Head Injuries
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At the Law Office of Joel A. Levine, we have worked with many clients who have suffered significant losses in catastrophic bicycle accidents. We have not only provided these unfortunate victims with legal guidance but also with compassionate care and understanding. We believe it is essential for an attorney to establish personal relationships with clients rather than just purely business-oriented ones. If you are currently enduring a difficult period due to a bicycle accident and seek the assistance of a legal team with your best interests in mind, call us today at 512-982-1510.
More than Just an Injury
Brain injuries are, unfortunately, a common result of bicycle accidents. The brain is a fragile and complex organ central to all body’s vital functions. Maintaining the brain’s proper condition is essential not only for an individual’s mental capabilities but also for his or her physical capabilities. If an individual suffers any form of permanent brain damage, his or her life may be altered to the point where a return to normalcy is impossible. Even essential, everyday functions such as mobility and speech can become severely limited or lost due to a head injury.
Startling Statistics
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, bicycling accounted for about 86,000 of 447,000 sports-related head injuries in 2009. Seventy-five percent of all fatal bicycle accidents that occur annually involve head injuries. Although 85% of head injuries in cycling can be prevented by helmet use, in cases of extreme impact, not even helmets can protect victims from head injuries.
If an individual can recover fully from head trauma, he or she still faces the consequences far down the line. An individual who has suffered a brain injury for the first time is three times more likely to suffer a (second) head injury. If the individual is unfortunate enough to suffer a second head injury, he or she is eight times more likely to suffer a (third) head injury.
The Many Costs of a Head Injury
In the case of a minor head injury or a concussion, the victim may recover completely quickly with relatively little cost. However, he or she must practice great caution in daily activities due to the increased risk of another head injury. However, if the head trauma suffered by the victim is more serious, he or she may deal with the consequences for a lifetime. Permanent brain damage may lead to dependence on assisted care, medical equipment such as wheelchairs, extensive therapy sessions, and continued treatment. This may cost the victim hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars, depending on the nature of the injury sustained in the accident.
Life after a Brain Injury Accident
Despite the resilient architecture of the human skull, if a victim suffers a strong blow to the head, the impact can cause significant damage to the brain. Additionally, if the brain is deprived of essential oxygen, such as during childbirth, the non-traumatic injury can result in serious harm. Due to the complex and vulnerable makeup of the human brain, even a minor accident can have serious consequences, such as:
- Physical Disabilities
- Seizures
- Difficulty Speaking
- Poor Memory
- Learning Disabilities
- Personality Changes
- Emotional Problems
- Paralysis
- Schizophrenia
- Depression
In some cases, a full recovery may not be possible, even with intensive medical treatment. It may be necessary for the victim to undergo numerous surgical procedures and receive regular medication, physical and occupational therapy, and other long-term care for the rest of his or her life. The costs of even a mild traumatic brain injury can build up over time, causing financial hardship that could be avoided through legal action.
An accomplished lawyer will help the victim, and their loved ones evaluate the extent of current and future damages and will then fight to ensure that they receive the full and fair compensation they need and deserve.
Answering the Call for Help
If you have suffered a severe head injury in a bicycle accident caused by the reckless actions of another, you may feel as if you are in a hopeless, desperate situation. You cannot work, the exorbitant medical bills keep piling up, and the insurance company refuses to pay you what you are entitled to. The experienced Austin bicycle injury attorneys at the Law Office of Joel A. Levine are here to help you with your injury claim. We will work hard to obtain the compensation that pays for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. If you want to learn more about your case and what we can do for you, call us at 512-982-1510.
