Traumatic brain injuries are among the most serious injuries a person can experience after an accident. Unlike visible injuries, the effects of a brain injury may not be immediately apparent. Symptoms can develop gradually and can significantly affect a person’s ability to enjoy life as they did before the accident.
In Pennsylvania, when a brain injury is caused by another party’s negligence, the injured individual may be entitled to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. Our experienced Harrisburg personal injury attorneys can help you pursue justice for your pain.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury occurs when a sudden impact, blow, or jolt disrupts normal brain function. These injuries are frequently caused by motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall incidents, other premises liability cases, workplace accidents, and sports-related injuries. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Victims may experience:
- Persistent headaches
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dizziness
- Mood changes
- Sleep disturbances
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Depression
- Anxiety
Because symptoms can vary significantly from person to person, extensive medical documentation is vital in establishing the full impact of the injury.
How a TBI Can Increase the Value of a Personal Injury Claim
Traumatic brain injuries often result in greater damages than many other types of personal injuries due to their lasting effects. A successful personal injury claim may include compensation for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In severe cases, a victim may require lifelong medical care or assistance with daily activities. These future costs can significantly affect the overall value of a claim. Your attorney can help you gather relevant evidence to help maximize your compensation.
Under 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of the injury. While this timeline may seem long, it’s important to start your case as early as possible. Failing to file within the two-year deadline can result in the court dismissing your case entirely.
Challenges Commonly Seen in TBI Cases
Traumatic brain injury claims can be more complex than other personal injury cases. Because of how severe these injuries can range and how long they can last, insurance companies frequently challenge these claims. They may question the severity of the injury, argue that symptoms are unrelated to the accident, point to pre-existing medical conditions, or dispute the need for future medical treatment.
An experienced attorney can work with medical professionals to establish the connection between the accident and the injury while accurately calculating the full extent of your losses.
Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Harrisburg Can Help You
We understand how challenging life can become after sustaining a traumatic brain injury. The attorneys at Marzella & Associates have extensive experience handling complex personal injury matters for clients throughout Harrisburg and surrounding Pennsylvania communities.
To learn more about your legal options through a free case evaluation, contact a personal injury attorney in Harrisburg, PA, today by calling 717-234-7828 or through our online contact form.