A head injury implicates not just the head, face, scalp or skull. A head injury can also mean that the brain has suffered trauma. In fact, with most serious injuries to the head, the brain has been damaged. For example, one of the most common types of serious head injuries is a concussion which occurs when the brain is jarred by violent hit to the head. Head injuries commonly occur in slip and fall accidents, construction accidents, car accidents and bike accidents. More often than not, the injury was caused because someone was negligent, and could have been avoided. Head injuries cause victims not only health challenges, but also financial challenges as victims face high medical bills and often miss a significant amount of work. In order to help victims with their medical bills, lost wages and other losses, the law allows victims to file personal injury claims against those who caused the injuries. If you or someone you care about is suffering from a head injury caused by the negligence of another person, it is important that you immediately contact an experienced Staten Island head injury lawyer who will help you recover compensation for your losses.
Causes and symptoms of head injuriesThe leading cause of injuries to the head are falls. In some cases the falls occur in premises accidents, while in other cases falls occur in the workplace, including at construction sites. Head injuries also are common in vehicle accidents as well as bike accidents. Football players, soccer, players, gymnasts, divers and other athletes also suffer head injuries in sport or recreational accidents.
When a victim suffers a serious head injury, the symptoms can vary. In some cases the symptoms are cognitive such as memory loss or confusion. In other cases the signs are behavioral such as impulsivity or anger. Head injury victims often feel ill and complain of headaches, nausea and sensitivity to light or sound.
Symptoms of head injuries such as concussions sometimes resolve themselves on their own over time with minimal medical intervention. In other cases victims must have surgery, spend time in the hospital, and require physical therapy. Some victims never fully recover.
HypotheticalBrian was riding his motorcycle when a drunk driver hit him head on. Brian suffered a severe head injury and fell into a coma which lasted for 20 days, and was in hospital a total of 30 days. Brian then had months of physical therapy. As a result of head injury and other injuries suffered in the accident, Brian was unable to work for over a year. Because of his substantial medical bills and his inability to work, Brian faced significant financial problems. He contacted a head injury attorney in Staten Island to help him file a claim against the drunk driver who caused the accident.
Damages for a head injuryHead injuries can be very serious, causing trauma to the brain. A brain injury can lead to cognitive problems, loss of sight, loss of hearing, mobility problems and many other challenges. While in some cases the side effects and complications resolve over time with therapy, surgery and other treatment, there are many cases in which the damage is permanent.
If the injury was caused by another person's negligent actions, under New York law you have the right to demand that the negligent personal pay for your losses. This will undoubtedly include your medical expenses. In cases where the damage is permanent and you require lifelong care, you can demand that the defendant pay not only your past medical expenses, but the future medical expenses related to your head injury.
Other damages include lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Head and brain injuries are sometimes fatal. If a loved one passes away are s result of a head injury, you can demand wrongful death damages.
Contact the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & AssociatesIf you or a loved one was injured in an accident that resulted in an injury to the head, contact an experienced head injury attorney who serves victims in State Island. The staff at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates is experienced representing clients who have been sustained head injuries and other types of traumatic injuries in auto, truck, motorcycle, boat, and construction accidents. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.