Do I need a brain injury lawyer if I suffered a basilar skull fracture in an accident?

Protect Your Rights Following a Traumatic Brain Injury

Navigating the complexities of a basilar skull fracture accident in Virginia is daunting. Basilar skull fractures are often severe injuries with significant costs and long-term consequences. In such challenging situations, the assistance of a skilled Richmond brain injury lawyer becomes crucial. The Mottley Law Firm has a team of dedicated professionals specializing in helping individuals affected by traumatic brain injuries (TBI). With substantial experience handling TBI cases, we’ll advocate for your legal right to recover damages.

Basics of Basilar Skull Fractures

Basilar skull fractures refer to fractures at the base of the skull. Car accidents are one of the most common causes. Victims with especially violent whiplash may get basilar skull fractures. Other injuries from impact or trauma to the back of the head can also cause them. These may include physical assault, sports injuries, and slip and fall accidents.

Although basilar skull fractures make up less than five percent of head injuries, they lead to myriad complications. Hospitals often keep patients for extensive observation and treatment following this type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Notable dangers of basilar skull fractures include elevated risks of nerve damage and meningitis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also indicate that TBIs are also a major cause of death and disability.

Common Symptoms and Possible Complications $Doctor examining x-ray of basilar skull fracture | Virginia Brain Injury Lawyer$

Basilar skull fractures present numerous symptoms which depend on the severity of the injury and damage location. Common symptoms include:

Bleeding and/or bruising around the eyes and ears
Increased fatigue and drowsiness
Chronic or acute headaches
Nausea and vomiting
Convulsions and seizures
Involuntary movement of face and eye muscles
Diminished motor control
Impaired vision and hearing, including blurred vision and ringing in the ears
Increased pupil dilation
Leaking fluid from the ear or nose
Loss of consciousness or comas
Dizziness and lack of coordination
Difficulty sleeping or waking up from sleep
Weakness or numbness in the extremities
Memory loss and other memory problems
Difficulty concentrating on tasks
Mood changes, including depression or anxiety
Slurred speech

Unfortunately, signs of this injury may or may not be apparent right away, and can worsen over time. Basilar skull fractures also have a long-term impact on a person’s day-to-day life. In addition to potentially fatal meningitis, ocular nerve entrapment can permanently affect vision. Cranial nerve damage from basilar skull fractures frequently causes hearing loss, difficulty swallowing, and facial nerve palsy.

Recoverable Damages in a Skull Fracture Case

When filing a personal injury lawsuit in Virginia, it’s important to know what damages you may be able to recover in a settlement. The skilled team at The Mottley Law Firm has helped countless clients seek fair compensation for their injuries due to someone else’s negligence.

Common damages you may be eligible to recover in a TBI case may include:

Cost of current medical treatments
Expected expenses related to future medical care
Occupational therapy, rehabilitation services, and psychiatric therapy
Current lost wages
Loss of future earning capacity
Emotional pain and suffering
Loss of consortium
Punitive damages for severe negligence

By working with your Richmond brain injury lawyer, you can arrive at a reasonable estimate for lifelong expenses and losses. A basilar skull fracture accident can cause permanent disabilities in victims, so it’s not enough to account for current expenses—a fair settlement also includes anticipated future losses.

Get Help From Experienced Richmond Brain Injury Lawyers

If you’ve suffered a basilar skull fracture in an accident, it’s vital to speak with our firm. We’ll be with you every step of the way, helping to protect your legal rights, build a strong case, and deliver the justice you deserve. Having an experienced brain injury lawyer on your side is invaluable in these proceedings.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

The average person, with limited knowledge of TBI legal terms, stands little chance against big insurance companies. The reality is that insurers are in the business of turning a profit. This means minimizing how much they have to pay out for claims—or denying your claim altogether. A savvy lawyer defends your right to proper compensation.

Navigating Complex TBI Accident Cases

Basilar skull fracture accidents can be complicated. It may not be immediately obvious who’s at fault. A knowledgeable legal team guides you through this complex legal process, as we’re familiar with the courts and how these types of cases work. In navigating the process, we’ll collect evidence to support your claim. This may include getting police reports, medical records, and other documentation.

Securing Maximum Compensation

Your traumatic brain injury can come at a heavy cost. The parties who caused the accident should compensate you for these losses. It’s important to have a TBI accident attorney who negotiates skillfully to justify the maximum settlement being asked.

In one case, our firm helped represent a client in a TBI case. She was rear-ended at a stop light by a drunk driver in Newport News, Virginia. After five days of trial, the parties later agreed to an $8 million settlement.