Have you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Brunswick, GA? Recovering from a brain injury can be an arduous and long process, and many survivors are left with long-term effects or impairment.
If your injury was caused by someone else, you may be entitled to compensation. A Brunswick brain injury attorney can guide you through the legal process and fight for maximum compensation.
Mayfield Law, LLC is prepared to help you pursue the justice you deserve and the money you need to get quality care and secure your financial future. Contact our law firm in Brunswick, Georgia, today for a free case evaluation with a Brunswick brain injury lawyer at (912) 457-8557 to discuss what we can do to help you.
How Mayfield Law, LLC Can Help After A Brain Injury In Brunswick, GA
After a brain injury, you need compassionate and experienced legal representation. At Mayfield Law, LLC, our dedicated legal team is here to help you seek maximum compensation for your injury.
Founded in 2022, our law firm has distinguished itself by providing personalized legal support and tireless advocacy for our clients. We give you a voice and strive to achieve the best possible results, so you have the financial resources you need to move forward with your life.
When you hire a Brunswick brain injury attorney at our firm, we will help you by:
- Investigating your accident to determine causation and liability
- Gathering medical records, expert testimony, and other evidence to support your case
- Handling all communications and negotiating to seek a fair settlement
- Representing you in court if necessary
- Providing compassionate guidance throughout your recovery
- Delivering honesty and transparency at every step
After a life-changing injury in Brunswick, Georgia, you deserve an effective advocate in your corner. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Brunswick personal injury lawyer. We are ready to stand by your side and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Traumatic Brain Injury Overview
Traumatic brain injuries or TBIs are a type of brain damage caused by external force or rapid acceleration and deceleration. Acquired brain injuries (ABIs), on the other hand, are caused by internal forces like stroke or infection.
A brain injury can range from mild with temporary symptoms to severe and life-altering. Damage to the brain is usually the result of swelling, bleeding, and tearing or shearing of nerve fibers. Any injury to the brain can disrupt how the brain functions by:
- Damaging nerve cells. When nerve cells are damaged, they can’t send signals properly. This can impair function in the affected area of the brain.
- Triggering chemical changes. An imbalance of neurotransmitters means neurons can’t communicate effectively.
- Causing inflammation and swelling. This increases pressure on brain tissue and further impairs normal function. It can also trigger further injury by reducing blood flow to parts of the brain.
Nationwide, about 2.5 million traumatic brain injuries occur every year. According to the CDC, about 230,000 require hospitalization, 85,000 are disabling, and 50,000 are fatal.
What Are The Most Common Types Of Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Brain injuries can vary in severity and type. With a focal injury, damage is confined to a single area of the brain. A diffuse injury means damage is more widespread. Some of the most common types of brain injuries include:
- Concussion
- Contusion
- Hematoma
- Anoxic/hypoxic injury
- Diffuse axonal injuries (DAI)
TBIs are categorized as mild, moderate, or severe using the Glasgow Coma Scale. Concussions account for about 75% of all TBIs, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
What Are The Most Common Signs Of A Traumatic Brain Injury?
Brain injury symptoms may not appear initially. It may take hours for initial symptoms to appear, and the effects can worsen during the first day or two due to secondary damage.
While the signs of a brain injury depend on the affected region and severity, common signs are:
- Confusion or foggy thinking
- Trouble concentrating
- Headache, especially one that does not go away or intensifies
- Dizziness and balance issues
- Nausea
- Memory loss
- Blurry vision or double vision
- Sensitivity to light and/or sound
- Mood swings and emotional changes
- Unequal pupils
- Slurred speech or trouble speaking
- Loss of consciousness, even momentarily
After a blow to the head or rapid movement and deceleration, it’s important to watch for any signs of a brain injury and seek medical care right away.
What Are The Possible Long-Term Consequences Of A TBI?
Even a mild brain injury can have lasting effects. Potential long-term consequences of a TBI include:
- Cognitive impairment, memory problems, poor impulse control, or challenges with communication
- Emotional and psychological issues, such as depression or anxiety
- Impaired motor function and coordination difficulties
- Difficulty maintaining relationships and social interactions
- Trouble performing daily activities of living
- Post-concussion syndrome, causing prolonged symptoms for months or years
- Increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Parkinson’s disease
- Chronic pain
For many people, a TBI is a catastrophic injury. Brain injuries are one of the top causes of disability in people under 45. About 2% of Americans are living with a long-term disability caused by a brain injury.
What Causes Most Brain Injuries in Brunswick?
Brain injuries in Brunswick, GA, are often sustained in an accident.
Common causes include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Falls
- Workplace accidents
- Sports and recreation
- Medical malpractice
Sadly, many traumatic brain injuries are the result of intentional conduct, not carelessness. Violence, including assault, shootings, and domestic violence, causes more than 8% of all TBIs.
What Is My Brunswick Brain Injury Case Worth?
The value of your brain injury claim depends on several factors, such as:
- The severity of your injury and prognosis
- Your ability to return to work and earn a living
- The impact on your daily life and independence
- Your age, health, and lifestyle before your injury
- Policy limits on available insurance coverage
- Whether you share any fault for the accident
- The circumstances and the defendant’s behavior
No two cases are alike. The best way to understand the potential value of your claim is to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can consider these and other factors to estimate what you may be entitled to recover and work with experts to calculate your total damages.
What Compensation Is Available To Georgia Brain Injury Victims?
If someone else was responsible for your brain injury due to intentional wrongdoing, negligence, or strict liability, you have the right to seek compensation. Personal injury victims are entitled to compensatory damages from the liable party in the form of economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are the financial losses associated with your injury and may include:
- Medical bills, future medical needs, and ongoing rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity (if disabled)
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses that are necessary and reasonable, like home modifications, assistive devices, and housekeeping services
Non-economic damages are subjective, personal losses.
Examples include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional anguish, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and insomnia
- Loss of quality of life
Punitive damages are a third type of compensation that can only be awarded by a jury in limited cases. These damages require clear and convincing evidence of the defendant’s intentional wrongdoing, malice, fraud, oppression, or wanton disregard for your life and safety.
Am I Still Entitled To Damages If I Share Blame For My Accident In Brunswick, Georgia?
Under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover compensation if you were less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.
For example, if you are found 25% at fault, you can still recover 75% of your damages. If you are found at least half to blame (50% or more), you cannot recover anything.
How Long Do I Have To File A Brain Injury Lawsuit In Georgia?
Georgia law imposes a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury cases. This means you must file your lawsuit within two years from the date of the injury, or you could lose your right to compensation. There are limited exceptions to this deadline, such as the discovery rule, which gives you more time to bring a case if your injury or the cause was not immediately clear.
If you have a claim against a government entity, you have just six or twelve months to file your claim.
Acting quickly can help preserve evidence and strengthen your case.
Contact Our Brunswick Brain Injury Lawyers For A Free Consultation
After a traumatic brain injury in Brunswick, GA, you do not need to face the insurance company alone. Mayfield Law, LLC is here to advocate for you and fight for fair compensation so you can get the care you need and move forward with your life.
Our team understands the challenges brain injury victims face, and we are committed to providing compassionate, skilled legal representation. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with a Brunswick brain injury lawyer. We will listen to your story and help you explore your legal options for holding the at-fault party responsible.