Long Island Brain Injury Attorney

What Causes Brain Injuries?

Brain injuries are catastrophic, and they can happen in a second. Some of the most common causes of brain injuries in Long Island include:

• Premises liability accidents, such as slip and falls
• Motor vehicle accidents, including truck accidents, car accidents, train accidents, and bus accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Defective products
• Nursing home abuse

Like most accidents that result in brain injuries, the above are usually caused by one person’s negligence. When this is the case, you can hold the negligent party accountable for paying the damages you need to pay for your medical treatment and other losses.

Symptoms of Brain Injuries

One of the most difficult aspects of brain injuries is that they do not always present symptoms right away. It may take several days, or even weeks, before a brain injury starts to present itself. Immediately following the accident, it is important to watch for certain symptoms that could indicate a brain injury. The most common of these symptoms include:

• Loss of consciousness: A loss of consciousness after an accident is always something to take seriously, even if you are only unconscious for a matter of seconds.
• Seizures and convulsions: It’s estimated that approximately one in five people will experience a seizure or convulsion after suffering a brain injury. A person may have a seizure at the scene of the accident, or they may not experience one until several months later.
• Ongoing headaches: Headaches are extremely common after a person suffers a brain injury. People sometimes brush these off as a byproduct of the accident because they bumped their head or were otherwise injured, but they do not seek medical attention for it.
• Coordination issues: The brain affects a person’s movement, balance, and functionality. When the brain is injured, a person may experience coordination issues and have trouble moving in the same way as they once did.
• Memory and concentration issues: The brain is also responsible for memory and is required for concentration. If the brain becomes damaged, it often becomes more difficult for accident victims to remember what happened, and they may not be able to concentrate in the same manner.
• Behavioral changes: Even a concussion, which is sometimes described as a mild injury, can change a person’s behavior. You may become withdrawn, moody, and take no interest in activities you once loved.

Brain injuries are always very serious, but treatment is available. The sooner you are treated for your brain injury, the better you can minimize the impacts the injury has on your life.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?

The statute of limitations is the amount of time you have to file your brain injury claim. If you file your claim and the statute of limitations has run out, you will likely forfeit your right to claim any damages at all. Most brain injury claims have a statute of limitations of three years from the date of the accident.

However, if your brain injury was caused by medical malpractice, you have only two years and six months to file your claim. Additionally, if you are filing a claim against a government agency, you may have even less time than that. An attorney can advise on the facts of your claim and the statute of limitations that applies.

How a Lawyer Can Assist with Your Claim

Going through the personal injury process can be complex and confusing. One small mistake, such as not filing your claim on time, could drastically affect the amount of damages you receive or even eliminate the possibility of receiving damages at all. Working with an experienced brain injury attorney can bring many benefits, including:

• An accurate assessment of your claim
• A thorough investigation
• Collection of evidence
• An explanation of the law and how it applies to your claim
• Effective negotiation tactics
• Litigation experience, if necessary

The truth is that the personal injury process is a legal one, and you will greatly benefit from having a legal professional who can guide you through it.

Get Legal Help Today

If you have suffered a brain injury after an accident caused by a negligent party, our experienced Long Island brain injury lawyers are here to help. At Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C., we know how devastating brain injuries are, and we know how to help you recover the maximum damages you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.