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Throughout the United States, thousands of people die from traumatic brain injuries every year.  For those lucky enough to survive, the life-changing consequences can be devastating.  Illinois brain injury lawyers are dedicated to pursuing justice for people who have suffered this debilitating injury as the result of another party’s negligence.

Traumatic brain injuries, as discussed in previous post occur when damage to the brain results after a blow to the head.  The injury may be minor with little effects, or major resulting in severe disability or death.  Medical and surgical advances have improved the odds for surviving a traumatic brain injury; however, coping with the life-changing complications can be a tremendous challenge for patients, physicians, families, and therapists according to a Chicago brain injury attorney.

Recent statistics show the cost of traumatic brain injuries in the United States to be an estimated $48.3 billions annually.  $31.7 billion is hospitalization costs, with the remaining $16.6 billion in costs associated with facilities. The estimates of people who have survived a brain injury are between 2.5 and 6.5 million.  Mild brain injuries often go unreported, leading to the wide range in estimation.

The Center for Disease and Control Prevention estimates that it can cost between $600,000 and $1,875,000 to care for a survivor of a severe traumatic brain injury.  The total cost of care and rehabilitation for brain injury victims in the United States is almost $10 billion annually.  This statistic does not include costs to society and families such as providing social services, lost earnings, work time and productivity for caregivers and family members explains an Illinois personal injury lawyer.

The effects of traumatic brain injuries can be devastating and costly.  Contact a Chicago brain injury attorney today if you are suffering from this life-changing condition.

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Traumatic brain injuries, also called head injuries are damage to the brain that results from head trauma.  According to Illinois brain injury lawyers, all brain injuries are serious.  Minor brain injuries do not always cause long-term effects.  Severe brain injuries can cause life changing consequences such as coma or death.

Common signs of traumatic brain injuries include dizziness, vision changes, loss of balance, memory loss or headaches.  Chicago brain injury attorneys urge anyone who experiences symptoms after suffering a head trauma should seek medical care immediately.

In the previous post, Chicago personal injury attorneys offered questions to ask about traumatic brain injuries.  In this post, treatment for head injuries will be discussed along with questions to ask your doctor about treatment.  Print out the following list to bring with you to your doctor or neurologist appointment.

1. Will surgery be necessary?
2. What does acute treatment involve?
3. What different treatments are available for this type of brain injury?
4. What treatments are available to prevent additional medical problems?
5. What rehabilitation specialists will be involved?
6. Where will the rehabilitation treatment (if necessary) occur?
7. What disadvantages are associated with brain injury treatment?
8. What benefits are associated with brain injury treatment?
9. How can complications be prevented?
10. If complications occur, how will they be treated?
11. What will chronic brain injury treatment involve?
12. What kind of social support networks are available?
13. Are there social support networks for family members and/or caregivers?

This list provides potential questions to ask your doctor about treatment.  Brainstorm any additional questions you may have prior to your appointment.  Illinois brain injury lawyers stress the importance of learning as much as you can regarding your specific brain injury.  Education is crucial to overcoming the devastating effects of any head injury.  If you have additional questions, contact a Chicago personal injury attorney today.

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Traumatic brain injuries can be devastating and can fill victims with fear about their future health condition.  In this post, Illinois brain injury lawyers will offer potential questions to ask your doctor if you have been the victim of a TBI.   It is extremely important to learn as much as possible about head injury prevention and about treatment and rehabilitation following a brain injury.  Chicago personal injury attorneys recommend printing out the following questions and presenting it to your doctor.

1. What area(s) of the brain have been affected by the injury?
2. What are the stages of progression with this brain injury?
3. What kind of head injury do you believe has occurred?
4. Is the injury life threatening?
5. Is the injury mild, moderate or severe?
6. What kind of diagnostic tests and imaging tests will be conducted?
7. How is the severity of the injury evaluated?
8. What is the Glasgow Coma Scale and what does it indicate?
9. What are complication signs and what should I do if I develop any?
10. What are the long-term effects with head injuries?
11. Can this brain damage cause a cascade of events in the brain?
12. How likely is bleeding or swelling in the brain after this injury?
13. Is the brain damage diffuse or focal?
14. What are the initial effects of brain damage?
15. What should I do if additional symptoms develop?

Brain injuries can be a traumatic experience.  If you have been injured as the result of another party’s negligence, Chicago brain injury attorneys with extensive experience can help.  The road after an injury can be unknown and tumultuous; therefore, having a competent Illinois personal injury lawyer on your side is crucial.

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Many challenges can arise after suffering a traumatic brain injury.  In this post, Chicago brain injury attorneys will discuss these challenges and strategies for coping.  The following list offers tips for managing time and information.

