Trusted Personal Injury Attorneys
While many believe it may never happen to them, a violent blow or jolt to the head can cause traumatic brain injury and potentially result in death. Commonly caused by falls, car accidents or sports injuries, brain injuries are serious accidents that should not be taken lightly.
According to the CDC, every year up to 1.5 million people in the U.S. suffer from a brain injury. If you or a loved one recently endured a traumatic blow to the head or body, contact Carson & Coil’s personal injury attorneys in Jefferson City, MO today. Whether it was a minor or extensive accident, our experienced attorneys are here to help you understand legal action and receive the compensation you deserve.
Why You Should Hire a Brain Injury Accident Attorney
Common Causes & Symptoms of Brain Injuries
Most brain injuries are minor, but can result in serious implications if left untreated. Don’t overlook a small accident or bump on the head. If you recently endured a fall, vehicle accident, sports injury, violence or other blunt force to the head, you may be at risk for a brain injury. Be sure to visit a doctor and consider whether you could earn compensation for your injuries by contacting our team of personal injury attorneys in Jefferson City, MO.
Mild Symptoms of Brain Injury
If you or a loved one were recently involved in an accident and have found yourself with any of the following symptoms of a brain injury, it is in your best interest to receive medical attention quickly. While a headache or fatigue may seem minor, it can be indicative of issues down the road if not treated properly. Symptoms to look out for include:
- Loss of consciousness for a few seconds or a state of confusion
- Headache or nausea
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual
- Dizziness
- Sensory problems or sensitivity to light and sound
- Problems with speech, memory, or concentration
- Mood changes; feeling depressed or anxious
Moderate to Severe Symptoms of Brain Injury
In addition to any mild symptoms, brain injuries can include the following symptoms. If you or a loved one have any of the following symptoms, it is critical to receive medical attention as soon as possible. A severe brain injury can result in death if not properly cared for. Severe symptoms include:
- Loss of consciousness for several minutes or hours
- Persistent headache that worsens
- Vomiting and nausea
- Convulsions or seizures
- Dilation in one or both pupils
- Clear fluids draining from nose or ears
- Weakness or numbness in fingers and toes
- Loss of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Profound confusion, agitation or unusual behavior
- Coma, an inability to awaken from sleep or other disorders of consciousness
How Are Brain Injury Lawsuits Disputed?
Carson & Coil’s personal injury attorneys are here to help you understand the legality of your brain injury accident in Jefferson City, MO.
Personal injury law can be complicated, especially if you do not understand the legal theory in which your case will be disputed. From terms like negligence and “at fault” to insurance claims, personal injury cases can become overwhelming if you do not have an experienced attorney supporting you.
Brain Injury Accidents as a Result of Negligence
Most personal injury cases involving brain injury lawsuits are based on negligence. Negligence requires the person initiating the lawsuit to prove the party they are suing is legally at fault for the injury obtained. For example, if the brain injury came from a recent car accident the plaintiff, or person bringing about the lawsuit, would need to prove the other party’s driving was at fault for their injury.
If you recently endured a brain injury, contact our team of professionals for a free case consultation. We will not only walk through the incident with you, but our team can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Our Experienced Brain Injury Accident Attorneys Represent Clients Across Central Missouri
Representing clients across Missouri, our personal injury attorneys in Jefferson City, MO are here to support you. Whether you were injured in Columbia, Boonville, Moberly, Mexico or Lake Ozark, MO, contact our team today. With more than 60 years of experience, our brain injury accident lawyers have created a reputation for high-quality service and professional legal representation in mid-Missouri.
Brain Injury Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions
Missouri law does not have a specific definition for brain injury in personal injury statutes. Generally, a brain injury refers to any condition of the brain that affects a person physically, cognitively, or emotionally. This can include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from accidents or non-traumatic injuries from medical conditions.
Proving a brain injury in Missouri typically requires medical evidence, including diagnostic tests like MRIs or CT scans, and expert testimony from medical professionals who specialize in neurology or neuropsychology. Witness testimonies regarding changes in behavior or capabilities post-injury can also support the case.
Under Missouri law, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising out of negligence, including brain injuries, is generally five years from the date of the injury (RSMo § 516.120). Injuries resulting from intentional acts of another are subject to a shorter statute of limitations.
Yes, if you can prove that another party’s negligence directly caused your brain injury, you can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life, and other related damages.
Damages in brain injury cases can include economic damages such as medical expenses and lost earnings, non-economic damages like pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life, and, in some cases, punitive damages if the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious.
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning that if you are found to be partially at fault for the incident causing your injury, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault (RSMo § 537.765). The comparative fault rule does not prevent you from recovering compensation for your injury if you are partially at fault.
Missouri does not impose caps on compensatory damages (economic and non-economic damages) in personal injury cases, including those for brain injuries. However, there are caps on punitive damages, generally no more than $500,000 or five times the net amount of any judgment awarded to the injured party (RSMo § 510.265).
Brain injuries occurring at work are typically handled through Missouri’s Workers’ Compensation system, which provides medical benefits, wage replacement, and disability benefits irrespective of fault. However, if you are injured by a third party while working, you may be able to obtain an additional recovery from that third party.
Yes, if a brain injury results in death, the deceased’s family members may file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for loss of financial support, emotional distress, funeral expenses, and other damages related to the death (RSMo § 537.080).
Seek medical attention immediately, even if symptoms are not apparent right away. Document all medical visits and treatments, and consult with a Missouri personal injury attorney to understand your rights and potential claims.
