Brain injuries vary greatly in severity.
If you think you have suffered a brain injury, it is important to see a physician to document your injuries and obtain medical treatment as soon as possible. It is also important to contact a lawyer to help you submit your claim to ICBC and ensure you receive a fair amount based on your unique circumstances and the facts surrounding your case.
Under the new injury compensation laws that apply to accidents effective April 1, 2019, a concussion (which is a type of brain injury) can be considered a “minor injury.” It is critical for accident victims that have suffered a brain injury to get a proper diagnosis and necessary treatment in order to protect, not only their health, but their injury claim.
Navigating the legal process on your own is complex and can be stressful. Involving an ICBC claims assistance lawyer from the beginning will ensure all deadlines are met and that you fully understand the claims process from start to finish. A Spraggs Law lawyer in the Lower Mainland can evaluate your situation and work on your behalf to obtain fair and reasonable compensation for your injuries.
Brain injuries: What You Need to Know
A brain injury is a disruption of normal brain function. Car accidents are the primary cause of brain injuries as they tend to occur by a blow to the head or whiplash. Brain injuries can occur without any loss of consciousness and even without any blow to the head (e.g. having head jarred in a car accident).
A brain injury is complex and the severity of symptoms may range from mild to severe, such as unconsciousness or amnesia. Symptoms may be physical, cognitive, behavioral and/or emotional.
Physical symptoms may include:
- Headaches and dizziness;
- Sensitivity to lights, noise or alcohol;
- Sleep disturbance;
- Decreased energy, quickness to fatigue or lethargy.
There may also be cognitive deficits, such as:
- Difficulty maintaining attention or concentrating;
- Short-term memory difficulties;
- Difficulty with the ability to plan and organize, or perform a number of things simultaneously.
Brain injuries may also cause behavioural and emotional changes:
- Irritability;
- Impulsiveness and not knowing what’s socially acceptable;
- Quickness to anger, a temper;
- Mood swings.
Because of this complex interplay of symptoms, deficits and changes, someone with a brain injury is often perceived by those close to them as a different person. Family members and long-time friends and colleagues are in the best position to identify and describe these changes.
If you think you have suffered a brain injury, it is important to discuss any symptoms or observations of others, with your physician. Your physician can order the necessary testing, refer a specialist and provide treatment recommendations.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, Spraggs Law can help.
Spraggs Law is there for you when life happens. We understand the financial constraints accident victims face, including a reduced income and uncovered amounts of medical and rehabilitation expenses. That’s why our fee is a percentage of your settlement and is paid only when you collect.
We pay all disbursements (including the costs of court filing fees, medical reports, etc.) on your behalf and defer the reimbursement of these expenses until the case is settled or decided. Disbursements are costs that you would incur even if you did not hire a lawyer to assist you with your claim. Contact us now for a free, no-obligation consultation.
