Consequences Of Car Accidents Resulting In Brain Injury
By: J. Hernandez
Submitted: 2010-11-06 02:45:34 | Word Count: 916
A closed head injury is among the most severe sorts of injuries from car accidents. Typical problems related to a closed head injury include permanent 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 complex, requiring an understanding of the medical aspects of closed head injuries, the ability to communicate and work well with the victim of the injury and his or her family, as well as the skill to ensure that the victim is treated with respect by the defense, that the victim's rights are fully protected, and that all sources of potential recovery are fully pursued.
Examine the following cases:
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In the first lawsuit the driver of a passenger van hit the back of a car that was at a complete 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 transported the driver of the automobile to a hospital closeby. The fifty year old woman was confused and disoriented both of which can mean a closed head injury. In addition, the woman had major 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. In addition, she had to undergo various surgeries. Among them were a total knee replacement. She additionally suffered from infections to her wound. She was afflicted with a deep depression and experiencing issues with her memory. She incurred almost a quarter million dollars in medical expenses. The law firm that represented the woman published that they achieved a settlement for $1,350,000 on behalf of the plaintiff.
In another lawsuit a driver went right through an intersection that had both a stop sign and flashing lights. When he did so his van collided with a car driven by a 31 year old woman. For five months following the accident, she was in a coma. As a result of the accident she suffered a head injury that caused her to have problems with concentration and short-term memory. She also experiences motor problems. She is now permanently disabled. As a result of her disability she needs living assistance. She was unable to got back to her job which had paid her $30,000 a year. The law firm that represented the woman pursued claims against both the driver and the driver's employer (because the driver was acting within the scope of his employment at the time the accident occurred). The firm published that the matter settled for $7.0 million present value. The settlement included a $3 million immediate cash payment.
As the claims above show head injuries from motor vehicle accidents may cause the victim to suffer considerable and even devastating lifelong disabilities. In addition to any physical injuries from the accident the victim can go through memory problems and debilitating 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 without the ability to create any new short term memories. Imagine not not knowing your spouse, your children, your parents. Envision your personality being altered to such an extent that your own family can no longer relate to you. Think about becoming seriously depressed or violent toward those you've always loved. Imagine no longer being able to recall words, to name objects, or even to carry on extended conversations. Picture not being able to plan for the future. Think about not being able to do your job. Think about no longer being able to control your movements. For most people this would be unimaginable. For victims of closed head injuries from motor vehicle living with these sorts of impairments turns into their reality.
In cases like this the family of the victim should seek out the assistance of a highly skilled car accident lawyer experienced in handling lawsuits involving head injuries. The attorney can guide the victim and the family in getting comprehensive neuropsychological testing in order to completely figure out the nature and extent of the injury. Also, if it is necessary to that he case to trial the lawyer will see to it that the matter is handled professionally and that the victim and his or her family are treated with dignity and respect by the defense. Lastly, these cases can involve complex medical, liability, insurance, and even asset protection issues. The attorney will use his or her skill and experience to navigate through these difficult issues and to explore all potential sources of recovery, thus doing hsi or her best to reach the maximum sum can and will be recovered to protect the future for the victim and his or her family. As the lawsuits above demonstrate, the amount of settlement or award can be significant.
Author Resource:-
Joseph Hernandez is an Attorney accepting automobile accident cases. You can learn more about
how a motor vehicle accident lawyer can help youand about other cases including fatal car crash cases visit the websites
