Ottawa Brain Injury Lawyers
Brain injuries are frequently misunderstood. If you are in the unfortunate situation where a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, you are probably in new territory and trying to find answers to what to do next.
It helps to have the guidance of legal professionals with years of experience in fighting for the rightful compensation that brain injury victims and their families should receive. This, at least, provides some help for the recovery process, security for the future, and a sense of justice.
Regardless of the cause, almost all brain injuries have serious consequences at least temporarily or, in some cases, permanently. A brain injury suffered as a result of the negligence or wrongful act of another party may seem grossly unfair – especially if your compensation claim hits obstacles.
At Auger Hollingsworth in Ottawa, we work closely with medical professionals to fight for the quickest possible recovery and best financial outcome for your future.
We will handle all communications with the insurance company until there is a fair settlement that reflects the trauma that you and your family have endured. We are accomplished at maximizing claims and, if no out-of-court settlement is forthcoming, we are ready to take the matter further with litigation.
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What are Acquired Brain Injuries?
A brain injury is a disruption in the normal function of the brain. Sometimes, that occurs at birth and is a congenital disorder. An acquired brain injury happens due to a traumatic event – usually, a blow, bump or jolt to the head.
Common causes of brain injury in Ottawa
This type of injury frequently occurs during a car or truck accident, motorcycle accident, bicycle accident, pedestrian accident or a slip and or fall (especially for very young or elderly individuals). Other leading causes are sporting accidents and serious assaults.
In such situations, the head can suddenly and violently hit an object or an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue.
Because of the wide variety of types of these injuries, victims can experience anything from minor functional interference to complete disability requiring round-the-clock care and life support.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI)
TBIs are invisible. There may be no external bleeding and no bandages. This makes them difficult to recognize and diagnose without specific imaging and diagnostic equipment.
Sometimes, people fail to get an immediate checkup and diagnosis, making a compensation claim more challenging. Any major blow to the head should be immediately checked by a medical professional regardless of whether you think you are injured.
The brain is a fragile and complex organ and no injury to it should be underestimated. Some people do not become aware that they have suffered a serious injury until a long time after the accident.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be mild, moderate or severe. The most severe injuries can result in permanent paralysis.
Mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBIs) can be very difficult to diagnose. They may cause a loss of consciousness and/or disorientation for a short period and may not even show up on an MRI or CT scan.
The symptoms of brain injuries are often perceived as minor although they can still have a major impact upon one’s quality of life – either temporarily or permanently They may involve subtle and barely perceptible behavioural or psychological changes.
MTBI symptoms may include:
- Confusion/memory/attention problems
- Difficulties with speech (slurring of words)
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Fatigue/lethargy
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness and nausea
- Mood swings/irritability/agitation
- Sensitivity to light/sound
Sometimes, what may be classed as a simple “concussion” may cause a brain injury even if there is no loss of consciousness.
More severe TBIs
When an injury causes a loss of consciousness for longer than 20 minutes and up to six hours, it is generally classified as a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Serious physical, cognitive, psychological and emotional impairments may result. As well as the symptoms described above, the victim may experience the following physical symptoms:
- Convulsions/seizures
- Severe, recurring headaches
- Weakness or numbness (especially in the extremities)
- Chronic nausea and vomiting
- Dilation of the pupils in the eyes
- Loss of coordination
- Full or partial paralysis
Get help with child brain injuries
For children, a blow to the head can be more serious. They have a less developed skull meaning that the brain has less protection. Any trauma to the head can result in a serious brain injury – and may, unfortunately, lead to permanent brain damage in some cases.
Whether the blow is a result of a car accident, bicycle accident, sporting injury, fall, or something else, an urgent medical checkup is required. You may consider seeking compensation if the accident was due to the negligent or reckless acts of another party.
Compensation claims for child brain injuries are very complex because children’s brains are not yet fully developed and there is less medical history to go on. Therefore, the impact of an injury can be very difficult to assess and the negative effects on the life of the child are often very challenging to prove.
Because of the potential for permanent, life-altering brain injuries in children, it is vital to seek legal advice as well as medical advice as soon as possible.
At Auger Hollingsworth, we have experience in handling child brain injury cases and can help you understand the process of filing a claim and getting you the compensation that you and your family need.
In this second part of a 3-part interview personal injury lawyer Brenda Hollingsworth describes what steps to take after an Ontario motor vehicle accident.
Get a FREE assessment from us here https://ahinjurylaw.com/
Are you looking for expert advice after an accident? The smartest step you can take after any accident is to connect with a personal injury lawyer for a FREE consultation.
In Ontario, Canada, Personal injury lawyers Brenda Hollingsworth and Richard Auger with their team of experienced lawyers offer FREE, no-pressure, advice about your rights and entitlements when you have been hurt.
For more information on whether you have a claim for car accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, any other road accidents, accidents at work, slips and falls, etc, go to https://ahinjurylaw.com/
The interview also discusses what information you should collect at the accident scene before you leave. Get the other driver’s name, address and driver’s license. Wait for the police if they have been called.
It is also important to get medical attention as quickly as possible. It is easier to prove your injury was caused by the accident if you see a medical doctor as soon as possible after the accident.
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Get compensated for a brain injury in Ottawa
If you or a loved one have suffered a brain injury in an accident caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of another party in Ottawa, you may be able to claim the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Ongoing care costs
- Lost earnings in the past and future
- Damage to property
- Pain and suffering
The litigation process for brain injuries in Ottawa can be challenging, especially if the injury is mild and difficult to quantify and prove.
It helps to have an experienced hand to assist with the process. At Auger Hollingsworth in Ottawa, our brain injury lawyers are well accustomed to the litigation process for brain injury victims and have helped local families claim the compensation needed to recover from devastating incidents and rebuild their lives.
Our well-qualified legal team works with medical experts to fight for your best interests.
Start by discussing your case during a free case evaluation with a qualified brain injury lawyer at Auger Hollingsworth.