A traumatic brain injury is a debilitating injury. Because such an injury is often permanent, victims' lives are often drastically changed. For example, the victim may not be able to return to the same job as before the accident. In some cases the victim of such a head injury may not be able to return to work at all. A brain trauma may also include other injuries such as a spinal injury, broken bones, or paralysis. Such an injury may even lead to a loss of vision or a loss of hearing. The result of such a serious injury may be extended treatment, permanent disabilities, lost work and financial challenges. If you are suffering a brain injury, there are options for financial help. Contact an experienced Suffolk County brain injury lawyer as you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit, workers' compensation, or another source.
Recovering compensationThe top causes of brain injuries are falls, vehicle accidents, blows to head and assaults. In most cases these accidents are caused because someone other than the victim was negligent, or because someone intentionally harmed the victim. A brain injury can cause the victim to have critical injuries that require extended treatment, and in some cases long-term, costly care. A brain injury may make it challenging for the victim to work. The combination of substantial medical bills and the inability to work can mean financial challenges for the both the victim and his or her family.
The good news is that in New York the law allows seriously injured victims to file claims and demand compensation from those who caused the injuries. For example, if the defendant sped through a red light, collided with you, and caused your brain injury, you could demand compensation from that person. Similarly, if the defendant assaulted you with a baseball bat, and caused your brain injury, you could demand compensation. In order to prevail in a personal injury lawsuit you must be able to prove that the defendant was negligent, and that you were injured as a result of that negligence.
If your brain injury happened in a work-related accident, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. New York's workers' compensation laws state that injured parties are entitled to compensation if they sustain a work-related injury. Compensation often comes in the form of medical expenses, lost income and benefits, loss of ability to earn, and more. However, it is important to note that worker's compensation benefits are limited. Just because the accident occurred at work does not necessarily mean that you are limited to the benefits available through workers' compensation.
HypotheticalOn the way home from work, Carrie's car was hit head-on by Paul, who had drifted into her lane. Carrie hit her head and suffered a traumatic brain injury. As a result of the accident, Carrie suffered regular, severe headaches. The brain injury that she suffered in the accident left her unable to perform many of the tasks that she performed prior to the accident. She contacted a brain injury attorney in Suffolk County and filed a personal injury lawsuit. Through testimony from her doctors, family members and friends, it was proven that as a result of the accident, Carrie:
It is likely that Carrie will be awarded significant compensation for her medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & AssociatesIf you or a loved one was injured in an accident that resulted in a brain injury, contact an experienced brain injury attorney serving Suffolk County 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 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.