• Carry a daily diary with your schedule.  Write things down, review it nightly and turn ideas or issues into actions
• Create a daily plan every morning and review it at the end of the day.
• Organize your time to accomplish goals
• Set one or two daily goals
• Use a watch alarm to focus throughout the day on your goals
• Approach goals and tasks one step at a time

Social skills can be difficult after a traumatic brain injury according to Illinois personal injury lawyers.  Use the following tips for enhancing social skills:

• Practice making eye contact one minute every day
• Show interest in other people
• Smile at others
• Try not to interrupt or change the topic when speaking to others.
• Engage in conversation by nodding your head
• Use examples and try to be clear when communicating
• Practice slowing down your breathing, eating, walking and responding

The aftermath of traumatic brain injuries can lead individuals to have a difficult time controlling anger.  If you experience anger, Chicago brain injury attorneys recommend calling someone you know, allowing your emotions to flow and leave the situation if possible.  Getting out of anger’s way can alleviate the emotion and allow you to become calm.

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Throughout the state of Illinois, personal injury lawyers have represented numerous individuals suffering from traumatic brain injuries.  Brain injuries can be devastating.  Contacting a skilled Chicago brain injury attorney is imperative to seek proper justice.  The sooner you or your loved ones call, the stronger your case will be.  This post will answer common questions about hiring a Chicago personal injury attorney.

1)    Is it important which attorney I hire?

Yes.  All attorneys must pass minimum standards to practice law and be licensed by the state; however, differences exist between attorneys in terms of the types of cases they handle, their level of experience and area of practice.  Brain injury cases are unique.  A knowledgeable and experienced Illinois brain injury lawyer is crucial to having a successful case.

2)    Is it okay to ask an attorney his or her experience in handling brain injury cases?

Definitely.  You are the client and have every right to know the degree of your lawyer’s experience.

3)    Is it appropriate to ask about a lawyer’s professional background?

Yes.  You have the right to know his or her background, the number of cases he or she has handled, his or her experience in trying such cases and any other information you find necessary about the Illinois personal injury lawyer’s professional background and experience.

4)    Aside from attorney fees, will there be other expenses involved in pursuing a brain injury claim?

Yes, additional expenses will arise while pursuing a claim.  Your attorney may have to involve a number of experts who charge for their time which may be advanced by the firm and reimbursed after recovery on your case.

5)    If I recover, will my Chicago brain injury attorney assist in preserving and protecting my settlement proceeds?

Yes, your attorney will assist in maintaining public or private benefits and will help protect your financial well-being after a settlement has been reached.  He or she will address the need for a possible guardian, the need to preserve eligibility requirements for public or private benefits, the need for a possible structured settlement and long-term financial planning.

Brain injuries can be devastating.  Illinois personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping you pursue legal compensation.  Contact a skilled, experienced lawyer immediately if you or someone you know has been a victim of this debilitating condition.

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Chicago brain injury attorneys have been highlighting information about brain injuries in the last couple of posts.  In this post, common questions surrounding traumatic brain injuries will be answered.  Brain injuries can have serious complications and can even lead to death.  Illinois personal injury lawyers are dedicated to providing justice for individuals suffering from a brain injury as a result of another party’s negligence.

1)    What is a brain injury?

A brain injury generally results from an external trauma such as a blow to the head.  Brain injuries may occur without physical contact to the head.  Brain damage can be at the microscopic level and can impact speech, cognition, behavior, personality, emotions and perceptions.

2)    Does a person have to be knocked out to sustain a brain injury?

No, an injury to the brain can happen without a loss of consciousness or coma.

3)    How often do brain injuries occur in the United States?

Approximately two million head injuries occur every year throughout the United States with 75,000 to 100,000 deaths as a result.  Brain injuries have become known as a “silent epidemic.”

4)    What are the main causes of traumatic brain injuries?

Motor vehicle accidents, falls, industrial accidents, sporting accidents and violent acts are the main causes of TBI.

5)    How is a brain injury diagnosed?

If major damage occurs such as a hemorrhage, swelling or contusions, a CT scan or MRI will show the injury.  If the damage is microscopic, the diagnosis must be made as a result of the history from the patient and his or her symptoms.

6)    Why are TBI often called “mild?”

Nothing is ever “mild” about a traumatic brain injury; however, when a person does not lose consciousness, the injury may be referred to as mild.

7)    What are symptoms of traumatic brain injuries?

Symptoms may vary among people and may include a change or loss of consciousness, dizziness, headaches, memory impairments, visual disturbances, speech disorders, disorientation, balance difficulties, impaired judgment, disorientation, language and learning deficits, fatigue, anxiety, depressions and hearing and vision impairments.  These symptoms are only examples of the wide range of symptoms that can occur.

If you or someone you love is suffering from a brain injury, contact a Chicago personal injury attorney with experience in traumatic brain injuries.  Symptoms of a brain injury can occur long after the initial injury.  Illinois brain injury lawyers are dedicated to helping victims of TBI recover losses from this traumatic injury.

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Illinois brain injury lawyers have represented numerous victims of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).  Their extensive experience working with TBI survivors and their families have helped many people understand the complexities presented with brain injury cases.  In this post, Chicago personal injury attorneys will highlight a few important facts you need to know about TBI.

