Your Rights to Compensation if You Suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury in an Auto Accident in Virginia

Traumatic Brain Injury on a TabletOne of the most devastating injuries you can suffer in a car accident in Virginia Beach or Norfolk is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The effects of a TBI can be long-term or permanent. Suppose you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury in an auto crash caused by a negligent driver. In that case, you need to understand how it can affect your ability to work, your quality of life, and your right to compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

Understanding the Long-Term Consequences of a TBI Caused by a Car Collision

A traumatic brain injury can be caused by a bump, jolt, blow to the head, or an object penetrating the brain. If the injury is moderate or severe, it can cause devasting life-long symptoms or death. You should be examined by a doctor immediately if you experienced a bump, jolt, or blow to your head in a car wreck, Some of the physical and cognitive effects of a TBI include:

  • Paralysis
  • Difficulty walking
  • Dizziness
  • Vision and hearing loss
  • Loss of fine motor skills
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Memory loss
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Insomnia
  • Chronic headaches and migraines
  • Depression
  • Anxiety

Types of Compensation You Could Recover in Your Settlement if You Suffered a TBI

You could need expensive medical treatments throughout your life, be off work for long periods of time, or become permanently disabled if you suffered a TBI in a car accident. In Virginia, you are entitled to your past and future damages in your settlement with the negligent driver’s insurance company. Types of compensation you could recover from them include:

  • Medical expenses. You are entitled to reimbursement for hospitalizations, surgeries, doctor visits, diagnostic tests, medications, and physical therapy. If you need modifications to your home or a home health aide or nurse, you should also receive compensation for these costs.
  • Wage losses. You should recover your lost wages, commissions, bonuses, and job perks. If you must make a career change that involves a pay cut or can no longer work, you are entitled to lost earning capacity damages too.
  • Pain and suffering. You are entitled to be reimbursed for the emotional distress, pain, and suffering you endure due to your injuries. This includes damages for the emotional trauma you suffer due to coping with how the TBI symptoms have affected your ability to take care of yourself and work and your quality of life.
  • Wrongful death. If a loved one died due to a traumatic brain injury, you may be able to file a wrongful death action and recover compensation for the reasonable funeral and burial expenses, financial and emotional support your family member provided, your pain and suffering, and more.

Did you or a family member suffer a TBI caused by an auto collision in Norfolk or Virginia Beach? Our experienced car accident attorneys can fight for the past and future compensation you deserve so that you can receive the medical care and financial support you will need throughout your life. To learn more about how we can help you, call our Norfolk office at 757-625-1214 or complete our convenient online form to schedule a free consultation today.