Pavalon, Gifford, & Laatsch l Brain Injury l Chicago Personal Injury Illinois

Two North La Salle Street
Suite 1600
Chicago, Illinois 60602
(Cook Co.)
Telephone: 312-419-7400
Fax: 312-419-7408
Email

Chicago Personal Injury Attorneys

Catastrophic Injuries · Wrongful Death

No matter what the cause—motor vehicle accidents, railroad accidents, aviation accidents, construction accidents, premises liability, or medical malpractice—traumatic brain injuries have disastrous effects upon the injured persons as well as everyone who cares about them. At Pavalon, Gifford, & Laatsch, we understand that such serious injuries have a significant impact not just on close family members and friends. We have seen how brain damage and other closed head injuries also affect employers and coworkers, neighbors, churches, and other organizations to which our injured clients belong, and all the other important people in their lives. The results of traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be memory loss; loss of eyesight and hearing; paralysis, including quadriplegia and paraplegia; long-term coma; significant personality changes; and even death.

If you know someone who has suffered traumatic brain injuries, contact our office for a free initial consultation to discuss the case. We will give you our thorough analysis of the matter and our professional opinion as to how to proceed.

Brain Injury - An Overview

Depending on the severity and location of the injury, the effects of a brain injury can range from a minor annoyance to serious and life threatening. The study and diagnosis of head injuries is complex. There may be overt signs of the injury such as loss of speech and motor skills, or there may only be more subtle personality changes. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, a lawyer with experience handling brain injury claims can explain your legal options and help you obtain compensation for your injuries.

The Brain and Its Functions

The human body is a complex system made up of multiple organs that all work together. The brain is the control center of the human body. It is exceedingly complex and has multiple vital duties. In fact, while scientists have long studied the brain, there is still much to learn. The brain is vital to the proper functioning of the body, reasoning and emotions. Brain injuries are often devastating to an individual and his or her family. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, you may have legal recourse. An attorney who has experience representing clients in brain injury cases can help you understand your legal options.

Brain Injury Litigation

Brain injury cases can be complex and difficult because of several factors. Defendants and insurance companies may not believe that the plaintiff has actually suffered a brain injury because many diagnostic tests fail to detect the injury. In addition, many individuals who suffer from a brain injury have memory loss and may not be able to remember the specifics of the accident that caused their injury. While these factors may make proving the brain injury more difficult, they do not necessarily preclude recovery for your injuries. If you or a loved one has sustained a brain injury, it is important to discuss your situation with an experienced personal injury attorney.

The Causes and Effects of Brain Injuries

The brain is central to thought, movement, emotion and vital bodily functions. Brain injuries may occur through work-related accidents, car accidents, slip and fall accidents, diseases or even from complications at birth. The potentially devastating effects of brain injuries are as widely varied as the injuries that cause them. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, a lawyer who has experience handling brain injury claims can explain your legal options.

Diagnosing and Treating a Brain Injury

A permanent brain injury may be difficult to recognize or prove. Changes in a person's behavior or personality may be subtle. In any case, the earlier a brain injury is diagnosed, the earlier a person can begin a treatment program. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, a lawyer with experience handling brain injury claims can explain your legal options and how you may be able to obtain compensation from the parties at fault.

Brain Injury Resource Links

Brain Injury Association of America
BIAA provides information, education and support for the millions of Americans currently living with traumatic brain injury and their families.

American Physical Therapy Association
This site provides information regarding physical therapy for persons coping with the physical effects of brain injuries.

Coma Recovery Association
This organization provides advocacy, information, referrals and support for brain injury survivors, family members and friends.

The TBI Help Desk for Caregivers
TBI Help provides information for people caring for persons with traumatic brain injuries.

The American Academy of Neurology
An international association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals who are dedicated to providing care for patients with neurological disorders.

or use the form below.

Frequently Asked Questions about Brain Injury

Q: How do you prove the existence of a brain injury?

A: There are several ways in which medical and psychological professionals diagnose brain injuries. The method will depend on the nature and extent of the injury. Some examples of diagnostic tools are MRIs, CT scans, PET scans and EEGs. In addition, professionals may study a person's behaviors, movements and personality.

Q: What disabilities are associated with a brain injury?

A: There are a wide range of possible effects of a brain injury depending on the location and severity of the injury. For example, a person may have altered muscle coordination, altered sensation, memory problems or even major personality changes.

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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.