Brain injuries can instantly change the lives of both victims and their families. These terrifying injuries can be severe and unpredictable and often need extensive treatment or lifestyle changes.
Whether you have experienced a brain injury yourself or are watching a loved one suffer through one, you do not have to endure this difficult and overwhelming time by yourself.
At The Smith Law Center, we provide our clients with caring and quality legal representation so they can get the resources they need to move forward on their journey toward recovery. Our track record of success includes over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
A Portsmouth brain injury lawyer from our team can help you navigate the tricky legal system and work toward getting you compensation for your current and future medical expenses. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation or call us at (757) 244-7000.
“I’d like to thank the Smith Law Center for their services. They took very good care of me from start to finish. Kept in touch with me through my entire case. Got me a GREAT settlement and I’m very pleased and grateful for them. I know who to call in the future. Thank you, Mr. Holt and your team.”
- Client: Gary Moore
Common Causes of Brain Injuries
Whether a person suffers from a mild head injury or a traumatic brain injury, a brain injury of any kind is a serious condition and should receive medical attention and be closely monitored.
Individuals can sustain brain injuries in many ways. Some common causes of brain injuries include:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Catastrophic injuries
- DUI accidents
- Sports injuries
- Violent actions
- Explosions
- Combat
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can lead to complications if the right treatment is not provided in time.
A person could end up in a coma or vegetative state, be minimally conscious, or have no brain activity altogether. Other complications could include seizures, infection, damage to the body, headaches, vertigo, or a buildup of fluid.
Our Brain Injury Client Shares Their Experience Working With Our Team
Signs of Brain Injuries
Some brain injuries may show up right away, while others may not appear until later. Knowing the signs to look out for can make a significant impact on the health and prognosis of a brain injury victim. Some common signs to look out for include:
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Speech problems
- Vision problems
- Memory problems
- Sleeping problems
- Cognitive problems
- Changes in the level of consciousness
- Behavioral or mood changes
- Weakness or numbness
- Seizures
If you’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury, you may feel like your life will never be the same again. You’re likely facing physical pain, confusion, and frustration over having lost control of your future.
There still could be time to take legal action to not only get justice for what happened to you but financial support to carry you through this tough time. The Smith Law Center is ready and able to answer any questions you might have about your eligibility. Reach out to us online or call (757) 244-7000 today.
Types of Brain Injuries
Brain injuries can present in many different ways, and each type of brain injury has its own set of risks and complications. As a result, the course of action needed is heavily influenced by the type of brain injury a person sustained. Some common types of traumatic brain injuries include:
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Brain bleeds
- Brain swelling
- Diffuse axonal injury
- Fractures to the skull
- Penetration of the skull
- Fluid buildup in the brain
- Bruising of the brain
Additionally, brain injuries can also cause significant shifts in emotional and mental health. Individuals who have suffered from a brain injury can suffer from depression and anxiety after a brain injury.
Finding the best treatment for these conditions is dependent on understanding depression and anxiety after a brain injury and working with legal professionals to get the best therapies.
Sleep problems are another common challenge for those suffering from brain injuries. Some survivors may have trouble falling asleep, while others may sleep too much. When it comes to understanding the link between brain injuries and sleep, it is important to know that sleep patterns can be disrupted by a blow to the head.
Hear Attorney David Holt Discuss Our Approach to Brain Injury Cases:
The Implications of Brain Injuries
Brain injuries can disrupt every aspect of life for an injured individual and their family. From undergoing evaluations to understanding brain injury tests, the aftermath can be confusing and exhausting.
Brain injuries often take a long time to recover from — if at all — and age can have an impact on how well a patient heals and how quickly.
While younger patients and children have a higher probability of recovering due to their neuroplasticity, children are also more susceptible to sustaining head injuries.
From sports injuries to household products and accidents, brain injuries in Virginia children occur in large numbers every year. Another risk is anoxic brain injury in infants, where oxygen deprivation to a baby’s brain causes severe injuries.
“We’re always ready for trial. Sometimes to get it done, you have to fight harder.”
