Considerable Recoveries For Vehicle Accident Victims With Closed Head Injuries

One of the more serious forms of injuries which can be a consequence of a motor vehicle accident is a closed head injury. A closed head injury can result in lifelong personality changes, motor control deficits, [problems with memory, and language problems. Given the nature and extent of the damage to the victim of a closed head injury these cases are often complicatedThe lawyer handling the case needs to have a detailed familiarity with the medicine of closed head injuries. The lawyer likewise needs to be able to effectively and respectfully communicate with the plaintiff and the plaintiff's family. The lawyer moreover needs to be substantially acquainted with insurance issues and how to track down all assets hat might be used for a settlement or award.

Examine the following lawsuits:

In this case the driver of a passenger van hit the back of an automobile that was at a full stopwith the turn signal activated waiting to take a left turn. The impact threw the vehicle into a nearby ditch. Police and emergency respondents transported the driver of the automobile to a nearby hospital. The 50 year old female victim was confused and disoriented. These are indicators of a possible closed head injury. She also complained of intense pain in her neck, back, wrist and knee. It turned out that she suffered multiple cervical disc herniations with impingement upon the thecal sac and the proximate spinal cord, with radiculopathy, and with carpal tunnel at the wrist. She also needed multiple surgeries, including a total knee replacement for injuries to her knee and subsequent wound infections. She began suffering from a deep depression and experiencing difficulties with her memory. She incurred nearly a quarter million dollars in medical expenses. The law firm that handled this matter documented that they were able to negotiate a settlement in the amount of $1.35 Million on behalf of the plaintiff.

In the next claim a driver drove into an intersection without obeying the stop sign and flashing lights. When he entered the intersection his van hit an automobile driven by a 31 year old woman. She stayed in a coma for 5 months. As a result of the accident she suffered a head injury that caused her to have problems with concentration and short-term memory. She also experiences motor problems. She requires living assistance as the accident left her permanently disabled. She was unable to got back to work where she had been earning $30,000 a year. The law firm that represented the woman brought claims against both the driver and the driver’s employer (as the driver was acting within the scope of his employment at the time the accident occurred). The firm reported that they were able to achieve a settlement for the victim with a net present value of $7,000,0000. The settlement included a $3 million immediate cash payment.

As the cases demonstrate head injuries from car accidents can leave the victim with severe even devastating long-term disabilities. Aside from any physical injuries the victim can go through memory problems and incapacitating depression (Case 1), and concentration, short-term memory loss and motor control deficits (Case 2). A head injury can forever change a person’s life.

Envision going through the rest of your life without the ability to create any new short term memories. Envision not not knowing your spouse, your children, your parents. Think about your personality being altered to such an extent that your own family is not able to relate to you. Think about becoming seriously depressed or violent toward the people you’ve always loved. Picture no longer being able to recall words, to name objects, or to have an engaging discussion with someone. Imagine not being able to plan for the future. Picture not being able to do your job. Think about no longer being able to control your movements. For most people this is inconceivable. For victims of closed head injuries from automobile living with these sorts of impairments turns into their reality.

In situations similarly to this the family of the victim should request the assistance of a skilled car accident atto
ey experienced in litigating claims regarding head injuries. The atto
ey will be able to guide the victim and the family in getting comprehensive neuropsychological testing so as to fully determine the nature and extent of the injury. Moreover, should it be necessary to that he matter to trial the lawyer will see to it that the matter is handled professionally and that the victim and his or her family are treated with dignity and respect by the defense. Lastly, these cases may include complex medical, liability, insurance, and even asset protection issues. The atto
ey will use his or her skill and experience to traverse these difficult issues and to explore all potential sources of recovery, thus doing hsi or her best to reach the maximum sum can and will be recovered to help the victim and his or her family. Like the claims show, the amount of recovery can be substantial.