Head Injury Compensation Claims with Beacon Law

Head injuries can have profound and life-altering consequences, affecting not only the victim’s health but also their financial stability and overall quality of life. When such injuries occur due to the negligence or fault of another party, pursuing a head injury compensation claim can provide closure and financial relief to the victim. This process allows victims to seek a financial settlement for private medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs, as well as compensation for pain and suffering.

Head injuries can vary in severity, from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), each requiring different levels of medical intervention and rehabilitation. Regardless of the severity, the repercussions can be extensive, often involving prolonged recovery periods, permanent disability, and significant emotional distress. Making a head injury compensation claim can be daunting, but our solicitors are here to help.

If you have suffered a head injury and would like more information on the process of making a head injury compensation claim with one of our expert personal injury solicitors then please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today.

Common accidents that lead to head injuries

Head injuries can occur in various situations, often when least expected. Understanding the common accidents that lead to these injuries can help individuals and their loved ones take preventive measures and recognise when to seek legal recourse. Here are some of the most frequent causes:

Road Traffic Accidents:

• Car Crashes: Sudden impacts during collisions can cause the head to strike the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows, leading to concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
• Motorcycle Accidents: Even with helmets, motorcyclists are at high risk for severe head injuries due to the lack of protective barriers.
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents: Cyclists and pedestrians hit by vehicles often sustain head injuries, particularly if they are thrown to the ground or against a hard surface.

Falls:

• Slip and Fall Incidents: Wet floors, uneven surfaces, or obstacles can cause people to slip, trip, and fall, often leading to head impacts.
• Falls from Heights: Workers in construction, roofing, and similar industries are particularly vulnerable to head injuries from falling off ladders, scaffolding, or roofs.

Sports and Recreational Activities:

• Contact Sports: Football, rugby, hockey, and other high-contact sports are notorious for concussions and other head injuries.
• Extreme Sports: Activities like skateboarding, skiing, and rock climbing carry inherent risks of head trauma due to falls or collisions.

Accidents at Work:

• Falling objects, machinery malfunctions, and slips or trips in work settings can result in serious head injuries.

Assaults and Violent Attacks:

• Physical Assaults: Blunt force trauma to the head from fists, weapons, or other objects during assaults can cause significant injuries.
• Domestic Violence: Victims of domestic abuse often suffer head injuries from repeated physical attacks.

Recreational and Leisure Accidents:

• Swimming Pool Accidents: Diving into shallow water or slipping on wet surfaces around pools can lead to head injuries.
• Amusement Park Incidents: Malfunctions on rides or falls from rides can result in traumatic head impacts.

Medical Negligence:

• Surgical Errors: Mistakes during medical treatment can sometimes cause head injuries or complications leading to brain damage.
• Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: Failing to diagnose conditions like stroke or infections that affect the brain can result in severe head injuries.

Recognising the common causes of head injuries is the first step in prevention and seeking appropriate medical and legal help. By being aware of these risks, individuals can take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones from potentially life-altering head injuries.

Types of head injuries

Head injuries can range from mild to severe, affecting the scalp, skull, or brain tissue. Here are the different types of head injuries:

• Scalp wounds: These are the most common type of head injury and show as cuts or tears in the skin of the scalp. They can bleed freely, but are usually not serious.
• Concussion: A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that alters the way the brain works. Concussions can be caused by a blow to the head, or by a jolt that throws the brain against the skull. Symptoms of a concussion can include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and memory problems. Most concussions get better on their own within a few weeks, but it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
• Skull fracture: A skull fracture is a crack or break in one of the bones of the skull. Skull fractures can range from minor to life-threatening. Symptoms of a skull fracture can include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, and bleeding from the ear or nose.
• Hematoma: A hematoma is a collection of blood outside of a blood vessel. Hematomas can occur inside the skull (intracranial hematoma) or outside the skull (extradural hematoma). Intracranial hematomas can be very serious and can cause life-threatening bleeding and swelling in the brain.
• Contusion: A contusion, also known as a bruise, is a collection of blood vessels that have been damaged by a blow to the head. Contusions can occur on the surface of the brain (cortical contusion) or deep within the brain (white matter contusion). Contusions can cause brain damage and swelling.
• Penetrating Head Injuries: These injuries occur when an object pierces the skull and enters the brain. Common causes include gunshot wounds and stab injuries. Symptoms depend on the location and extent of the injury, but can include severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, and neurological deficits.
• Second Impact Syndrome (SIS): SIS occurs when a person suffers a second concussion before the symptoms of an initial concussion have fully healed, leading to rapid and severe brain swelling. Symptoms can be catastrophic, including loss of consciousness, severe cognitive impairment, and even death.