- Attorney David Holt
How a Brain Injury Attorney in Portsmouth Can Help You
A brain injury attorney in Portsmouth can be a vital asset to you during this tough time. By hiring a lawyer, you get the peace of mind that your case will receive a thorough assessment, investigation, and representation.
A lawyer will negotiate on your behalf and establish that your injuries were a result of another party’s negligence. According to Virginia law, the state and therefore, Portsmouth, follow a pure contributory negligence approach.
This means that the offending party must be 100% at fault, and the slightest amount of fault from the injured party can prevent them from claiming compensation.
With the stakes so high—where even a fraction of fault on your part can jeopardize your ability to receive compensation—a knowledgeable attorney can help you build an airtight case.
Types of Damages You Could Recover
Picking up the pieces after suffering a brain injury at someone else’s hands can be overwhelming and disheartening. With one moment, your life has turned upside down forever.
While it cannot change the current circumstances you face, a brain injury lawyer in Portsmouth can get you justice and compensation so you are able to begin healing.
With the help of a lawyer, you can recover reparations for:
- Economic damages, such as medical expenses and care, lost income from not being able to work, as well as property damages you may have sustained.
- Non-economic damages for the horrific situation you are experiencing, such as emotional distress, pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment and quality of life.
- Punitive damages awarded to you as punishment to the at-fault party if the person who caused you harm was grossly negligent.
Discover Your Options with a Brain Injury Lawyer in Portsmouth
When you work with a Portsmouth brain injury attorney, you receive assurance that your case is being handled by a seasoned, award-winning team that can get you results.
Taking on a brain injury case on your own can quickly become overwhelming as you try to juggle your recovery, family, and finances. With an experienced legal team on your side, you can find peace of mind again and shift your attention back to what is most important: your health.
Not only can a lawyer help you begin regaining control of your life and future again, but studies show that partnering with an attorney can significantly improve the outcomes of cases.
For example, a study by Martindale-Nolo found that people who hired a lawyer received an average compensation of $77,600, while those who represented themselves averaged just $17,600.
About Smith Law Center
Why Hire a Portsmouth Brain Injury Lawyer at The Smith Law Center
At The Smith Law Center, we protect your rights so you do not get taken advantage of, we advocate for you from beginning to end, and we negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
Our distinguished firm has been making a real difference in people’s lives in Portsmouth, Virginia, and beyond for over 75 years.
We have seen the financial strain and emotional toll brain injuries have had on survivors. That’s why we fight for fair compensation for every case we take on. Our team has recovered life-changing monetary support for clients, including a $9 million award for a motorcyclist located in Portsmouth who developed a traumatic brain injury after an accident.
Get a 100% free case review today by contacting us online or calling (757) 244-7000 and start your path toward healing today.
FAQ
Portsmouth Brain Injury FAQs
How Long Do I Have to File a Brain Injury Claim in Portsmouth, Virginia?
In Portsmouth, Virginia, you usually have two years from the date of your brain injury to file a claim. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. It’s important to start your claim as soon as possible, so you can begin building a strong claim. If you miss the deadline, you could miss out on your chance at compensation.
How Long Will My Brain Injury Case Take?
The time it takes to resolve a brain injury claim depends on several factors, like the specific details of your accident and whether your case goes to trial. A case can take anywhere from a few months to a couple of years, but there is no guaranteed timeline. However, your lawyer will work hard to make the process smooth and efficient, keeping you updated along the way.
How Much Does It Cost to Work With a Portsmouth Brain Injury Lawyer?
At The Smith Law Center, we understand that your life can be financially stressful following an injury. We want to ensure we are able to serve anyone who has been wrongly harmed in an accident without finances acting as a barrier to quality legal help. That’s why we work on a contingency fee, meaning you won’t pay anything unless we win your case.
Will My Brain Injury Case Go to Trial?
Not necessarily. Oftentimes, these cases can be settled out of court if both parties can agree on fair compensation. While a settlement can be faster, sometimes the other side may be unwilling to meet your demands and offer a fair amount. In such cases, you may need to go to trial. Our team at The Smith Law Center is prepared to advocate for you, whether through negotiation or in the courtroom.