Nassau County Brain Injury

Statistics report that up to 1.7 million people in the U.S. are involved in accidents that result in a serious brain damage. According to the Centers for Disease Control 52,000 of these people die (many of which are wrongful deaths); 275,000 are hospitalized for long periods of time; and 1.365 million suffer injuries which require emergency room treatment. A brain injury is one of the most serious types of injuries a victim can suffer in a construction accident, auto accident, fall, or other types of accidents. A victim of an injury to the brain may experience memory loss, problems with mobility, balance issues, and cognitive problems. In the most serious cases the victim may fall into a coma or pass away. If you need an injury attorney because you or a family member suffered an injury to the brain in an accident that was caused by another person's negligence or intentional act, it is critical that you discuss your case with an experienced New York personal injury lawyer as you may be entitled to money for your medical expenses, lost wages and other losses related to your injuries.

Common causes of brain injury include:

• 35% are caused by falls at construction sites, on broken or cracked sidewalks, falls on staircases and other types of falls
• 17% are occur in motor vehicle accidents
• 16% are caused by blows to the head
• 10% are due to assaults where the victim is hit in the head or shoved to the ground

For example, in the case of Reeves v. 1710 Broadway, LLC, 2012 NY Slip Op 30200 (N.Y. Sup. Ct., 2012), plaintiff Kevin Reeves filed a lawsuit against defendant 1710 Broadway, LLC after slipping and falling on a set of stairs on the defendant's property. Reeves testified that there was water on the staircase. As a result of the fall, Reeves suffered a traumatic brain injury.

Types of a brain damage

The types of brain injury include:

• Contusions: A contusion to the brain is a bruising of the brain. Contusions commonly occur in car accidents or in falls when the brain accelerates and then stops abruptly, damaging the soft tissue in the brain.
• Bleeding in the brain. Bleeding in the brain is also referred to as an intracranial hemorrhage. Bleeding in the brain can be caused by a fall or a punch or blow to the head.
• Oxygen deprivation. When the brain is deprived of oxygen brain cells can die. Brain injuries caused by oxygen can be caused by bleeding in the brain due to a blow to the head. It can also be caused by medical mistakes such as errors made by medical staff during labor and delivery.

Recovering compensation

Brain injuries are extremely serious. A victim who suffers a brain injury may require significant treatment and a long recovery time. As a result the medical bills are substantial and the victim may not be able to return to work for an extended period. The financial stress caused by medical bills and inability to work will affect the victim and the victim's family. The law allows victims of negligence to demand payment from the person who caused the accident. Recovery may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.

• Medical expenses. In addition to the treatment in the emergency room and hospital in the moments and days immediately after the accident, victims of brain injuries often must contend with symptoms that take weeks, months and even years to resolve such as headaches, seizures, memory problems, and vision problems. Through a personal injury lawsuit you can demand payment for medication, physical therapy, occupational therapy, rehabilitation, chiropractic care, and medical equipment.
• Lost wages. While recovering you may not be able to return to work for a while. The negligent party may be ordered to pay you the wages you lost while you were recovering. If your brain injury results in you not being able to return to the same job and impacts your future ability to earn money, you can demand that the negligent party pay you for your loss of earning potential.
• Pain and suffering. Another compensable loss is related to the physical pain you experience as well as the emotional pain you suffer. Evidence of emotional suffering includes a change in your emotional or mental state such as aggression, impulsivity, inability to sleep well, depression, and psychosis.

Contact the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates

If you or a loved one was injured in an accident that resulted in a brain injury, contact an experienced attorney who understands both the legal issues associated with personal injury cases as well as the medical and emotional issues associated with traumatic brain injuries. The staff at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates is experienced in handling personal injury and wrongful death cases stemming from auto, truck, motorcycle, boat, and construction accidents. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a consultation regarding your case. The consultation is free and there is no obligation. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.

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