I have acted for a number of clients who have suffered what is called a ‘Traumatic Brain Injury’ (TBI) and is caused when a person sustains a blow or jolt to the head.
In my experience, many individuals with this type of injury are pedestrians or cyclists struck by cars or other large vehicles. However, TBIs can also result from relatively simple incidents such as a fall onto a hard surface, as well as during contact sports or as a result of a physical assault.
Traumatic brain injuries can range from mild to severe and may give rise to a wide variety of symptoms, including memory loss, headaches, confusion and cognitive difficulties. A mild concussion is typically the least serious form of TBI and often resolves within a few days. In contrast, a severe brain injury can be permanent and life-changing, affecting many aspects of day-to-day life.
One of the challenges with traumatic brain injuries is that many symptoms overlap with psychological conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This can make both diagnosis and treatment more complex, as well as complicating the process of assessing appropriate compensation.
For this reason, when acting for clients with TBIs, it is essential to take a multi-disciplinary approach. This may involve securing therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to address psychological symptoms, allowing us to better identify any ongoing issues directly related to the physical injury to the brain.
These injuries often have far-reaching consequences, particularly in relation to employment. Many individuals experience increased fatigue, which can limit the type or amount of work they are able to undertake—or, in some cases, prevent them from returning to work at all. Any claim must therefore take into account the potential impact on future earning capacity.
In some cases, individuals may also be advised not to drive due to the risk of seizures. This can have an immediate and significant impact, especially where their previous role involved driving as a core part of their work.
If you are considering making a claim for a traumatic brain injury, it is important to instruct an experienced solicitor who understands the complexity of these cases and will ensure that all current and future needs are properly accounted for.
For expert advice or to discuss your situation, please contact our experienced team on 01429 225200.
