Average TBI Injury Settlements in North Carolina
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most common causes of disability and death in the United States. A 2014 report found that an average of 155 people in the US dies every day from injuries related to traumatic brain injuries. Those who survived traumatic brain injuries can face challenging ongoing symptoms, such as personality changes, mobility challenges, and cognitive impairment. Traumatic brain injuries can be caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head that disrupts brain function. Traumatic brain injuries range from mild to severe, causing significant memory loss and an extended period of unconsciousness.
If you or your loved one have suffered a traumatic brain injury caused by another person's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, our personal injury lawyers have helped many Charlotte-area clients successfully obtain the compensation they deserve in their traumatic brain injury cases. We can help you estimate the value of your traumatic brain injury claim. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation to learn how to fight for your right to compensation.
Symptoms Caused by Traumatic Brain InjuriesThe value of your traumatic brain injury claim depends on multiple factors, including the severity of your brain injury. We recommend undergoing a thorough medical examination as soon as possible after your accident. Understanding your brain injury’s exact status through clinical testing, including an MRI, can help you succeed in your legal claim. When diagnosing a traumatic brain injury, doctors will also ask a series of questions to identify the symptoms you are facing and their severity. Traumatic brain injury symptoms including:
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurred or tired eyes
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness
- Confusion
- Headache
- Difficulty concentrating
- Seizures or convulsions
- Repeated nausea and vomiting
- Headaches that worsen or persistent headaches
Sometimes people assume that traumatic brain injury symptoms go away over time. Unfortunately, even patients with minor traumatic brain injuries, also known as concussions, can continue to experience symptoms for over a year. A large part of your claim’s value depends on how your traumatic brain injury symptoms limit you in your day-to-day activities. If you are unable to work because of your symptoms, your claim will be more valuable. Additionally, if you are immobile or have restricted mobility from your TBI, your claim will be worth more.
If you become totally or partially paralyzed due to your traumatic brain injury, claims may possibly be worth well over $1 million. However, if you suffered mild symptoms and were able to leave the hospital after a day, your claim could possibly be worth up to several thousands of dollars, depending on your medical bills and the time you needed to take off of work.
Factors to Consider When Valuing a TBI LawsuitValuing a TDI claim is not a simple process. Multiple factors go into estimating what your TBI injury claim is worth. Traumatic brain injuries are different from other injuries because the patient’s symptoms can worsen over time and may fluctuate. We will discuss some of the factors you and your lawyer will need to consider when you begin negotiating your settlement amount:
- Medical Treatment: The cost of medical care has increased dramatically over the last decade. Even one simple visit to the emergency room can cost an uninsured patient over $20,000. When surgery is necessary, the cost of a traumatic brain injury can skyrocket to over $100,000. When a TBI patient needs care in a rehabilitative facility, the medical bills can be extremely high because the people caring for him or her are specialized medical professionals. Evaluating your past and future medical costs is an important first step in evaluating your medical claim’s total value.
- Hospital care: Most traumatic brain injury patients require hospitalization for over a week. Some hospitals charge thousands of dollars a day, depending on the specific medical treatments you require. Between an ambulance ride and hospital stay, the medical bills related to immediate treatment of a traumatic brain injury can be financially devastating.
- Non-Medical Factors: When determining the value of your claim, you also need to consider non-medical factors, such as how your traumatic brain injury affects your personal life. Are you unable to spend meaningful time with your spouse and children? Have you lost your ability to pursue your dream career? All of these factors contribute to valuing your claim.
If you have experienced a traumatic brain injury caused by another person's negligence, the best thing you can do is speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer. Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC, today to schedule your free initial consultation. We will review your case and provide you with an estimated value for what your plan could be worth.