Settlements In Lawsuits Claiming Head Injuries As A Result Of Motor Vehicle Accidents Amounting To Over $1.0 Million
By: J. Hernandez
Submitted: 2010-07-27 14:00:20 | Word Count: 891
A closed head injury is among the most severe sorts of injuries from car accidents. Typical issues related to a closed head injury include lifelong personality changes, motor control deficits, short and long-term memory problems, and language problems. Due to the nature and extent of the damage to the victim of a closed head injury these motor vehicle accident cases are often complicatedThe lawyer representing the plaintiff needs to have a detailed understanding of the medicine involved in 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 locate all assets hat could be applied to a settlement or award.
Consider the following cases:
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In this case the driver of a passenger van hit the back of a car that was at a full stopwith the turn signal activated waiting to take a left turn. The force of the impact sent the car into a nearby ditch. Police and emergency respondents took the driver of the vehicle to a nearby hospital. The fifty year old female victim was confused and disoriented both of which can be due to a 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. Furthermore, she had to undergo various surgeries. Among them were a total knee replacement. She additionally endured infections to her wound. The accident left her with a serious depression and memory problems. She accrued approximately $230,000 in medical expenses. The law firm that handled this matter reported that they were able to negotiate a settlement for $1,350,000 for the woman.
In the next case a driver drove into an intersection without obeying the stop sign and flashing lights. As he entered the intersection his van struck a car driven by a 31 year old woman. She stayed in a coma for 5 months. Her head injury left her with motor control issues, memory issues and concentration issues. She is now permanently disabled. As a result of her disability she needs living assistance. She could not got back to her job which had paid her $30,000 a year. The law firm that handled this case intiated claims against not only the driver but also the driver's employer (as the driver was acting within the scope of his employment when the accident occurred). The firm reported that the matter settled for $7.0 million present value. The first $3,000,000 was to be paid out in cash.
As the cases above show head injuries from motor vehicle accidents can leave the victim with considerable and even devastating irreversible effects. Aside from any physical injuries from the accident the plaintiff can face memory problems and incapacitating depression (Case 1), and concentration, short-term memory loss and motor control deficits (Case 2). A person's entire future can change after a head injury.
Picture spending the rest of your life not being able to build any new short term memories. Imagine not not knowing your spouse, your children, your parents. Think about your personality being altered so much that your own family can no longer relate to you. Think about becoming seriously depressed or violent toward those you've always loved. Picture losing the ability to remember words, to name objects, or even to have an engaging discussion with someone. Imagine not being able to plan for the future. Envision no longer being able to handle your work. Envision losing full control of your body. For most of us such a world is unimaginable. For victims of closed head injuries from motor vehicle accidents one or more of these become a reality.
In situations such as this the family of the victim should request the assistance of a highly skilled motor vehicle accident attorney experienced in handling cases regarding head injuries. The attorney will be able to guide the victim and the family in obtaining comprehensive neuropsychological testing in order to accurately establish the nature and extent of the injury. Moreover, should it be necessary to that he matter to trial the attorney will work to make sure that the matter is handled professionally and that the victim and his or her family are shown respect by the defense. Lastly, these cases can include complex medical, liability, insurance, and even asset protection issues. The lawyer will use his or her skill and experience to traverse these complex issues and to identify all potential sources of recovery, hence 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 matters above exhibit, the amount of recovery can be substantial.
Author Resource:-
Joseph Hernandez is an Attorney accepting personal injury accident cases. For additional information about
vehicle accident mattersand about other cases including fatal car accident cases visit the websites
