Did you or a loved one suffer a brain injury in a slip-and-fall, work accident, or traffic collision on M-28 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula? Brain injuries can have lasting impacts on your health, finances, and quality of life. Dealing with insurance companies after such a catastrophic injury can add to your stress when you should be focusing on recovery.
The team at Atnip & Associates, PLLC, understands the unique challenges you face and is here to help. Our lawyers can handle every detail of your injury case and fight for the compensation you deserve so you can concentrate on healing. Contact us today for a free consultation so our experienced attorneys can take on the insurance companies and get you the financial support you need.
A brain injury happens when the brain suffers damage from a sudden impact, lack of oxygen, or a medical condition. Brain injuries vary in severity and type, but they all affect how the brain functions.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) cover a wide range of injuries, including concussions. TBIs occur when a strong force hits the head or when the brain moves violently within the skull. TBIs can cause short-term symptoms, such as loss of consciousness or blurred vision, and long-term issues like memory problems.
An anoxic brain injury occurs when the brain receives no oxygen, while a similar condition called a hypoxic brain injury happens when the brain gets insufficient oxygen. Both conditions can occur due to events like drowning, heart attacks, or other medical incidents and can lead to permanent brain damage.
Other types of brain injuries include diffuse axonal injuries, which happen when vigorous shaking or rotational forces tear long nerve fibers in the brain called axons. Coup-contrecoup injuries occur when the brain strikes the inside of the skull at the point of impact (coup) and then hits the opposite side of the skull (contrecoup).
Brain injuries can result from accidents, physical trauma, or medical events. Each of the following common causes presents different risks, but all can lead to serious, sometimes lifelong, consequences:
Car Accidents – When a traffic collision occurs, the head can strike the steering wheel, window, or dashboard, or the sudden movement can cause the brain to shift inside the skull.
Slip and Fall Accidents – Slipping or tripping on uneven surfaces, wet floors, or icy sidewalks can cause a person to fall and hit their head, possibly resulting in severe brain trauma.
Assaults – Physical assaults, such as blows to the head during fights or domestic violence situations, can cause brain injuries. These injuries can result from single strikes or repeat trauma.
Workplace Accidents – Falling objects, slips, or equipment accidents can cause workers to suffer head trauma, especially if safety procedures are not followed or protective gear is missing.
Medical Conditions or Events – Certain medical conditions, such as strokes or aneurysms, can lead to brain injuries. These injuries can have lasting effects on cognitive and physical abilities.
Several factors can affect the compensation you receive in a brain injury case. For example, the severity of your injury plays a major role. More severe injuries that cause long-term or permanent damage typically call for higher compensation amounts. If a brain injury requires ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, or assisted living, those healthcare costs will increase the potential settlement or award.
Your ability to work after the injury can also affect your compensation. If your injury prevents you from returning to your job or reduces your long-term ability to earn a living, you could receive compensation for lost wages and lost earning capacity. This type of compensation accounts for how the brain injury limits your career and overall financial stability.
Pain and suffering is another key factor since courts consider the emotional and physical impact the injury has on your life. In some cases, this can significantly increase compensation, especially if your brain injury leads to a demonstrable loss in quality of life.
Brain injuries can have lasting effects, so it is critical to get proper care and professional guidance as soon as possible. Here are some steps you should follow if a brain injury occurs:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Always go to the hospital or a doctor right away if a brain injury happens. Even if your symptoms seem mild, brain injuries can worsen without treatment.
Document Everything – Keep a record of your symptoms, medical visits, and treatments. Also, record how the injury impacts your daily life, such as work, family activities, and overall health.
Report the Incident – If the injury occurred at work, in a public place, or due to another person’s actions, report it to the appropriate authorities or organization immediately.
Consult a Lawyer – Speak with an attorney who handles brain injury cases as soon as possible. A lawyer can explain your rights and help you explore your options for seeking compensation.
Avoid Settling with Insurance Companies Right Away – Do not rush to accept a settlement offer from an insurance company. You could be entitled to far more compensation than they initially offer, especially if the long-term effects of your injury are not immediately apparent.
Getting fair compensation after a brain injury is difficult. Insurance companies often try to minimize the severity of injuries to reduce the amount they have to pay. They might offer low settlements that don’t cover all your medical expenses or income losses. Additionally, brain injuries can lead to significant, ongoing costs, and the insurance company might not consider the full impact of these injuries on your life. Trying to deal with this process while recovering from a catastrophic injury can get overwhelming quickly.
A lawyer can stand up to insurance providers on your behalf and demand the financial recovery you deserve. Your attorney will review your case, gather medical records, and collect evidence to strengthen your claim. They will negotiate with the insurance company to push for a fair settlement that covers all costs related to your injury, including future medical care and lost earnings. If the insurance company refuses to pay a reasonable amount, your lawyer can represent you in court and fight for the compensation you deserve at trial.
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, don’t wait to get the help you need. Atnip & Associates, PLLC, is here to stand by your side and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation so we can review your case and guide you through your options.
Our team would be delighted to see you if you wish to visit us in person. Below are straightforward driving directions to our Sanford office location at 2740 N Meridian Road, Sanford, MI 48657:
From the North
Take US-10 E towards Midland
Take the exit for N Meridian Rd
Turn right onto N Meridian Rd
Destination will be on the right
From the South
Take US-127 N towards Clare
Take the exit for US-10 E towards Midland
Continue onto US-10 E
Take exit 122 for N Meridian Rd
Turn right onto N Meridian Rd
Destination will be on the right
From the East
Take US-10 W towards Sanford
Take the exit for N Meridian Rd
Turn right onto N Meridian Rd
Destination will be on the right
From the West
Take US-10 E towards Sanford
Take the exit for N Meridian Rd
Turn right onto N Meridian Rd
Destination will be on the right
