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BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD INJURY
Of all injuries, damage to the brain and spinal cord are among the most serious. These vital components of the central nervous system are the seat of so many functions, from thought and personality to movement and mobility.Trauma to the brain or spinal cord can result from any number of accidents, particularly traffic accidents. The human body simply isn’t equipped to deal with the sheer force involved in car crashes, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, bicycle accidents and the like. Even safety measures like seat belts, air bags and helmets may not be enough to shield you from harm. If you’ve suffered a brain injury as a result of an accident, you need a Cherry Hill brain injury attorney to help make sense of your claim.
Hire a Cherry Hill Brain Injury Attorney to Manage Your Claim
If you have suffered a brain injury (traumatic or non-traumatic) in an accident that was caused by a defendant who engaged in negligent, reckless, or intentionally harmful behavior, then you may have an actionable claim for damages under New Jersey law.
At Folkman Law, we have helped many catastrophic injury plaintiffs recover the compensation they need to cover their losses, however significant. Our demonstrated success in litigation, and our consistently aggressive approach ensures that we can position ourselves advantageously at every stage of the dispute, whether in negotiating a settlement or battling opposing counsel at trial.
Common Causes of Brain Injury
Though brain injuries are normally associated with physical trauma, that is not the only way in which they can occur. Common causes of brain injury include:
- Physical trauma (i.e., blunt force impact, penetrative damage, etc.)
- Internal bleeding
- Stroke
- Hypoxia
- Brain tumors
- Degenerative brain disease
- Infection
- Medical malpractice (i.e., surgical error, anesthesia errors, etc.)
- And more
The way in which you litigate your brain injury claim will vary significantly depending on how the losses were caused.
For example, if you suffered from hypoxia due to an anesthesia error during a routine surgery, then you may have an actionable medical malpractice claim that will rely on you being able to prove medical negligence under the circumstances. By contrast, if you suffered a brain injury in a motor vehicle accident involving a drunk driver, your claim will involve broader personal injury principles.
Consequences of a Brain Injury
Variable Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the brain injury, the nature of the injury, your overall medical profile, and many other factors. Common symptoms of brain injury include, but are not necessarily limited, to:
- Impaired movement and balance
- Nausea, dizziness, vomiting
- Persistent headaches
- Sensory issues (i.e., auditory sensitivity, blurred vision, etc.)
- Speech issues
- Seizures
- Memory impairments
- Confusion
- Reduced “mental processing” speed
- And more
Potential Damages for Brain Injury Victims
Those who have suffered severe brain injuries often find that their losses are not limited merely to medical expenses, pain, and wage loss. In fact, many plaintiffs find that they cannot return to work at all and that their personal lives are deeply impacted by the injury. Plaintiffs who suffer mental and physical deficits may find that their marriage is negatively affected as a result and that they can no longer participate in activities they once found enjoyable.
Lastly, in rare cases, involving particularly egregious conduct by the defendant (such as drunk driving), you may be entitled to an award of punitive damages. New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.14) caps the amount of punitive damages at $350,000 or five times the defendant’s liability for compensatory damages, whichever is greater. For example, if the jury returns a verdict of $100,000 and awards punitive damages, the amount of punitive damages can be up to $500,000.
Make Sense Of Your Legal Options with a Cherry Hill Brain Injury Attorney
Dealing with a brain or spinal cord injury — or that of a loved one — can be a tremendous challenge. Your life may take a drastic turn. On the horizon may be a new set of needs: ongoing medical treatments, rehabilitation and day-to-day care, to name a few.
After suffering such a significant injury, you likely have many questions about your legal options. At Folkman Law, you can find answers. Our personal injury attorneys have devoted much of their careers to helping people like you seek justice. We’re passionate about what we do, and we’re driven by a commitment to making a difference.
“Folkman Law was so much more than just my counsel … They were my son’s champion when he couldn’t speak for himself.” — L.S.
Learn more about how the South Jersey personal injury lawyers at Folkman Law can help you. Speak with a member of our team during a free case review. Call 856-354-9444 or submit an online contact form to get started. We have convenient offices in Cherry Hill,New Jersey and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
