Action for Brain Injury Week (ABI Week) took place in May, an annual event initiated by Headway back in 2010 that provides a platform and raises awareness of those suffering with brain injuries across the globe.
To this day there continues to be a lack of information surrounding brain injuries. They can happen to anyone at any time, often throwing the lives and plans of individuals into disarray. Following brain injuries, many people need to re-evaluate their careers, hobbies, ambitions amongst many other things, as they adjust their lives to accommodate the impact their brain injury has had on them.
This year’s theme for Action for Brain Injury Week was ‘A Life Re-written’. A focus on the challenges that come with brain injuries and promoting resources and guidance on how to adapt to new found circumstances.
What are traumatic brain injuries?
As a personal injury law firm, we have had over 20 years of experience in dealing with traumatic brain injury claims. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a type of acquired brain injury (ABI) that occur as a result of a sudden external force causing damage to the brain. Traumatic brain injuries are one of the leading causes of disability and death in adults.
Mild brain injuries typically manifest with temporary symptoms like dizziness, nausea, headaches, and mild confusion. These injuries commonly result from falls, impacts, or collisions with heavy or stationary objects. Fortunately, mild brain injuries account for up to 95% of head injury cases and usually do not result in lasting damage to individuals.
Brain injuries resulting in unconsciousness lasting from 15 minutes to 6 hours are classified as moderate. In certain instances, individuals may experience amnesia within 24 hours of their accident. Moderate brain injuries necessitate hospitalisation for monitoring, ensuring that no new or worsening symptoms emerge. Recovery periods for moderate brain injuries are typically longer, ranging from several days to several months.
Traumatic brain injuries resulting in life-altering or permanent symptoms are typically categorised as ‘severe’. Each case is unique and impacts individuals differently, depending on factors such as age, accident severity, time spent unconscious, and overall mental or physical health. These accidents can affect a person’s physical abilities, psychological well-being, or both.
It’s essential to recognise that full recovery is possible for individuals who have suffered severe brain injuries, just as it’s possible for someone who has experienced a minor head injury to endure symptoms for an extended period. As mentioned, every case varies, and it’s crucial to approach your own head injury with resilience and patience.
Accidents leading to brain injuries
Suffering a traumatic brain injury can be one of the most overwhelming experiences, leaving victims uncertain about the next steps after an accident. If you or a loved one has sustained such an injury due to another party’s negligence, you may have grounds to seek compensation for the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity.
Traumatic brain injuries can occur in various ways, with some of the most frequent scenarios including:
Road Traffic Accidents: during the forceful impact of collisions, a person’s head may strike against the steering wheel, dashboard or windows. A brain injury may also occur as the result of the brain hitting against the skull due to rapid braking or acceleration.
Medical Negligence: improper handling of surgical instruments or incorrect administration of anaesthesia can lead to brain trauma, resulting in physical or psychological impairment.
Accident at Work: falls from great height, machinery accidents as well as being struck by moving vehicles or heavy objects are some of the leading causes of brain injury in the workplace.
Sports Injuries: the risk of concussion is high in contact sports such as Rugby and Boxing. Athletes are strong and the force of impact can be devastating on an individual, particularly if they are wearing inadequate head protection.
Criminal Assault: an attacker may physically assault their victim by punching, kicking or even using a blunt, sharp or heavy weapon. If a person sustains skull fractures, or a bleed on the brain, they may suffer from lasting neurological damage in the aftermath.
Trust Stonehewer Moss with your brain injury claim
When pursuing compensation for a traumatic brain injury, it’s crucial to ensure that the amount awarded reflects the severity of your injuries and the consequences they’ve had on your life. Understanding how this compensation is calculated is paramount, and seeking assistance from a personal injury expert is essential to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Stonehewer Moss Solicitors are a specialist personal injury law firm based in the North West of England. Our team of dedicated solicitors are experts in personal injury, with extensive knowledge and experience in successfully handling brain injury claims for clients across the nation.
We understand the complexities of brain injuries and the profound impact accidents can have on individuals and their families. Stonehewer Moss are here to lighten the load, guide you through the legal process and obtain the maximum level of compensation for you on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.
If you have been injured and need advice from a professional, reach out to our team today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn how we can help you with your brain injury claim.
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