7 Vital Reasons You Need To Consult With a Lawyer After a TBI
It’s never easy to learn that you have a traumatic brain injury or TBI. However, it’s not uncommon for people to find themselves without an advocate after sustaining a TBI. That is why you must consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your rights, the legal issues surrounding your injury, and how you can protect yourself from future harm.
A TBI is a brain injury from trauma, external pressure, or any other insult to the brain that disrupts its normal functioning. The severity of the trauma will determine the extent of your traumatic injury. As such, you need to know what is considered a mild brain injury vs. a severe traumatic injury.
1. Determine if You Have a Valid Claim
Each year an estimated 1.5 million Americans sustain a TBI. As a consequence of these injuries: 230,000 people are hospitalized and survive. The law has developed a particular practice in dealing with these injuries. That is why you need to consult with a lawyer to determine if you have a valid claim for compensation after your TBI. Your lawyer can explain what compensation you may be entitled to and will build your case accordingly.
2. Get Compensation for Your Injury
Your lawyer can help you file a lawsuit to get the compensation you deserve. In some cases, your attorney may even be able to handle your case on a contingency basis. It means that they will only collect their fees if you receive compensation due to your case.
3. Protect Your Future
You may have suffered a TBI that caused you to lose your job. After your TBI, it will be up to you whether or not you want to continue working. If that is the case, you must retain a lawyer who can provide guidance and represent your interests in the matter. It includes advising you in making decisions regarding employees, if appropriate, accommodations, benefits, and future employment.
4. Lower the Risk of Injuring Yourself or Someone Else
It is a crucial point to remember, as several individuals with TBI don’t even know they have one. That is why you need to keep your injury under control and be mindful of how you manage your condition.
5. Work with Experts
TBI can result in brain injuries, including concussions and other mild traumatic injuries. To keep your medical records safe, you must work with your lawyer to secure them. If you have had any treatment, you should secure your medical records and receipts. Your lawyer can advise you on what to keep and what to discard.
6. Get Social Security Benefits
If you’re a disabled individual, Social Security may offer you disability benefits after your TBI. If that is the case, you will need to meet with your lawyer to establish whether or not you qualify.
7. Protect Your Property and Property Rights
If you have a property in your name, you must protect it by consulting with a lawyer immediately after a TBI. If possible, your lawyer may be able to write up a will for you or even handle probate issues for your estate after your TBI.
It would help if you worked with your lawyer to address any post-injury legal issues as soon as possible.