Understanding the types of head injuries is crucial for diagnosing and treating them effectively. Prompt medical attention is essential to mitigate the potential long-term effects of these injuries.

What is the process of making a head injury compensation claim?

During your initial consultation, our team of personal injury solicitors will provide you with comprehensive advice regarding your head injury claim and inform you about the relevant limitation rules that apply.

Our experienced lawyers will request detailed information about your accident and the specific brain and head injuries you sustained as a result. This information will enable our injury lawyers to assess the likelihood of a successful claim on your behalf.

Examples of the information our lawyers may require include the location, date, and time of the accident, a description of the nature of your brain and head injuries, details of any witnesses to the incident, information about the defendant involved, and a thorough understanding of the circumstances surrounding the accident.

During the initial stages of your head injury compensation claim, it is crucial to gather relevant evidence to support your head or brain injury case. This evidence may consist of CCTV footage of the incident, medical records documenting your injuries, photographic evidence of the harm suffered, and statements from witnesses.

In some cases, your personal injury solicitor may recommend undergoing an official medical examination to obtain detailed medical reports specifically related to your brain injuries. These reports will serve as vital medical evidence, providing a comprehensive understanding of the nature and extent of your injuries. Even if you have received prior medical care, a thorough assessment will help ensure accurate and reliable medical reports for your claim.

If we determine that your head injury claim is likely to succeed, we will offer to proceed with your case on a no win no fee basis. This means that if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be required to pay any legal fees. We will only take a pre-agreed fee if your claim is successful from your compensation award.

Once your claim is filed, the defendant will be notified, and they will have the opportunity to accept or deny liability for your injuries. If liability is accepted, negotiations for a settlement will commence. However, if the defendant denies liability, court proceedings may be necessary to resolve the dispute.

Time limits to making a claim

There are specific time limits, known as limitation periods, for making a head and brain injury compensation claim. These time limits are set out in the Limitation Act 1980. The general time limit for personal injury claims, including head injury claims, is three years from the date of the accident or from the date when the injured person became aware of their injury and its connection to the accident.

However, it is important to note that there are some exceptions and variations to the general limitation period. These exceptions include the following:

• Minors: If the injured person is under 18, the three-year limitation period begins on their 18th birthday. This means they have until they turn 21 to file a claim.
• Lack of Mental Capacity: If the injured person lacks the mental capacity to make a claim, the three-year time limit does not apply until (and if) they regain capacity. During this time, a litigation friend (such as a family member or legal representative) can make a claim on their behalf.
• Date of Knowledge: In some cases, the injury or its impact might not be immediately apparent. The three-year limitation period can start from the “date of knowledge” – when the injured person becomes aware that their injury was caused by someone else’s negligence. However, this can be a complex area, so legal advice is essential.
• Criminal Injuries: If the head injury resulted from a criminal act, the time limit for making a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is typically two years from the date of the incident.

It is advisable to start the claims process as soon as possible. Collecting evidence, obtaining medical reports, and preparing the case can be time-consuming. Early action helps ensure that all necessary information and documentation are available and that you meet the legal deadlines.

Why choose Beacon Law?

Whilst pursuing a claim for a head injury, Beacon Law can be your source of support and will help you recover the maximum amount of compensation that you deserve. Our head injury compensation claim solicitors understand that the process of claiming can be difficult, so we will be there to guide you every step of the way.

Our law firm offers services on a conditional fee agreement, otherwise known as a no win, no fee agreement, meaning that you will not be liable to this firm for our fees if your claim does not succeed. To find out more about our fees, take a look at our page on funding your case.

After suffering a head injury, we believe that you should have access to the best possible medical care and support available, and we endeavour to provide this to our clients. Due to our association with medical professionals, we are able to provide you with private treatment to assist you in your recovery.

We value each client that we have the pleasure of working with, listen carefully to our clients’ wishes, and will aim to complete your personal injury claim in a timely manner so that you can receive the compensation that you deserve as soon as possible. If you have suffered an injury as a result of a someone else’s negligence then please call us today on 0330 1332 857.