Brain Injury

Jefferson Brain Injury Lawyer

Are you dealing with the aftermath of a brain injury in Jefferson, Wisconsin? Do you feel overwhelmed about what to do next? The compassionate legal team at LawtonCates can help. Our team has served South Central Wisconsin since 1958, so we have a long history of guiding people in situations like yours through the most challenging times of their lives.

With LawtonCates, you’ll have a dedicated team working to help you cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses resulting from your injury. We can help you understand your rights, build a strong case on your behalf, and demand the compensation you deserve from those responsible for your injury.

Contact LawtonCates today for your free, no-obligation consultation with a Jefferson brain injury attorney. Let’s start fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.

What a Traumatic Brain Injury in Jefferson, Wisconsin, Attorney Can Do

If you or someone close to you suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), you need and deserve professional legal assistance for your injury claim. Here’s what a brain injury lawyer in Jefferson can do for you:

• Evaluate your case and advise you on your options
• Investigate the accident to gather additional evidence
• Consult medical experts to assess the extent of your injury
• Analyze your medical bills and other records to calculate your expenses
• Promptly file all necessary legal documents and paperwork
• Communicate with all parties involved in your case
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
• Advise you on whether to settle or go to trial
• Represent you in court, if necessary
• Protect your rights throughout the legal process
• Update you regularly on the progress of your case

While we do this, you can be secure in the knowledge that you have a highly accomplished legal professional protecting your rights and presenting a compelling case. This will allow you to concentrate on what’s most important to you: your ongoing treatment and recovery.

What Compensation Can I Pursue for a Traumatic Brain Injury?

When you file a brain injury claim, you can demand monetary compensation for the financial expenses and personal harm you have suffered as a result of your injury. Depending on the circumstances, this could include brain injury compensation for:

How Long Do I Have to File a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawsuit in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin state law provides a specific deadline for pursuing your legal rights. For most personal injury cases, including those involving brain injuries, this period is generally three years from the date of the injury. There could be exceptions, though, so you should contact a Jefferson brain injury lawyer at LawtonCates for the filing date specific to your particular case.

Because the deadline is strict, it underscores the importance of taking swift action. Waiting too long to take legal action can cost you your chance to sue altogether. This means you would miss out on the opportunity to secure financial support for medical bills, lost wages, and other hardships caused by your injury.

Starting the legal process soon after your injury allows you to meet relevant deadlines and keep your options open. A lawyer can work on your behalf to handle all the necessary legal steps, gather the required evidence, and file your brain injury lawsuit within the time limits. By hiring a lawyer early on in the process, you can move your claim forward without delay and have a better chance of securing the compensation you need.

What Are the Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries?

Traumatic brain injuries vary widely in their severity and impact on the brain. Different people have different symptoms and prognoses, depending on the nature of the head trauma. Here are some common types of brain injuries:

• Concussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injury. They occur when a blow or jolt to the head causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth within the skull. This movement can damage brain cells and create chemical changes in the brain.
• Contusions are bruises on the brain caused by direct impacts to the head. Like bruises on other parts of the body, contusions in the brain result in bleeding and swelling, which can lead to pressure build-up and damage to brain tissue.
• Diffuse axonal injuries occur when the brain shifts inside the skull as a result of rapid twisting, acceleration, or deceleration, such as in a car accident. This motion can tear long connecting nerve fibers (axons) in the brain, disrupting regular communication and brain function.
• Coup-contrecoup injuries happen when an impact force damages the brain at the site of impact and causes it to hit the opposite side of the skull, creating a second injury. This type of injury can lead to extensive swelling in the brain, causing further damage.
• Penetrating brain injuries occur when an object like a bullet or shard of skull enters the brain, causing a path of destruction through the brain tissue. These injuries can be life-threatening, often requiring immediate medical attention to address the damage and minimize further harm.
• Hypoxic brain injuries result from a partial lack of oxygen to the brain. Hypoxia can occur due to several factors, including choking, drowning, or cardiac arrest. Even a few minutes without enough oxygen can cause significant damage, affecting cognitive functions and physical abilities.
• Anoxic brain injuries are a more severe form of hypoxic injury where the brain receives no oxygen at all. This total lack of oxygen can lead to the death of brain cells within minutes, resulting in widespread brain damage and severe, long-lasting impairments.
• Second impact syndrome occurs when an individual suffers a second concussion before the damage from an initial concussion has fully healed, leading to rapid and severe brain swelling. Even if the second concussion is a relatively mild brain injury on its own, this condition can be fatal or result in permanent brain damage.

What Are Common Causes of Brain Injuries in Wisconsin?

Brain injuries can occur in a variety of situations, impacting individuals of all ages and walks of life. These injuries often result from sudden or violent impacts to the head, but they can also develop in less obvious circumstances. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most common causes of brain injuries are:

• Falls, including slip-and-falls
• Motor vehicle collisions
• Assaults and acts of violence

Among the more frequent causes:

What Are Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury?

Head injury symptoms can vary widely based on the nature and severity of the trauma. Here are some common symptoms of mild to moderate brain injuries:

Brain injuries that are more severe can lead to more intense and lasting symptoms, affecting both physical and cognitive functions. Here are some common symptoms of moderate to severe brain injuries:

What Are the Long-Term Impacts of a Brain Injury?

The long-term consequences of a brain injury can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life, often requiring adjustments to daily living and possibly long-term care. These impacts can vary greatly depending on injury severity, but they often include physical, cognitive, and emotional changes.

Physically, TBI patients often experience ongoing headaches, fatigue, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Cognitively, they might face challenges with memory, concentration, and problem-solving, making it hard to perform well at work or school. Emotionally, mood swings, depression, and anxiety are common, affecting relationships and social interactions. Additionally, severe brain injuries can increase the risk of developing conditions like epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, or other brain disorders later in life.

These injuries also have significant financial implications. Cognitive and physical difficulties can hinder job performance, potentially leading to a loss of income or even career loss. Moreover, long-term care or assistance with daily activities might become necessary, further increasing costs.

What Treatment Is There for a Traumatic Brain Injury?

The treatment for a TBI can vary considerably based on whether the injury is mild, moderate, or severe. Mild TBIs, like concussions, often require rest and monitoring to prevent symptoms from worsening. Moderate and severe TBIs frequently need more intensive care. This can include medication to prevent seizures, surgery to relieve pressure in the skull, or long-term rehabilitation therapies to improve mobility and cognitive functions. The costs for these treatments can add up quickly.

These unexpected high costs can be overwhelming, but a lawyer can help you demand fair compensation in a TBI claim. They can hold the responsible parties financially accountable for your treatment expenses, relieving your financial burdens so you can focus on recovery.

Contact a Jefferson, Wisconsin, Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, getting the right support can make all the difference in your recovery. At LawtonCates, our brain injury law firm offers a free consultation to discuss your situation and what we can do for you. Contact us today to find out how we can help you move forward with your life.