An individual does not need to be “knocked out” or unconscious to have suffered a brain injury.  Also, a direct blow does not have to occur to sustain a brain injury.  Often times a neurological and/or a neuro-radiological exam will be normal because these tests cannot pick up damage at a microscopic level.  Chicago brain injury attorneys list the following symptoms associated with brain injury:

• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Blurred Vision
• Tinnitus
• Confusion
• Impaired Consciousness
• Personality Changes
• Behavioral Changes
• Impulsivity

Many people do not realize they have suffered a brain injury until they go back to work.  Cognitive dysfunction can make it difficult to meet work challenges.  Even a “mild” traumatic brain injury can cause serious cognitive and emotional impairments.  Keep in mind in many cases, no visible injury or evidence of trauma will be visible.  The injury is caused by movement of the brain and brain cells within the skull.

Illinois brain injury lawyers can help seek compensation if you or someone you love has been the victim of a traumatic brain injury.  Do not wait to contact an experienced, diligent attorney.

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A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is described as a blow or jolt to the head that can disrupt the function of the brain. The symptoms of a TBI can range from a mild concussion to the extremes of coma or sadly, death.

Around 5.3 million Americans currently live with disabilities resulting from a traumatic brain injury.

Every year in the US, an estimated 1.4 million people suffer a traumatic brain injury. The leading causes are vehicle accidents and crashes, birthing injuries, and slips and falls. Approximately 5.3 million Americans currently live with disabilities resulting from a traumatic brain injury. In Chicago, brain injury attorneys represent clients or loved ones of clients who have suffered severe brain injuries.

Illinois personal injury attorneys have found that victims of brain injury and their families often are not given adequate information regarding the serious nature of their medical condition. The field of traumatic brain injury is extremely complex, and health care providers often do not have the time or resources to adequately address all of the medical and recovery issues involved.

Victims living with traumatic brain injuries need specialized legal representation if a case is going to be pursued. Throughout the state of Illinois, brain injury lawyers are uniquely experienced in the complex medical and legal issues involved in such cases.

Injuries suffered as a result of a traumatic brain injury can be severe and life-altering. Immediate goals often include getting medical bills paid and covered. In addition, your traumatic brain injury attorney should help make sure you or your loved one does not suffer financially through any lost wages, and make sure the appropriate insurance company will pay for future treatment relating to your injury.

If you are considering pursuing traumatic brain injury litigation, our Chicago personal injury attorneys can help.

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Throughout the United States, thousands of individuals become victims of spinal cord injuries.  These traumatic injuries can alter the course of an individual’s life and dramatically affect him or her, both emotionally and physically.  Illinois spinal cord injury lawyers have represented numerous victims of spinal cord injuries and can provide crucial legal assistance if you have been injured.

In this post, Chicago personal injury attorneys will discuss recent demographics and statistics behind spinal cord injuries in the United States.  They following is the latest statistics:

• The highest per capita rate of spinal cord injuries occur between ages 16-30
• The average age at time of injury is 33 years
• The leading cause of spinal cord injuries is motor vehicle accidents
• Falls overtake motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause after age 45
• 82% of the total number of people with spinal cord injuries are male, 18% are female
• 53% of the number of people injured were single at the time of injury
• After 5 years, 88% of single people were still single
• The average hospital charges are $99,553
• The average health care and living expenses for the first year after injury is $198,335 with $24,154 an average for each year after

Illinois personal injury lawyers report that the most common cause of death is due to diseases of the respiratory system.  Overall, 85% of spinal cord injury patients who survive after the first 24 hours are still alive ten years later.  When victims do not survive, the most common cause is diseases of the respiratory system, mainly pneumonia.  Heart disease is the second leading cause of death.  The third comes from deaths due to external causes.  The majority of these deaths are suicide.

In the past, many people with spinal cord injuries had to live the rest of their lives in a nursing home.  Now, almost 90% of people who are discharged are sent to a private residence, often their home before injury.  Only 4% are discharged to nursing homes.  The rest of the individuals are sent to hospitals or group living situations.

Spinal cord injuries can be devastating.  If you or someone you know has been a victim, contact an competent Chicago spinal cord injury attorney with extensive experience representing victims of spinal cord injuries.

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A spinal cord injury can happen in a matter of seconds, yet the damage can last a lifetime.  This serious and debilitating injury damages signals to and from the brain.  The majority of spinal cord injuries occur during some type of accident, the highest percentage coming from automobile accidents.  Illinois spinal cord injury lawyers have seen firsthand the traumatic effects of spinal cord injuries.

Symptoms of a spinal cord injury range from paralysis to loss of sensation at the injury location and below.  Spinal cord injuries can happen, even without a complete cut off the spinal cord.  Respiratory failure sadly contributes to many deaths among victims of this serious injury.  Survival within the first twenty four hours greatly increases the chances of long-term survival according to a Chicago personal injury attorney.

Due to the severity of spinal cord injuries, skilled and competent legal representation is crucial.  If you or a loved one is suffering from a spinal cord injury in Illinois, personal injury lawyers with experience in these cases can help you pursue a legal course of action if you feel another party was either fully or partly responsible for your injury.

Because spinal cord injuries can affect an individual throughout the rest of his or her life, compensation for these injuries can be high, another reason a skilled Chicago spinal cord injury attorney is imperative.

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