A traumatic brain injury is among the top life-altering injuries a person can sustain. Statistics show that over 140,000 Texans sustain TBI injuries every year. Even though 80% of these cases are mild, 20% are ranked as moderate to severe.
TBI affects the victims’ physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Families are left dealing with huge medical expenses, which lead to financial strain.
When someone suffers a TBI because of another person’s negligence, hiring TBI attorneys in Dallas becomes necessary to secure compensation for the damages sustained.
Successfully battling a TBI case requires sufficient preparation. Keep reading to learn how victims can prepare for these cases in Dallas.
Early Medical Attention
Early intervention after sustaining a head injury can impact the recovery and success of a case. Since TBI sometimes has delayed symptoms, seeking medical attention is important to assess the severity.
All medical help given should be documented. These documents are essential in building a case as they connect the injury directly to the accident.
If a victim has already undergone medical care, they should ensure they have a detailed record of the visit, treatment, and symptoms. Alternatively, victims can keep a personal journal to track all changes.
Hire a Dallas TBI Attorney
Selecting a lawyer experienced in handling brain injury claims is essential in preparing for your case. They understand how to collect the necessary evidence, work with medical experts, and counter insurance companies.
Choosing a lawyer familiar with Texas injury laws, local and medical resources, and expert witnesses can help build a strong case.
Collect Evidence
With the help of your attorney, get as much evidence as possible. This includes:
⦁ Medical records
⦁ Expert witness testimony
⦁ Accident reports and police statements
⦁ Surveillance footage (if any)
⦁ Witness statements
Track Damages
Accurately tracking financial and non-financial damages is critical in preparing for a TBI case. Note down medical costs, including hospital bills, prescriptions, rehabilitation, and specialist visits. Since TBI victims may require lifelong care, estimate future medical expenses as well.
Next, calculate lost wages. These are the hours victims missed work because of recovery or potential loss of earning capacity.
Non-financial losses include emotional and psychological damage. Victims can claim compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Document changes in behavior and diminished cognitive abilities to help support these claims.
Understand the Steps of the Legal Process
The legal process of a TBI case in Dallas can be lengthy and complex. Victims must understand what lies ahead. Most cases go through five stages:
⦁ Pre-litigation
⦁ Filing a lawsuit
⦁ Discovery
⦁ Trial
⦁ Settlement
However, many cases don’t go to trial. The parties might resolve and settle after an attorney issues a demand letter to the defendant or insurance companies. The two common resolution methods used are meditation and arbitration.
TBI trials can be very complicated, often requiring expert testimonies to explain the extent of the injury and its long-term effects on the victim. However, a good attorney will walk you through and explain all these processes.
Conclusion
TBI cases are often quite complex since it can be challenging to prove the severity of the injuries. Nevertheless, it is crucial for victims and their families to sufficiently prepare for the case to increase their chances of getting fair compensation. Hiring an experienced attorney is essential to improving the chances of a positive outcome.
