Lafayette Brain Injury Attorney

Lafayette, Louisiana is a vibrant, diverse city that over 120,000 people call home. While it’s a great place to visit or live, it’s always important to be aware of the potential risks of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) because they can happen to anyone, anywhere.

At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we know the devastating impact that traumatic brain injuries can have on individuals and their families. We also understand the importance of providing comprehensive legal representation by a Lafayette brain injury lawyer for those who have suffered a brain injury due to the negligence of another party.

If you or a loved one suffered a TBI due to another party’s negligence, call Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys. Our team of brain injury lawyers can help you file a claim against the liable party and get the compensation you deserve.

Click to Contact Our Lafayette Brain Injury Lawyers Today

What is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

A traumatic brain injury occurs when there is a sudden impact to the head that causes damage to the brain. An injury such as this can result in extreme disturbances to cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Furthermore, TBIs can range from mild to severe, and the long-term effects can be life-altering.

This can happen as a result of a fall, motor vehicle accident, sports-related injury, or any other situation where the head suffers a significant blow.

Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury

TBIs can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Falls: Falls are the leading cause of TBIs, especially in young children and older adults.
• Car Accidents: Car accidents are a significant cause of TBIs, especially for drivers and passengers who do not wear seatbelts as well as those involving pedestrians
• Sports-Related Injuries: Contact sports such as football, soccer, and boxing can lead to TBIs.
• Violence: Assaults and other violent acts can also result in TBIs.

Different Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries Can Result in Varying Side Effects

There are typically three different stages of traumatic brain injury, each with distinctive symptoms and potential outcomes. TBIs typically fit into one of these categories:

1. Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries or Concussions
2. Moderate Traumatic Brain Injuries
3. Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries

According to Mayo Clinic, many indicators show if a person has suffered trauma to the brain. For instance, TBI victims often lose consciousness after an accident, however, it can take time before other symptoms appear.

Symptoms can include personality or mood changes and loss of motor function. In severe cases, TBI can result in death.

MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES OR CONCUSSIONS:

Mild traumatic brain injuries and concussions are some of the most common and overlooked types of TBI. In a case such as this, a victim who suffers head trauma may fall into a confused state or lose consciousness for approximately 30 minutes.

Common symptoms of Mild TBIs include:

• Sensitivity to light
• Slow thinking
• Nausea
• Memory loss
• Headaches

MODERATE TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES:

Moderate traumatic brain injuries manifest when a person’s head sustains trauma that causes a loss of consciousness for a period of 30 minutes to 24 hours. However, it’s possible to experience memory loss for up to seven days.

FYI: Although moderate TBIs share symptoms with mild TBIs or concussions, their effects often persist for a more extended period or even permanently.

SEVERE TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES:

Severe traumatic brain injuries arise when an individual’s head sustains trauma that causes lasting cognitive and physical impairments, including

• tremors,
• speech disorders,
• and paralysis.

However, some symptoms may not be immediately recognizable and may overlap with preexisting characteristics. These symptoms include

• heightened impulsivity,
• diminished self-worth,
• inflexible thinking,
• and poor decision-making abilities.

How Can a Lafayette Brain Injury Lawyer Help You?

A Lafayette traumatic brain injury lawyer can be an invaluable resource for individuals who have suffered traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) due to accidents or negligence. Here are some ways in which a brain injury lawyer can assist you:

1. Legal Expertise: Brain injury cases can be complex, involving medical, legal, and insurance intricacies. An experienced lawyer has a deep understanding of the laws surrounding brain injuries and can navigate the legal system on your behalf.

2. Investigation: Your traumatic brain injury lawyer in Lafayette will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of your brain injury. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts in medicine and accident reconstruction to determine liability.

3. Determining Liability: Brain injuries can occur due to various factors such as car accidents, slips and falls, workplace accidents, or medical malpractice. Your lawyer will help determine who is at fault and legally responsible for your injuries.

4. Estimating Damages: A brain injury can result in significant medical bills, lost wages, ongoing rehabilitation, and pain and suffering. Your Lafayette Brain Injury attorney will work with you to assess the full extent of your damages and losses to ensure you receive fair compensation.

5. Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts to accident victims. Your traumatic brain injury attorney in Lafayette will negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company to secure a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses and other damages.

6. Litigation Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court. They will represent your interests during litigation, presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and making legal arguments on your behalf.

7. Advising on Legal Options: Your lawyer will explain your legal rights and options, helping you make informed decisions about your case. They can also advise you on whether it’s best to settle or pursue a lawsuit based on the specifics of your situation.

8. Fighting for Your Rights: Your Lafayette brain injury attorney’s primary goal is to protect your rights and advocate for your best interests. They will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your brain injury.

9. Peace of Mind: Dealing with a brain injury can be overwhelming and emotionally draining. Having a knowledgeable lawyer on your side can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that someone is fighting for your rights and helping you navigate the legal process.

10. Support and Resources: Brain injury lawyers often have connections to medical professionals, rehabilitation specialists, and support groups that can assist you in your recovery.
    

Overall, a Lafayette brain injury lawyer plays a crucial role in helping you secure compensation and justice after suffering a traumatic brain injury. Their expertise, guidance, and advocacy can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case and your ability to move forward with your life.

The Statute of Limitations: What You Need to Know

The prescription period, also known as the statute of limitations, establishes the cutoff for filing a personal injury claim.

Statute of Limitation Changes in Louisiana

In 2024, Louisiana law extended the statute of limitations for personal injury claims occurring on or after July 1, 2024, from one year to two years. Any injuries that occurred before July 1, 2024, will still have a 1-year statute of limitation. Learn more about Louisiana’s New Statute of Limitations here.

• 1 year for injuries sustained before July 1, 2024.
• 2 years for injuries suffered after July 1, 2024.

The statute of limitations is a legal deadline that sets a time frame for filing a lawsuit. In Louisiana, this is known as the “prescriptive period,” which determines how long you have to take legal action against the responsible party after an injury occurs.

However, certain exceptions apply to cases concerning faulty products or medical malpractice claims.

If you contact a Lafayette brain injury lawyer from our law firm, we can discuss the deadline for your case. In the event that you choose to work with our team, a skilled Lafayette traumatic brain injury attorney will take all necessary measures to ensure that your lawsuit is filed in a timely manner.

Contact a Brain Injury Lawyer Near Lafayette at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys

If you or a loved one has suffered a head injury due to the negligence of another party, our law firm can help you seek justice. We understand the complexity of TBI cases and have the experience and resources necessary to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Our legal team will work tirelessly to investigate the cause of your injury, identify all responsible parties, and hold them accountable for their actions. We will also work with medical experts to understand the full extent of your injuries and the long-term consequences they may have on your life.

Contact our Lafayette personal injury attorneys today to schedule a FREE consultation and learn how we can help you get the compensation you deserve for your traumatic brain injury.

Lafayette Brain Injury Lawyer Near Me

337.999.9999