Orange County Brain Injury Lawyer
Orange County Brain Damage Attorney
A brain injury can occur in any number of ways. A brain injury can result from a car accident, a fistfight, a slip and fall or a motorcycle accident, to name just some. Brain injuries may result in brain damage, which can affect mental and physical abilities.
When an accident results in a head injury and causes brain damage, the brain damage can be temporary or permanent. In severe cases, the brain damage victim can find it difficult to work, conduct normal social interactions, walk or control muscle movements.
Whatever the extent of the brain injury, the brain damage victim is likely to need medical care and also rehabilitation and nursing care. This care is expensive. When someone else caused the accident that led to the brain injury, they may be legally responsible to pay the victim's expenses and compensate the victim for other losses.
When a brain injury occurs, the victim or victim's family should consult promptly with an Orange County brain damage attorney. The attorney can explain the brain injury victim's legal rights and help ensure that damages are recovered to the extent provided by law.
The Warning Signs of Brain Damage
After suffering some form of brain injury, the victim may show immediate signs of brain damage. The head injury victim who cannot remember his name or describe his whereabouts is the classic TV example. But the signs of brain damage may sometimes be more subtle. They include:
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Memory loss or confusion.
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Deficits in hearing, taste or sight.
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Difficulty maintaining balance and coordination.
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Diminished strength.
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Ringing in the ears.
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Paralysis.
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Slurred speech or inability to find the right words.
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Personality changes.
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Persistent sleepiness or wakefulness.
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Chronic head or neck pain.
Brain damage symptoms may be present immediately following a brain injury. They can also wait days or even weeks to become apparent. The brain injury victim may begin to have trouble remembering. Family may observe that the victim grows increasingly rude or combative. When such problems emerge, it is crucial that the brain injury victim get immediate medical attention.
Lawsuits by Accident Victims with Brain Damage
Under the law applicable in Orange County, when someone suffers a brain injury in an accident, the one at fault for the injury is legally responsible for paying the victim's monetary damages. In some cases, multiple parties may be at fault.
Take the example of a driver who suffers a brain injury that leads to brain damage when a semi-truck hits his car on an Orange County highway. In such a case, the brain damage victim's attorney might recommend a lawsuit against:
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The truck's driver.
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The owner of the trucking company.
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The truck maintenance contractor that failed to properly fix the truck's brakes.
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The government entity responsible for maintaining the road.
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The contractor hired to maintain the road.
Monetary Recovery for Brain Injury Victims
No two brain injury victims will have the same degree of brain damage. Some people are rendered comatose by a brain injury. Some brain injury victims will die almost immediately or when taken off life support. Other brain injury victims will suffer only minimal consequences and continue their lives and careers with little or no disruption.
These variations in the degree and severity of brain injuries mean there can be no simple formula for awarding damages in brain injury lawsuits. Instead, the judge or jury will weigh a variety of circumstances to decide the correct amount:
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Medical expenses.
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Lost income.
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Ongoing life care.
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Pain and suffering.
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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Punitive damages.
Generally speaking, the victim of a severe brain injury who needs round-the-clock care would receive a higher award than a brain injury victim whose brain damage is slight and who requires little or no care.
Selecting a Brain Injury Attorney in Orange County
Finding an experienced lawyer for a brain injury case is particularly important. Brain injury cases are uniquely complex. Brain damage is often not visible to a jury. In such cases, the Orange County brain injury lawyer may use medical experts to prove the extent of the brain damage. Testimony of family, friends and colleagues may also be required. They will testify about the changes brought on by the victim's brain injury.
Investigating and presenting such cases is complicated. An attorney with experience in handling these highly intricate cases is the brain-injured victim's best hope.
The Reeves Law Group has over a 20-year track record in handling personal injury cases in Orange County. Our lawyers have the backing of the firm's financial assets and outstanding support systems. We are ready to take your brain damage case through settlement negotiation and trial, if necessary. For a free consultation with an Orange County brain damage lawyer, contact The Reeves Law Group at (800) 644-8000 or e-mail us.