The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 1.4 million people in the U.S. sustain traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) annually, and that 50,000 people die each year from a traumatic brain injury. Where a TBI is caused by the negligence of another individual or entity, it is critical to consult with an experienced brain injury lawyer regarding your legal options. To speak with a top brain damage lawyer in Chicago, contact Passen & Powell at (312) 527-4500 for a free consultation.
Traumatic brain injuries are caused by a violent, sudden blow or jolt to the head that can temporarily or permanently diminish a person’s physical abilities, impair cognitive skills, and interfere with emotional and behavioral well being. A common cause of traumatic brain injuries are severe car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents and even recreational activities, such as football, baseball or riding All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs).
Traumatic Brain Injuries, especially after a car, truck or motorcycle accident, may be due to the negligence of other parties. If you or a loved one believes a traumatic brain injury is the result of carelessness or recklessness of someone else, contact a top traumatic brain injury attorney as soon as possible. There is a statute of limitations, or time limit, for filing a claim.
People recovering from TBI often require long-term care, and in the most severe cases, life-long care. Such care requires the coordination of a multidisciplinary group of doctors, hospital staff and even in-home nurses. According to the Brain Injury Association of America, care can include rehabilitation to help improve physical and cognitive skills, and disease management to help minimize circulatory, respiratory and other complications.
The United States government recognized both the large number of people suffering from TBIs, as well as the cost of care, when it passed the Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 1996 (H.R. 248), and later reauthorized it as the Traumatic Brain Injury Amendments of 2000 (P.L. 106-310) as part of the Children’s Health Act of 2000.
In addition to funds for education and awareness of TBI, the Act also authorizes the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to “carry out applied research” related to TBI. Such research is important for both the person suffering from TBI and the person’s family as they all work on care and recovery. Such research is also helpful for TBI lawyers when preparing a case. New treatment methods are constantly being developed, many of which have proven successful, but any type of care for traumatic brain injury is expensive. An experienced traumatic brain damage lawyer can help you protect your rights and recover appropriate damages, where your injury was caused by the negligence or recklessness of another. Call Passen & Powell at (312) 527-4500 for a free consultation.
