The brain is the command center for the human body—without the constant chemical and electrical signals sent out by the brain, the rest of the body cannot function. In addition to voluntary functions such as walking, speaking, and using one’s hands, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can also affect involuntary functions like digestion, breathing, and heart rhythms.
Any time a TBI results from the actions of another party, the injured person and their family have the right to demand compensation. It does not matter if the injury was the result of an accident or an intentional act—either way, the responsible party may bear civil liability and face civil lawsuits from injured plaintiffs and their proactive personal injury attorneys.
If someone else’s negligent or purposeful act caused you to suffer a TBI, a Cook County traumatic brain injury lawyer could help you pursue compensation for your losses. This could include payments for any outstanding medical costs, medical costs for the future, and any lost earning potential now affecting your finances.
How a Traumatic Brain Injury May Occur
The simplest means for a traumatic brain injury to occur is a direct blow to the head. Although the brain is protected by both the skull and a cushion of fluid, this can only do so much in the event of a traumatic impact. Incidents such as car crashes, falling accidents, or even assaults can result in an impact injury that causes severe damage inside a victim’s head.
A TBI could also result from a lack of oxygen arriving to the organ. Just like all other parts of the body, the brain needs adequate oxygen to perform its function, and a lack thereof due to suffocation, drowning, or assault will cause the tissue inside the brain to die. Modern medicine has no means to regenerate brain tissue, and as a result, these injuries are unfortunately permanent.
All traumatic brain injury cases are controlled by the Illinois statute of limitations, provided in 735 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/12-901. This law states that a court will only hear a case alleging personal injury if the plaintiff files an associated claim no more than two years from the date of the injury. A Cook County traumatic brain injury lawyer could help investigate the facts that led such a case in a timely fashion and ensure the plaintiff files their case on time with the court.
The Consequences of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Injuries to the brain are among the most serious a person may be forced to endure. While other injuries such as broken bones, burns, or amputations are apparent to the naked eye, brain injuries can often be hidden from plain sight. Despite this, a TBI can have catastrophic consequences for a victim’s future, resulting in life-altering injuries and conditions such as:
- Paralysis
- Loss of ability to independently breathe
- Impaired cognition
- Loss of motor skills
- Loss of speech
The brain serves as the control center for the body, and any damage to this control center’s ability to observe the world, make decisions, and execute on actions could leave a person unable to care for their own needs. Sometimes, TBI victims may even need to rely on machines to perform vital functions such as breathing and blood circulation.
Fortunately, any losses stemming from a TBI someone else causes are compensable injuries. If a plaintiff can connect another party’s behavior to their injury, a court may obligate that person or entity to provide compensation. A traumatic brain injury lawyer in Cook County could assist potential plaintiffs with identifying the proper defendant, gathering evidence of their losses, and demanding appropriate compensation.
How a Cook County Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney Could Help
A traumatic brain injury can forever affect your quality of life. Even if you are able to maintain a degree of independence following the injury, you may require permanent medical care and daily assistance for the rest of your life.
If these injuries stem from another party’s intentional act or negligence, you may be eligible to seek compensation for medical bills, lost earning potential, loss of enjoyment of life, and more. A Cook County traumatic brain injury lawyer could be dedicated to helping you pursue this compensation and improve your life as much as possible after such a devastating injury. Call today to schedule a consultation and see what options may be available in your case.
