to
prove in order to win the brain injury lawsuit. Brain injury claims may proceed
under negligence and product liability legal theories.
Negligence:
In a
negligence claim, a plaintiff must prove that the party (defendant) they are
suing is liable for the injury. In order to file a successful claim, the
plaintiff must prove the following:
·
The defendant is required by
law to be reasonably careful i.e. the defendant owed you a “duty of care.”
·
The defendant failed to act
with reasonable care.
·
The defendant’s action (or
inaction) was the cause of your injuries.
·
You suffered injuries and/or
losses that are measurable under the law.
·
The head injuries were not
pre-existing.
Product liability
If the
use of a defective or dangerous product caused your brain injury, you can
pursue a claim under a product liability legal theory. You can sue the
manufacturers of the product, retailers, distributors or other liable parties.
Monetary Damages for Brain Injuries
Monetary
damages awarded in a brain injury lawsuit depend on the extent or severity of
the injury. Plaintiffs may receive two basic types of damages: special damages,
and general damages.
Special damages include present and future medical expenses,
lost income, lost earning capacity due to the injury, long-term
treatment/rehabilitation expenses, and property damages.
General damages include pain and suffering, shock and mental anguish, emotional
distress, loss of reputation, and loss of companionship and
society.
I was walking to my home when a bike hit me. I had serious head injuries and was in coma for six months. Who is liable for my damages?
ReplyDeleteTraumatic brain injuries are usually life-long and are extremely impairing. In most cases, they leave the victim with the inability to do many of the things they once did. A traumatic brain injury can result from even the smallest accident. If the accident that leads to a traumatic brain injury is the result of another’s negligence, that person may be liable for damages.
DeleteRef: http://www.cooper-law.com/practice-areas/brain-injury/