The moments following a serious accident are shrouded in panic. Whether you’re the victim or you simply witnessed a crime, you can easily forget how to respond in an emergency. However, the moments following an accident are often pivotal to the outcome of cases that are settled or go to court. This point is especially true in events involving serious damage to the brain.
Symptoms of such harm may not manifest themselves for weeks, and individuals who fail to collect evidence or check in with a doctor may have trouble retroactively remembering these details and pursuing a personal injury claim. If you experience a blow to the head — whether as the victim or as a witness — follow the steps below in order to successfully pursue a traumatic brain injury (TBI) case.
Record Details, Including Witness Contact Info
Following an accident that causes injury, regardless of whether the damage was done deliberately, record as much information as possible about what happened. Take notes if you can. As you begin to document the event, keep the following details in mind:
- What happened: Document the nature of the event, such as a sports collision, a car crash, or a slip and fall.
- List all parties involved: You need the name of the victim and the person who inflicted the damage. Also get contact information from any witnesses who could confirm what happened.
- The victim’s symptoms: Physical symptoms of a TBI include loss of consciousness or a state of confusion or disorientation, headaches, and vomiting. Sensory problems and cognitive signs may also be present. Record details of these symptoms and any changes over the next few weeks. They may prove vital to a successful outcome in a TBI case.
- What care was rendered to the victim: Especially in sports, care is often not immediately given following a blow to the head. If an initial injury is ignored and that injury becomes worse or another injury is sustained that causes excess damage because of the first blow, this injury may constitute negligence on the part of a coach or similar authority.
Ensure That the Victim of a Brain Injury Seeks Medical Attention
One problem with TBI cases is that the symptoms may not manifest themselves at first. You’ll want to speak with a doctor following a blow to the head even if the victim feels fine initially. If the effects of a brain injury aren’t documented until days after the injury, you may have difficulty pursuing a claim. Speak to a doctor as soon as possible to officially record the injury and ensure the victim receives adequate care.
Consult a Legal Team for Advice and Support
The laws surrounding personal injury are complex, and the legal team at David W. Singer & Associates, P.A., knows through experience that most brain injury cases involve a degree of negligence. For this reason, don’t hesitate to ask for legal advice when needed. These injuries can be life-changing, and letting a negligent party go unpunished because a person lacks legal resources or advice should not happen. Contact these legal professionals for a free consultation and for legal help filing a TBI claim.
